Today, Web3 social sim with Gen AI NPCs, raises $5M seed round

Today, a web3 social simulation game, has raised a $5 million seed funding round to further develop its generative AI-powered intelligent NPCs and no-code creator tools. Sfermion and Big Brain led the round with GSR, Collab+Currency, Lingfeng Innovation Fund, Compute Ventures, Builder Capital, Tommy Tran, Metavest Capital, 32 Bit Ventures, Dingaling, Grail and Spirit DAO participating.

Today’s generative AI-powered NPCs

In Today, players take care of Resident NPCs’ needs and build a virtual island community. While the title draws inspiration from titles like The Sims and Animal Crossing, Today aims to differentiate itself through its Residents. Instead of preprogramed responses, Residents use generative AI to mirror real world conversations.

“Social simulation games lack deep, realistic NPC interactions which limit player immersion and reduce relationships to superficial exchanges. We’re transforming expectations by replicating the nuances of real-life dynamics using advanced AI that gives our NPCs unparalleled depth and responsiveness. This seed round accelerates the development of our vision to build the most immersive, rewarding and unique social sim ever created,” said Michael O’Connor, co-founder of Today.

Moreover, the company plans to use these emergent interactions with Residents to elevate its story telling. Today’s proprietary character engine imbues Residents with personalities that evolve over time. The company’s leadership includes technical expertise from former Nintendo, SEGA, Epic Games and Unity leads and Oscar winning storytelling experience. 

“Storytelling is the heart of Today,” said Oscar winner Benjamin Cleary, co-founder and creative director of Today. “Our story-first approach fosters genuine emotional connections with the characters in our game. We’re crafting emotionally resonant, emergent gameplay that’s unique for each player. So, as players build their Islands with generative AI, they immerse themselves deeply in a narrative that evolves with them.”

In addition to its generative AI NPCs, Today plans to use web3 and no code technology to innovate the social sim genre. Today’s no code creator tools will empower players’ creativity as they build their own islands and in-game assets. Players will own everything they build or buy in Today, though the company did not disclose exact details of its in-game economy.

Today is also leveraging NFTs to deliver exclusive content to fans. Seed NFTs will help craft unique worlds for players to explore. The rarity of each seed will determine the physical aspects of the Island, shape the traits of the Residents, and influence eligibility for future brand partnerships, goodies and extras. The company will mint its Ancient Seeds collection on April 9, which will unlock exclusive in-game content.

“As the gaming industry continues to mature, incorporating elements of crypto and AI, the realism and immersion — bolstered by deep emotional connections and economic consequences — will completely transform how users engage and interact. We’re excited to see this new experience unfold with Today,” said Sam Kim, General Partner at Big Brain.

“Sfermion is incredibly excited to join forces with the Today team on their groundbreaking vision. AI, UGC, and crypto are not simply buzzwords; they’re being used in unique ways to create virtual worlds that transcend the boundaries of traditional gaming, and foster a community-driven experience unlike anything seen before. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of gaming, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Dan Patterson, general partner at Sfermion.

Today will launch its alpha in early 2025 with periodic play tests through its Discord until then.