UK-based gaming studio Bossa Studios has raised between $10m and $30m in a series B round led by internet company NetEase, CNBC reported on Monday, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
The funding was secured in the past summer and the other participants in the round have not been disclosed. Venture capital fund LVP invested $1.35m in Bossa in 2016 before returning for a $10m series A round led by technology investment firm Atomico in September 2017.
Bossa develops physics-focused mobile and console games and is known for the quirky character of its output, which includes the first-person, video-based Surgeon Simulator and I Am Bread, where players have to guide a piece of bread through a kitchen and into a toaster.
The company has also pioneered different methods of game development, from in-house game jams to sourcing direct creative feedback from customers. In addition to its financial contribution, NetEase intends to help Bossa move into its home country of China.
NetEase’s past investments include deals for augmented reality game producer Niantic, Canada-based game studio Behaviour Interactive and Second Dinner, a game development startup that has forged a partnership with comics producer Marvel.
