Knock Knock raises $4m to develop instant games

Mobile developer Knock Knock has announced it has raised $4m (£3.3m) in a Series A funding round, bringing the total funding of the San Francisco-based studio to $6m since June 2018 (thanks GI). 

Investors include March Capital Partners (with managing director Gregory Milken has also joining the studio’s board), Raine Ventures, London Venture Partners and Ludlow Ventures.

Knock Knock, formed by former Zynga, Jam City, Glu Mobile and Gameloft, focuses on “frictionless games” – understand games for chat apps, having already released two titles the Facebook Instant Games Platform. The announcement read: “Funding will be used to grow Knock Knock’s instant games portfolio, expand title availability to multiple new platforms including WeChat in China, and hire for development and UA roles in San Francisco and Toronto.”

Milken commented: “”Knock Knock is bringing innovation to the instant gaming market, creating experiences that integrate with social platforms where players spend the most time.

“Messaging apps have the highest engagement on smartphones, and it’s exciting to be involved with an early mover in the frictionless gaming market as it expands to western markets, following the success seen in Asian markets. Knock Knock’s breadth of experience in the gaming industry has allowed them to create compelling games with depth that are currently lacking in the market.”

Andrew Friday, co-founder of Knock Knock, added: “We founded Knock Knock around the core belief there was an underserved market for truly accessible games that allow people to connect instantly. As players continue to spend more and more time on chat platforms and social networks, we want to bring them new and exciting social gaming experiences.

“With the introduction of 5G and continued improvement of frictionless technologies, App Stores will be an inferior customer and business experience. I believe the future of gaming will feel more like a social network where you can easily engage with friends to play, chat, and share with the lowest barrier to entry.”