Project-V will combine the feel of running MMO dungeons with the teamplay skill-mastery of MOBAs and Vela’s unique approach to frictionless co-op envisioned as a new genre they’re lovingly calling MOCO (Multiplayer Online Co-Op).

Vela Games was founded with the goal of reimagining how players play together in competitive, skill-based games to create high octane experiences while also fostering a more positive social experience. It is a goal that has shaped Project-V and will continue to inform every step of its development.

Project-V draws on the expertise of a team with nearly 30 years collective experience working at Riot Games on League of Legends. This includes the vast experience of co-founder and CEO Travis George, who worked at Riot for nine years, first as an early designer/producer on League of Legends before launch, then as Product Lead for Seasons 2-5.

Vela Games announced a $17.3m Series A investment in the studio, from lead investor Novator with additional investment from Ubisoft and LVP, to fuel development of its breakthrough ‘MOCO’ title.

The new round of investment allows Vela Games to accelerate the development of Project-V, its codenamed debut title. Founded in 2018 by Travis George, Brian Kaiser, and Lisa Newon George, Vela Games previously raised $6.9 million in funding rounds, to establish a team of over 25 talented developers and prove out their design.

After successfully launching their first public playtesting period earlier this year for Project-V, the studio continues to work on the title, the first in its new, ground-breaking Multiplayer Online Co-Operative gameplay genre (MOCO for short). The game has entered its pre-alpha stage of development as momentum continues to build for the project.

This new investment will allow the team to grow further, having added industry veterans from Blizzard, Epic, Riot Games, and Moon Studios to its roster of talent in recent months. The studio will be immediately opening a new set of positions across disciplines, creating opportunities for those interested in playing a key role in bringing Project-Vto life.

Project-V will enter its Secondary Test Phase later this year, and interested players are able to sign up to its playtest community on Vela.games, for a chance to experience MOCO for themselves and join the game’s growing community.

Following this latest round of investment, Birgir Már Ragnarsson from Novator will join the board at Vela Games, bringing with him extensive experience from across digital consumer, gaming and green energy sectors.

On the Series A, Vela Games co-founder Travis George added: “Our sights are set high with the goal of introducing MOCO to the world and taking co-operative games to the next level. The response from playtesters so far has been incredibly positive and has only strengthened our commitment to expand on our unique gameplay formula, where skillful teamplay and adapting to the unexpected are truly rewarded.”

“We’re pleased that our investment partners share our passion and excitement for what we’re creating with Project-V. We have ambitious plans for the game and what it will become, and in the coming months we look forward to growing the Vela team and our player community.”