Whether online, on PC, or on console, approximately three billion people around the world play video games. The gaming market was estimated to have produced between $189 billion and $220 billion in 2022, almost double what the entire film industry makes. But without the statistics in front of you, you wouldn't know it. Gaming platforms haven't risen to industry needs, leaving even gamers disconnected from their own metrics.
Thankfully, statistics start-up POGR (Play of the Game Rating) will fill the industry gap by combining the metaverse's smartest analytics with a world-class networking service. And thanks to a recent round of $2.25 million in seed funding from Venturerock, they're well on their way to explosive entrepreneurial growth.
POGR's goal is to build the ultimate player profile. The platform aggregates all data across casual gaming, social media, and competitive esports to provide a single landing page decked out with customizable graphics and top-of-the-line analytics. It verifies users through their 'identifi' process, which protects gamertags and limits impersonation. Once gamers can connect with friends and compare all game statistics on a single network, they'll never need another dashboard; they'll have found a virtual home.
The company's founders - CEO Connor Ellison, CTO Randolph Aarseth, and CPO Juno Kim - had a vision of a single landing page that combines everything they love about gaming. They've built just that. In addition to custom graphics, statistics, and networking, the POGR Player Profiles application has numerous additional features, such as the ability to duel with friends and enter tournaments around the globe. POGR is also building the foundation of data integration for the future of other adjacent industries including sports tech and blockchain analytics.
POGR has faced many challenges on its journey to success. The first roadblock was investing in Triple-A titles and streamlined market research only to understand that the pathway to gaming data was through indie studios that needed more resources. POGR also chose a very inopportune time to raise its first round of startup funding: the beginning of a recession. But despite these hurdles, the team had the conviction that they were building something great and continued to push through.
The small early team of ten people was also spread across the globe, and learning to communicate digitally was imperative to their success. Over time, the team's communication excelled through services like Discord, and now, they're thick as thieves. It's as CEO Connor Ellison states: "The journey is the destination in disguise. When building a startup, it's important to enjoy the little things. Sure, goals should be set, but things won't always go according to plan. The secret is genuinely embracing what's being done and enjoying who you are doing it with. Then there's no stopping you."
The eventual goal is for POGR to become the statistical foundation of the metaverse. In the short term, the company is raising its series A at the end of 2023. There are even some games launching through the player profile network, including survival thriller Last of Humanity. Downloading the game will give players early access to the player profile system.
Despite facing hardships, POGR has successfully made waves in the gaming industry. With a clear vision and a strong product, the company is positioned to continue making a massive impact.
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