Mudstack, a company that provides cloud storage systems for asset management specifically designed for game studios and artists, is making significant moves in the industry. The Seattle-based company recently announced a $4 million round of funding led by Anthos Capital, with participation from Khosla Ventures, a16z Games, Seattle’s Pioneer Square Labs, and Hyperplane. In addition to this funding, Mudstack has brought on James Gwertzman, a veteran gaming executive, as its new CEO. Gwertzman, who founded gaming infrastructure startup PlayFab and was a general partner at a16z, will be taking over from the company’s founder, Jordan Stevens. Stevens will remain with the company as head of product.
Gwertzman expressed his excitement about joining Mudstack, stating his desire to create an ‘operating system for game studios’ as the company’s new leader. He emphasized the lack of basic tools for managing content and production pipelines in the gaming industry, despite its maturity. The company’s focus on providing efficient and effective content management software for game studios has already attracted customers such as Metacore and Paradox Studios.
Having started his career at Microsoft before delving into the gaming industry over two decades ago, Gwertzman brings a wealth of experience to Mudstack. He previously co-founded Sprout Games, which was later acquired by PopCap Games in 2005, and led PlayFab, which spun out from Uber Entertainment. Gwertzman’s expertise in the gaming industry makes him an ideal leader for Mudstack as the company continues to grow and expand its services.
In terms of company structure, Mudstack considers itself a remote company with no office. Gwertzman plans to expand the team by hiring in the Seattle region and other locations. While the company is not currently profitable and declined to share revenue metrics, the recent round of funding and Gwertzman’s leadership position the company for future success in the competitive gaming software market.
Overall, Mudstack’s recent developments showcase its commitment to providing cutting-edge content management software for game studios. With a new CEO at the helm and a strong backing from top venture capitalists, the company is poised to make significant strides in the industry. Gwertzman’s vision of creating an ‘operating system for game studios’ aligns with the company’s mission of addressing the need for better tools in managing content and production pipelines. As Mudstack continues to attract customers and expand its team, it is well-positioned for success in the fast-paced gaming industry.
