Titan AI, a cutting-edge mobile games studio, has recently secured over $500,000 in pre-seed funding led by Berkeley SkyDeck, proving that generative AI is emerging as a game-changer in the industry. The startup aims to streamline the costly and time-consuming process of creating 2D and 3D content for games. With mobile game development costs often exceeding $250,000, Titan AI’s innovative approach brings a new level of efficiency and affordability to the table.
Key Takeaway
Titan AI is revolutionizing mobile game development through the use of generative AI, attracting substantial investment and attention in the industry. By leveraging innovative technologies and focusing on inclusivity, the studio aims to create a more diverse gaming landscape. With their first game, Aztec Spirit Run, Titan AI challenges traditional narratives and champions underrepresented heroes. The future looks bright for Titan AI as they explore the potential of generative AI in gaming and continue to make gaming accessible to all.
Breaking Ground with Generative AI
What sets Titan AI apart is its utilization of state-of-the-art image generators, Stable Diffusion and DALL-E, to create stunning 2D graphics. The company then combines these elements with their proprietary technology for 3D models. Additionally, Titan AI is training AI algorithms to generate various level segments, ranging from easy to hard, which has traditionally required an extensive amount of labor.
Co-founded by Fabien-Pierre Nicolas, former Vice President of U.S. marketing at SmartNews, and Victor Ceitelis, the co-founder of Scenario, a generative AI startup, Titan AI is driven by a mission to create more inclusive gaming experiences. Nicolas shares, “We both saw an opportunity to help many people feel better represented in games, a central element of today’s entertainment culture, and making games for people we love – our families.”
Breaking the Mold with Aztec Spirit Run
One of Titan AI’s notable creations is their first game, Aztec Spirit Run, which aims to challenge the historical narrative commonly seen in games. In this game, players take on the role of a main character racing against Conquistadores to protect the temple’s treasure. By featuring diverse heroes from underrepresented backgrounds, Titan AI aims to reverse the trend and provide a more inclusive gaming landscape.
As part of their research, Titan AI identified endless runner games as a popular genre, which made it an ideal template to showcase their generative AI capabilities. The studio has leveraged their technology to create hundreds of in-game character customization elements, such as outfits and tattoos. Furthermore, the company plans to enhance gameplay by enabling characters to run faster and collect additional items.
Expanding Horizons with Generative AI
While endless runner games have already established a strong foothold in the industry, the possibilities of generative AI in gaming are vast. Players may soon have the ability to design their own in-game avatars from scratch, thanks to this revolutionary technology. Titan AI is also experimenting with other game templates, exploring the potential for AI-powered level building.
Furthermore, Titan AI is committed to making its games accessible to underserved audiences. The studio has made all its games free to play and monetizes through in-app ads and paid features. Their dedication to inclusivity and positive impact has garnered significant attention from angel investors, including industry leaders from Meta, BlackoutLab, Belka Games, and Duolingo.
