Wildcard and Thousands Secure Funding to Boost Web3 Gaming

The blockchain gaming space continues to heat up, and this time, it’s the team behind Wildcard and Thousands.tv making waves. Backed by a fresh $9 million funding round, these two projects are setting the stage for a creator-driven, on-chain entertainment revolution. With strong leadership, solid financial backing, and a growing community, both platforms are poised to transform how we experience and monetize blockchain games.

Let’s dive into how Wildcard is merging card-based strategy with real-time action, and why Thousands.tv might just be the Web3 alternative to Twitch that creators have been waiting for.

The Vision Behind Wildcard and Thousands.tv

Wildcard and Thousands.tv are sister projects led by seasoned developers Paul and Katy Drake Bettner, known for hits like Words With Friends and Lucky’s Tale. Based in McKinney, Texas, their teams are rethinking the intersection of blockchain, gaming, and live content creation.

Their recent $9 million raise, supported by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, is an expansion of a previous $46 million Series A funding round. The new capital will accelerate development of both the Wildcard PvP action game and the Thousands.tv streaming platform, a blockchain-native solution that rewards creators and viewers alike.

Wildcard: Arena Combat Meets Collectible Card Gaming

At its core, Wildcard is a 2v2 Collectible Card Action Game (CCAG) that combines fast-paced arena battles with tactical card strategy. Each player brings a custom deck of summonable creatures and plays in real-time using skill, timing, and team coordination.

The game is currently undergoing weekly playtests and has passed approval for release on Steam, with an early access launch expected later this year. Over 100,000 community members have already joined the playtesting efforts, helping shape the game and build an engaged player base.

Want to explore more blockchain games? Check out our curated hub of innovative web3 experiences.

Thousands.tv: A Streaming Platform for the Web3 Era

Thousands.tv is more than just a place to stream games. It’s a fully blockchain-integrated streaming layer where viewers and creators actively participate in an on-chain economy.

In May 2025 alone, the platform generated over $800,000 in revenue, far exceeding typical Web2 benchmarks. One standout stream earned $134,000, and the platform boasts a 77% viewer-to-payer conversion rate. That's not just impressive—it’s a paradigm shift.

Every viewer action—from clicking to claiming an NFT—is trackable and monetizable, allowing for precise attribution and real-time rewards. Creators don’t just get paid for views; they get paid when their content converts users into players.

A Model That Works for Everyone

Here’s how the Thousands.tv model is disrupting traditional game promotion and content creation:

• Viewers can connect their wallets, claim digital items, and become part of the action.

• Creators earn instantly based on performance and viewer engagement.

• Studios save money by acquiring users organically instead of relying on costly ads or influencers.

According to Rick Johanson of Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, “Thousands is redefining how games and content reach audiences. It’s like Twitch meets WalletConnect.” And Dave White from Paradigm believes, “Paul, Kate, and team have created one of the most eagerly anticipated games in crypto.”

Building a Web3 Ecosystem Around Games and Creators

With more than 30 full-time developers and 30 contractors, the Wildcard Alliance is moving fast. Their approach is holistic, building not just a game or a streaming service, but an ecosystem that supports players, creators, and fans.

• Genesis Wildpass NFTs were launched on Polygon and later migrated to Ethereum with all gas fees covered.

• A WC token is in the pipeline, set to be 100% community-owned.

• Regular Wildcard Showcase events on Thousands.tv feature updates directly from the dev team.

This creator-first mentality sets a new standard for how blockchain gaming projects should support their communities.

Wildcard’s Game Design: Deep, Competitive, and On-Chain

Developed by Playful Studios, Wildcard blends third-person action with tactical deck-building and co-op gameplay. Each match requires strategic summoning, real-time decision-making, and team synergy.

Its onchain economy includes:

• Tradable Wildpass NFTs

• The upcoming WC token with community governance

• Earning mechanics that reward active, skilled players

This isn’t just another blockchain game. It’s a fully immersive ecosystem where ownership, participation, and strategy intersect.

Why Thousands.tv Is a Game-Changer for Streaming

Streaming has always been a one-way street—until now. Thousands.tv reimagines the experience as interactive, rewarding, and decentralized. Key features include:

• Live avatars and chat-based interactions

• Real-time NFT unlocks and claims

• Blockchain-based attribution tracking

• Revenue sharing and micro-payments via wallet connections

Streams aren’t passive anymore. In fact, past Wildcard events on Thousands have generated an average of $109 per viewer, with 82% retention on Day 3, 62% on Day 7, and 38% still engaged after 30 days.

As content creator Payton Kaleiwahea of WolvesDAO puts it:“You're not just watching the game. You're inside it. With Thousands, being there matters, and that changes everything.”

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Blockchain Games and Streaming

With Wildcard and Thousands.tv, the Bettner-led teams are crafting something truly next-gen. This isn't just about gaming or content creation—it’s about building an interactive, creator-first metaverse economy.

As we continue to track the rise of blockchain games at NFT Playgrounds, Wildcard stands out as a leader in both innovation and execution. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, or a web3 enthusiast, now’s the time to pay attention.

The future of play isn’t just on-chain—it’s live, collaborative, and community-owned. And Wildcard, powered by Thousands, is leading the charge.

Explore the world of blockchain gaming with us at NFT Playgrounds.