Improbable
Improbable leverages gaming, blockchain, and AI expertise to develop metaverse technologies, designing and operating virtual worlds for various applications. Founded in 2012, the company has a rich history of innovation and collaboration in the virtual space.
Company Overview
Improbable, founded in 2012 by Cambridge Computer Science students, leverages gaming expertise, blockchain, and AI to develop breakthrough metaverse technologies. The company designs, builds, operates, and services metaversal experiences and worlds for brands, along with initiating and developing new businesses powered by their technologies for entertainment, social, and enterprise applications. With over 12 years of virtual world-building experience, Improbable has positioned itself at the forefront of metaverse innovation.
Metaverse Technologies
Improbable is focused on metaverse technology and development since early 2022, utilizing its Morpheus technology to support high-density, high-scale metaverse experiences with tens of thousands of participants. The company also initiated the Metaverse Markup Language (MML) for defining cross-metaverse objects. Improbable has worked with sports franchises, web3 communities, and the creator community in 2023 to further enhance the scope and capabilities of its metaversal offerings.
Key Projects and Collaborations
In 2023, Improbable launched MLB’s Virtual Ballpark and hosted its first regular season game in the metaverse in September. Collaborations include working with Bored Elon Musk for the 'NPC Snatchers' event and the upcoming KosmoPop K-pop metaverse celebration in February 2024. Victory League hosted virtual events including 'Clash of Fans' and the 'Game4Ukraine' watch party in October 2023. Improbable Labs has been experimenting with new game modes like 'Ice Breaker', 'Power Up', and 'Bulldome'.
Acquisitions and Investments
Improbable secured a $20 million investment in 2015 followed by $502 million in funding in 2017, facilitating the company’s growth and expansion. Key acquisitions include Improbable Defence by NOIA Capital in June 2023, Inflexion Studios by Tencent in 2022, and Midwinter Entertainment by Behaviour Interactive in early 2023. The Multiplayer Group was sold to Keyword Studios in December 2023, demonstrating Improbable’s strategic moves in bolstering its industry presence.
The Metaverse Society
In May 2023, Improbable launched The Metaverse Society, a think tank aimed at exploring the social and economic implications of the metaverse. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to not only advancing metaverse technologies but also understanding and addressing their broader impact on society. The think tank engages in research, discussions, and publications that contribute to the evolving discourse on the metaverse.