Entity raises $5.8 million to build browser-based "console-quality" gaming platform

Irish startup Entity has secured $5.8 million (£5 million) in seed funding to develop a browser-based gaming platform that promises console-quality gaming experiences without the need for downloads or installations. The Dublin-based company, founded in 2024, aims to launch its platform in early 2027, featuring a mix of existing PC and console titles as well as original intellectual property.

The platform operates using WebGPU and WebAssembly technology, enabling players to access games or multiplayer lobbies with a single click, eliminating the latency and lag associated with traditional cloud gaming. The investment round was led by ACT, Delta Partners, and Elkstone, with additional support from Enterprise Ireland and a group of experienced games industry angel investors.

Entity was co-founded by Rich Barnwell, Kev Bergin, Dave McGovern, Fergus Duggan, and Artur Stawiarski, who earlier worked together at Digit, the Irish studio behind Star Trek Fleet Command, which was acquired by Scopely in 2019. The founding team has also been joined by industry veteran Paul Farley, who previously led Firestoke, Tag Games, and ChiliConnect, all of which were later acquired by Scopely and Unity respectively.

Entity CEO and founder Rich Barnwell emphasized the changing landscape of the gaming industry, stating that the new web era demands a new platform, offering console-quality gaming experiences that are instantly accessible across all devices.