Gardens Interactive raises over $70m for its strandbox fantasy adventure
Gardens Interactive has raised more than $35 million in a Series B round, bringing its total funding above $70 million. The California studio is developing a shared-world fantasy adventure it calls a strandbox, with designer Chris Bell, who worked on Journey and What Remains of Edith Finch, discussing its influences. The project draws inspiration from Death Stranding, GTA roleplay, Arc Raiders, Peak, and Big Walk.
Gardens Interactive, based in California, secured more than $35 million in a Series B round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. Other participants included Zenith Capital, Sequoia Capital, Index Ventures, Accel, Innovation Endeavors, Bayshore, Stewart Butterfield, and the family office of Hiroshi Yamauchi, which had backed the 2023 Series A.
The studio’s first title is a shared-world fantasy adventure called a “strandbox.” Designer Chris Bell cited Death Stranding, GTA roleplay, Arc Raiders, Peak, and Big Walk as influences. A closed pre-alpha sign-up is open. Zenith Capital’s James Altman described the project as rare and potentially industry-setting.
If Gardens delivers on its persistent shared world, players may encounter new forms of social play where small choices linger for strangers. This could affect online communities, streamers, and studios exploring emergent storytelling, potentially raising expectations for player-driven worlds. Investors and platform holders may watch whether large indie funding yields sustainable, inclusive spaces; outcomes remain uncertain and depend on execution, moderation, and audience reception.