Survios Steps Outside of Virtual Reality to Build Games That Cross Worlds

Sam Blake

Sam primarily covers entertainment and media for dot.LA. Previously he was Marjorie Deane Fellow at The Economist, where he wrote for the business and finance sections of the print edition. He has also worked at the XPRIZE Foundation, U.S. Government Accountability Office, KCRW, and MLB Advanced Media (now Disney Streaming Services). He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, an MPP from UCLA Luskin and a BA in History from University of Michigan. Email him at samblake@dot.LA and find him on Twitter @hisamblake

Survios Steps Outside of Virtual Reality to Build Games That Cross Worlds

Takeaways:

  • VR game-maker Survios is expanding beyond virtual reality games as it embraces the idea of a "cross-play" world, where users can play against one another regardless of platform.
  • The company sees this as part of a broader emerging trend that it calls "cross-reality."
  • Survios' move is part of a bigger shift in the VR industry, which is recalibrating expectations and extending the timeline for immersive technology's growth.

Culver City-based virtual reality and gaming startup Survios is broadening beyond VR.

The company — creator of such games as "Creed: Rise to Glory," "The Walking Dead Onslaught" and "Westworld: Awakening" – recently announced its first non-VR game: "Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions." It hopes to leverage its relationship with MGM Studios, a lead investor of its 2016 Series C fundraise and owner of the "Creed" series IP.

Following its recent $16.7 million Series D funding round, Survios is one of a number of companies taking a fresh look at how users will use virtual reality in the future, and its role in the growth of gaming and the "metaverse."


Survios has also made several recent executive hires from non-VR backgrounds. New chief product officer TQ Jefferson was formerly VP of Disney's Games & Interactive Experiences group while Michael Medrano, Survios' new VP of marketing, was previously marketing director at PUBG and brand manager at Blizzard.

"We've been brought on board to help shepherd Survios through this next evolution from scrappy startup to something more formalized," Jefferson told dot.LA. The company has now raised $70.9 million. Its most recent investors included several companies from South Korea, including Irongrey, Woori Technology Investment Co. and Samsung NEXT. Earlier funders included Bay Area-based funds DHVC, Felicis Ventures, World Innovation Lab and Lux Capital.

Survios is betting on the growth of "cross-play," wherein gamers using different gaming systems can play together. The company has a broader vision, though, which it calls "cross-reality" — a seamless connectivity between not just different gaming platforms like Playstation and XBox but also between traditional '"flatscreen" media and immersive tech like AR and VR.

"Six years ago, cross-play was verboten," Seth Gerson, chief executive of Survios, told dot.LA. Fortnite, Epic Games' flagship game and virtual world, he said "broke that dam."

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney's broadside against Apple's app store policies is part of his ongoing crusade to make the gaming world more open and connected. Doing so, Sweeney believes, will more fairly compensate game developers and help the overall industry ecosystem grow bigger and stronger–and bring about a flourishing metaverse. In line with Sweeney's vision, Gerson noted that "people are playing more and paying more."

Media analyst Matthew Ball has described the metaverse as a "quasi-successor internet where everyone and every company can exist, work, socialize, trade and create."

"The 'real world' will become fundamentally integrated into the digital one, and countless new digital services and products will be created," said Ball.

Survios expects people to eventually experience the metaverse primarily through VR. In the meantime, though, in line with its cross-reality vision, it is pursuing a strategy that includes but is not limited to VR, which it hopes will position the company to play an ongoing role as the metaverse develops.

A screenshot from Survios' first non-virtual reality game: "Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions."

Virtual Reality: Fad or Future?

The company says it remains bullish on its VR roots. With technological enhancements in VR hardware and an ongoing decline in price – the Oculus Quest 2, due out on October 13, carries a price tag of $299 – about 8 million head-mounted displays are now in the market, Gerson said.

Recounting his former days at Sega, when the Japanese corporation was pushing its Sega Saturn gaming console, Gerson said that "if we had had 8 million units, everybody would've been doing cartwheels down the hall."

Adding in the coronavirus pandemic's boost for VR demand, Jefferson suggested "this is perhaps an inflection point where it breaks open to a larger audience."

Many observers will roll their eyes at that, having heard such proclamations before that failed to deliver.

"Certainly, the promise of VR was expected to arrive earlier than it has," media analyst Peter Csathy told dot.LA.

Ball underscored VR's continual overexuberance by noting that ABI Research, a market research firm, forecasted in 2017 that annual VR revenue in 2021 would be $65B. In 2020, however, the company significantly lowered its outlook, forecasting $25 billion in VR revenue in 2024.

"Imagine how many VR-related start-up decks had that totally baseless, inane 2017 estimate," Ball wrote.

Others are less kind. Media analyst Dan Rayburn flatly calls VR "a fad."

Stepping Back to Build a Broader Universe

Looking back, Survios' Gerson said the VR investment market made two key mistakes.

One is a misunderstanding of how much it costs to make a high-quality VR game. Gerson said VR development is far more complex than, say, mobile games; it can take over 100 developers to make a premium VR experience. "If you don't give the team the funding and the time, they can't build that experience," he said.

Gerson said VR boosters were also mistaken in expecting VR's adoption curve to resemble the exponential growth of smartphones. Instead, he said, VR adoption has been and will likely continue to be more linear, "like color TV."

Tuong Nguyen, media analyst at research firm Gartner, wrote in May that immersive technology (VR and AR) "is still three to eight years from the early majority adoption. In other words, it's in the adolescent stage."

Still, "calling VR 'a fad' is like being negative on the internet," he told dot.LA.

Nguyen wrote that past VR efforts have lacked a viable strategy for reaching consumers. In contrast, businesses have more quickly adopted VR for some applications, like training. But the consumer market remains the larger prize.

In this sense, Survios' effort to meet the consumer where they're at by expanding beyond VR could be a prudent move.

Gerson still believes that VR is the future. He called it the "ultimate iteration" of the metaverse – the parallel digital universe first conceived by science fiction writer Neal Stephenson that is part and parcel of Sweeney's no-barriers vision of the gaming world.

Representatives at market research firm Parks Associates agree with that view.

"2020 has been a good year for virtual reality adoption in the United States," research analyst Kristen Hanich told dot.LA. "With VR headset adoption reaching a critical mass among gamers, and increasing releases of built-for-VR games to the market, the VR market is poised to finally break out."

That vision is firmly in mind at Survios.

The company wouldn't provide specifics on its product roadmap, but Jefferson did say Survios' plans "allow us to edge closer to enabling cross-reality immersion."

"We've built a whole suite of tools...and our goal is to build worlds and allow our customers to participate in those worlds using any platform they want," Gerson said.

For now, Survios will simultaneously focus on adapting to the slower adoption of VR while preparing for a future where it is more widespread.

---

Sam Blake primarily covers entertainment and media for dot.LA. Find him on Twitter @hisamblake and email him at samblake@dot.LA

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⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

Get Real-Time Alerts

Image Source: MyRadar

FEMA App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
  • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
  • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
  • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
  • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
  • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
  • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
  • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
  • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
  • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
  • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Image Source: Life360

While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

Nextdoor
  • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
  • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
WhatsApp
  • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
  • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
  • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
  • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse – Share Your Location
  • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
  • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
  • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
  • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Mobile

Image Source: PlugShare

For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

GasBuddy
  • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
  • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
  • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
  • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Traditional Preparedness Tips

In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

  • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
  • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

  • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
  • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

Download the dot.LA App

Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

🔦 Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

$822,000 (1/8th ownership)

5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

$755,000 (1/8th ownership)

4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

View Here

Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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🎧The Essential Podcast Playlist for Entrepreneurs, Founders, Tech Pros, and VCs

Podcasts offer a front-row seat into the minds of the most successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and industry thought leaders. Whether you're scaling your startup, raising capital, or simply staying ahead of the game, these shows deliver invaluable insights, actionable lessons, and fresh inspiration. And let’s be honest, if you’re stuck in LA traffic (again), what better way to kill time than by learning from the best? Here’s a roundup of our top podcasts for entrepreneurs, founders, tech professionals, and VCs, complete with why they’re a must-listen.

Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The a16z Podcast

  • What it discusses: Covering a broad spectrum of topics like AI, blockchain, healthcare, and fintech, the podcast features interviews with founders, VCs, and tech leaders shaping the future.
  • Why you should listen: Get access to cutting-edge insights from one of the world’s most influential VC firms, keeping you ahead of emerging trends.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: This podcast brings cutting-edge insights from one of the top VC firms. Entrepreneurs will learn about emerging technologies, while VCs can stay ahead of investment trends shaping the future of tech.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Acquired Podcast

  • What it discusses: Acquired breaks down the stories behind major tech acquisitions, IPOs, and exits, dissecting the strategies and market dynamics involved.
  • Why you should listen: Gain deep insights into how tech giants build and sell, making it essential for anyone aiming to understand successful exits.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Perfect for founders looking to scale or position themselves for acquisition. VCs will benefit from the deep dives into the playbooks of successful exits, offering valuable lessons on company growth and market positioning.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The All-In Podcast

  • What it discusses: From venture capital and tech trends to politics and economics, this podcast delivers unfiltered, candid commentary from high-profile industry insiders.
  • Why you should listen: It’s a no-holds-barred discussion on major issues affecting the tech industry, providing you with insider insights into the conversations that shape Silicon Valley.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The candid, unfiltered conversations give listeners a peek into the decision-making processes of some of the biggest names in tech and VC. Entrepreneurs can gain valuable market insights, while investors will appreciate the high-level strategy discussions.

Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

BG2 Podcast

  • What it discusses: BG2 takes you through macroeconomic trends, the tech market, venture capital insights, and cutting-edge technologies like AI. It’s a high-level conversation on tech investing.
  • Why you should listen: Brad and Bill’s deep experience in tech investing, combined with their straightforward, no-nonsense style, makes this a must-listen for tech insiders.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Get insider-level insights into the macro trends driving tech investments. Founders will learn how to navigate these trends, while VCs can better understand the shifting forces in the venture world.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Crucible Moments Podcast

  • What it discusses: The podcast dives into the pivotal, career-defining moments of top leaders and entrepreneurs. Guests share personal stories of resilience, growth, and how they overcame adversity.
  • Why you should listen: It’s packed with inspirational stories of grit and perseverance, offering lessons that apply to both life and business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on personal and professional resilience makes it especially valuable for entrepreneurs who need inspiration during tough times, and VCs who want to understand how founders overcome adversity.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

Grit Podcast

  • What it discusses: In-depth interviews with founders, executives, and leaders who share stories of navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding success in tough times.
  • Why you should listen: If you want raw, real stories of leadership and determination, this podcast offers invaluable insights into what it takes to lead in business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on perseverance and leadership makes it a must-listen for founders facing challenges in their business. VCs will gain insights into the traits that make strong, resilient founders.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The Twenty Minute VC

  • What it discusses: Featuring short, insightful interviews with top VCs and founders, this podcast covers topics ranging from securing funding to scaling startups.
  • Why you should listen: Perfect for busy professionals who want quick, actionable advice on navigating the venture capital world.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: For busy entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers quick, actionable advice on funding and scaling. VCs can stay connected to the latest trends through bite-sized interviews with industry leaders.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts


These podcasts are packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow, innovate, or level up. Whether you're building something new, looking for investment know-how, or just eager to learn from those who've been there, each show has something valuable to keep you moving forward on your journey.

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