WeMade Invests $7.2M in Studio Rasa to Enter Console Gaming

The South Korean gaming powerhouse WeMade is making bold moves again—this time by stepping outside its established territory of PC and blockchain-powered titles. With a $7.2 million investment in Studio Rasa, a new console-focused studio, WeMade has secured a 25% equity stake and global publishing rights for the developer’s first major project, Project IL, set for release in 2028.

This deal marks a fascinating shift in strategy, blending WeMade’s legacy in online RPGs and blockchain games with a stronger push into the premium console market.

A Strategic Push into Console Gaming

Studio Rasa is no ordinary startup. Founded in June by award-winning developers—CEO Chang Kyu Noh, Project Director Tae-yeon Kim, and Art Director Hyeon Kim—the team already boasts credibility, having won the Grand Award at the 2023 Korea Game Awards.

With WeMade’s funding, Studio Rasa can expand its development team, build prototypes, and design the rich art assets needed for AAA console production. The studio’s debut project, Project IL, is slated for 2028, giving the team plenty of room to polish and deliver a true high-quality console experience.

WeMade CEO Kwan-ho Park emphasized the global scope of this partnership, stating that WeMade will “provide full support to help Studio Rasa raise the profile of Korean games in the North American and European markets.”

What Do We Know About Project IL?

At this stage, details on Project IL are still under wraps. What we do know is that it’s a console-first title and WeMade holds publishing rights for global distribution.

The long development cycle is typical of AAA console games, which often take years to bring to life. With WeMade’s backing, Studio Rasa won’t be forced to rush, meaning higher chances of delivering a polished experience that could stand tall alongside major Western and Japanese releases.

WeMade’s Broader Investment Strategy

WeMade’s move into console gaming is not an isolated case. Over the past few years, the company has strategically invested in several South Korean developers such as Shift Up, Lionheart Studio, and MadNgine. Each partnership broadens its reach across platforms and genres while adding valuable IP to its growing ecosystem.

By aligning with Studio Rasa, WeMade is now doubling down on the console market, particularly in the West, where premium titles dominate sales charts. This approach diversifies its portfolio while ensuring long-term stability beyond the ever-changing blockchain gaming landscape.

The Company Behind the Deal: Who Is WeMade?

Founded in 2000, WeMade first rose to prominence with its MMORPG franchise Legend of Mir, which became a cultural phenomenon across East Asia. Since then, the company has evolved into a major force in online and mobile gaming.

In recent years, WeMade has also become one of the few publishers to bridge AAA development with blockchain technology. Its popular titles like MIR4, MIR M, and Night Crows introduced token-based economies and NFT-driven ecosystems, all integrated into WEMIX PLAY, its flagship web3 gaming platform.

WEMIX: WeMade’s Blockchain Backbone

The WEMIX ecosystem is central to WeMade’s blockchain ambitions. Built on its own Layer-1 chain, WEMIX 3.0, the platform enables tokenization, NFTs, staking, DAOs, and even cross-game asset usage.

Key features of WEMIX include:

• Wallet and DEX for token storage and trading

• NFT marketplace for in-game assets

• DAO governance tools

• Staking mechanics to reward long-term players

WeMade markets WEMIX as a battle-tested blockchain solution backed by real games with millions of active users.

New Web3 Titles on WEMIX PLAY

Even while expanding into console publishing, WeMade hasn’t slowed its web3 momentum. Several new games have recently joined the WEMIX PLAY lineup:

• Legend of YMIR – A Norse mythology-inspired MMORPG built in Unreal Engine 5. It uses the gWEMIX token and features clan wars, large-scale battles, and a play-to-earn economy. Global pre-registration recently opened, with special campaigns offering staking events and exclusive rewards.

• ROM: Golden Age – A dual-token MMORPG that launched earlier this summer and quickly hit 4 million sign-ups. With daily rewards, milestone bonuses, and cross-platform token utility, it highlights WeMade’s effort to make web3 gaming more accessible.

These launches show that WeMade is still firmly committed to its blockchain vision, even as it explores opportunities in the traditional console world.

What This Means for the Gaming Industry

WeMade’s investment in Studio Rasa reflects a hybrid strategy: supporting traditional AAA game development while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of blockchain-powered ecosystems.

For players, this means WeMade is delivering value on both ends of the spectrum:

• Console fans can look forward to Project IL, a premium experience targeting global markets.

• Web3 gamers gain access to a growing ecosystem of blockchain-enabled MMORPGs, NFTs, and play-to-earn systems.

This dual approach not only strengthens WeMade’s brand but also positions it as one of the few gaming giants willing to balance web2 and web3 innovation.

Final Thoughts

WeMade’s $7.2 million bet on Studio Rasa may seem like a departure from its web3-first identity, but in reality, it’s a calculated step to secure long-term dominance across multiple gaming sectors. With Project IL in the pipeline and new blockchain games rolling out on WEMIX PLAY, WeMade is shaping the future of both console and blockchain gaming.

For players and investors alike, the message is clear: WeMade isn’t choosing between web2 and web3—it’s investing in both to create a truly global gaming legacy.