Ohnogi’s extensive experience in the VR gaming industry, dating back to 2015, has given him a deep understanding of the market. He believes that having a U.S. perspective is crucial for comprehending the mindset of players and effectively marketing VR games. While acknowledging the challenges of marketing VR games, Ohnogi revealed that Thirdverse has been exploring partnerships with well-known intellectual properties to enhance its offerings. For instance, the company recently released the game “Soul Covenant,” based on the popular non-VR title “Soul Sacrifice.”
One advantage that Thirdverse enjoys in the VR gaming market is the relatively smaller number of competitors compared to the highly saturated mobile games industry. Ohnogi likened the VR games market to a “blue ocean,” offering more opportunities for growth and innovation. This aligns with Thirdverse’s mission of “creating a new virtual world for one billion people,” as stated by Ohnogi.
Hironao Kunimitsu, the outgoing CEO, has been a prominent figure in the Japanese gaming industry. He played a pivotal role in establishing Gumi, a leading mobile games company in Japan, and helped it grow to hundreds of employees. However, Kunimitsu’s passion for the metaverse and his belief in the transformative power of technologies like VR and blockchain drove him to co-found Thirdverse in 2020. He also initiated the Virtual Realty Fund, Gumi Cryptos Capital, and other VR incubators. Kunimitsu’s vision of turning virtual worlds into reality aligns with the company’s goal of creating immersive and interconnected experiences for users.
To support its growth, Thirdverse has secured significant funding over the years. The company raised $15 million in 2022, $8 million in 2023, and $11.3 million in 2024. Ohnogi, who has been working closely with Kunimitsu for the past 15 years, praised their partnership and highlighted their complementary skills. While Ohnogi focuses on the operational aspects of game development and shipping, Kunimitsu brings a visionary perspective to the company.
Looking ahead, Ohnogi expressed excitement about the growing VR market, particularly with the introduction of devices like the Meta Quest 3 headset and the Apple Vision Pro. Sales are picking up in Asian countries like China as these devices become more affordable. Ohnogi emphasized Thirdverse’s commitment to dominating the global VR market and providing new and astonishing VR entertainment as a Japanese company.
To accommodate its growth and enhance productivity, Thirdverse will be relocating to “PMO Tamachi IV” in August 2024. The company’s VR titles, such as “X8,” have already gained significant traction, with over 600,000 downloads to date.
Overall, Thirdverse’s appointment of Masaru Ohnogi as CEO signifies the company’s dedication to expanding its presence in the U.S. market and realizing its mission of creating immersive VR experiences for users worldwide. With Ohnogi’s expertise and Kunimitsu’s visionary leadership, Thirdverse is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing VR industry and establish itself as a key player in the global market.
