TODAY, an AI-based social simulation game, has raised $5 million in a seed funding round. This notable investment round was co-led by Sfermion and Big Brain, with substantial contributions from a roster of investors including GSR, Collab+Currency, Lingfeng Innovation Fund, Compute Ventures, Builder Capital, and an array of both individual and institutional backers such as Tommy Tran, Metavest Capital, 32 Bit Ventures, Dingaling, Grail, and Spirit DAO.
‘Realistic NPCs’ is the USP of TODAY
TODAY sets itself apart in the gaming industry by offering a next-generation social simulation experience where players are responsible for cultivating vibrant communities on their virtual islands.
The game’s standout feature is its AI-driven Residents, NPCs with complex needs and personalities that players must engage with. This advanced AI technology ensures that each interaction within the game mirrors the unpredictability and depth of real-world conversations, enriching the player’s experience by making each game unique.
According to Michael O’Connor, Co-founder of TODAY, the game aims to redefine player expectations through its realistic NPC interactions.
O’Connor emphasizes the game’s ambition to mirror real-life dynamics through sophisticated AI, thus creating a social simulation game with unmatched depth and immersion.
TODAY Prioritizes Storytelling
TODAY’s commitment to narrative depth and character development is further underscored by its development team’s impressive credentials.
The team boasts an Oscar-winning creative director, Benjamin Cleary, and industry veterans from renowned entities like Nintendo, SEGA, Epic Games, and Unity. Cleary highlights the game’s story-first approach, which aims to foster authentic emotional connections and deliver a personalized narrative experience to each player.
TODAY Leverages Advanced AI, User-generated content, and Cryptocurrency
The infusion of capital is earmarked for the development of TODAY’s proprietary character engine, which utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to generate intelligent non-playable characters (NPCs).
Furthermore, part of the funds will be allocated towards enhancing its no-code creator tools, enabling players to easily design and build within TODAY’s immersive universe. These tools, powered by generative AI, offer players unparalleled creative freedom to construct and customize their virtual islands.
Industry experts are optimistic about TODAY’s potential to redefine gaming. Sam Kim, General Partner at Big Brain, praises the game for its innovative use of AI and LLMs (Large Language Models), which are expected to offer a new level of dynamic responsiveness and realism in virtual worlds.
Similarly, Dan Patterson, General Partner at Sfermion, highlights the unique integration of AI, user-generated content (UGC), and cryptocurrency in creating immersive, community-driven virtual experiences.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, TODAY’s innovative use of technology and storytelling is poised to make a significant impact.
TODAY will announce periodic play tests via Discord and plans to launch its alpha early 2025.
