- Neon Machine has appointed Ken Rosman, former Microsoft Xbox veteran, as CEO ahead of Shrapnel’s 2025 launch.
- Former CEO Mark Long moves to advisory role as the company prepares for free-to-play release.
- New funding round led by Blizzard Avalanche Ecosystem Fund with Griffin Gaming Partners and Polychain Capital participating.
- Dave Johnson to lead Shrapnel project while Don Norbury oversees Moonshot Web3 development tools.
- Company faces ongoing legal dispute with majority shareholder Cort Javarone of 4D Factory.
Neon Machine, developer of Avalanche-based shooter Shrapnel, has appointed former Microsoft Xbox veteran Ken Rosman as CEO, replacing co-founder Mark Long who will serve as advisor. The leadership change comes as the company prepares for its free-to-play launch in 2025 and secures new funding from blockchain investors.
Strategic Leadership Restructuring
Rosman brings 20 years of gaming industry experience, including work on titles like Halo Wars and Sunset Overdrive at Microsoft’s Xbox division. The restructuring also positions Dave Johnson as Shrapnel project lead, while CTO Don Norbury will manage the company’s Moonshot Web3 game development toolkit.
A Neon Machine spokesperson emphasized the need for “extreme focus on execution” during the launch phase, citing Rosman’s expertise in:
- Global live operations management
- Retention mechanics implementation
- Feature evolution
- Partnership development
Blockchain Integration and Financial Backing
The first-person shooter, available in early access on Epic Games Store since February, operates on a dedicated Avalanche L1 chain. The game incorporates blockchain elements through:
- SHRAP token integration
- NFT-based in-game assets
- Player-designed item ownership
The company is securing additional funding in a round led by the Blizzard Avalanche Ecosystem Fund, with participation from Griffin Gaming Partners and Polychain Capital. This follows a $20 million raise led by Polychain in October 2023.
The leadership changes occur amid legal proceedings with majority shareholder Cort Javarone, CEO of 4D Factory. The dispute, which began in November 2023, involves allegations of attempted corporate control, though Neon Machine maintains the situation isn’t affecting development efforts. The company expects to provide updates on both the legal matter and funding details in Q1 2025.
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