In a major stride toward fostering inclusive and non-toxic gaming environments, GameTree, a startup leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), has successfully raised $1.7 million in its seed funding round. The funds are earmarked to propel the platform's mission of uniting gamers worldwide and creating positive gaming communities.

The funding round witnessed robust support from notable venture capital firms, including Corazon Capital, Full Stack Ventures, Goodwater Capital, 32-Bit Ventures, and Expert Dojo. Angel investors also played a pivotal role, with former Activision Blizzard CEO Coddy Johnson, former Match Group CEO Sam Yagan, Tinder’s Phil Schwarz, and the third president of Ukraine, Victor Yushchenko, contributing to the investment pool. Creators guild Overwolf provided additional support through a grant.

AI-Powered Gaming Connections

GameTree stands out by incorporating AI foundations in psychology within its gaming app. The platform utilizes this technology to identify the best-matched players based on shared ideals and values related to inclusion. By forming groups with aligned interests, GameTree aims to enhance the overall in-game experience for players and mitigate toxic behaviors commonly encountered in online gaming.

The statistics highlight the relevance of GameTree's approach, with an estimated 70% of players having experienced toxic behavior in online gaming, and 21% encountering it regularly. GameTree's innovative solution addresses this challenge by providing a space where users can avoid toxic players, promoting a safer and more enjoyable gaming environment.

Founded in 2019, GameTree has rapidly grown, amassing over half a million users in its platform. The app goes beyond merely connecting players for gaming sessions; it enables users to schedule their own gaming sessions, find like-minded individuals through profile intros, and engage in a variety of games, from classics like Counter-Strike 2 to the acclaimed miHoYo title, Genshin Impact, which celebrated its third anniversary this autumn.

Dana Sydorenko, the founder of GameTree, expressed the company's vision, stating, "At GameTree, our vision is to create a gaming community that transcends boundaries, fosters meaningful connections, and puts an end to toxicity." The funding secured in this seed round positions GameTree to further advance its innovative approach in building a more inclusive and positive gaming landscape.

General partner at 32-Bit Ventures, Jason Perkins, emphasized the importance of GameTree's tech in addressing social and connectivity challenges in gaming, praising the company for utilizing well-researched technology to tackle issues of connection and companionship while minimizing toxicity in gaming environments.

As GameTree continues to evolve, supported by this substantial seed funding, it signals a promising step toward reshaping the gaming community into one that emphasizes camaraderie, inclusivity, and a shared love for gaming.

Source: adapted from an article by Aaron Astle, News Editor for PocketGamer.biz.