Japanese game developer gumi Inc. is expanding its territory from games to cryptocurrency. According to Bitcoin Magazine's news last (12th) night showing, gumi has recently spent 10 billion yen to buy 80.352 BTC (approximately 6.96 million USD). Meanwhile, gumi has also collaborated with financial giant SBI Holdings to establish a crypto asset fund focusing on institutional capital, with frequent actions drawing market attention.
10 Billion Yen Buying BTC
gumi stated that after the board approved the investment on February 10th, the company completed BTC purchase in June at an average price of 12.43 million yen, about 29% lower than the market price of 15.96 million yen on June 10th. The company said the holdings will be assessed at fair value quarterly, with gains and losses recorded in the current statement.
Additionally, gumi indicated it does not intend to stop here. The announcement stated:
"The company will continue to actively increase BTC holdings, and each subsequent purchase will be made public."
Partnering with SBI to Layout Institutional Market
Notably, gumi recently announced a joint venture with SBI Holdings to establish a crypto asset management fund targeting institutional investors such as insurance and retirement funds. According to MarketScreener, the new fund plans to invest in listed mainstream tokens and provide custody services, hoping to become one of the first digital asset products fully compliant with FSA guidelines in Japan.
What is gumi?
gumi was founded in 2007 by Hironao Kunimitsu. The company initially focused on developing and publishing mobile games, achieving significant success in the Japanese mobile social game market, especially on platforms like GREE, with popular games such as 'Brave Frontier' and 'Phantom of the Kill'.
Over time, gumi gradually expanded its business scope to include blockchain technology, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and metaverse-related fields, attempting to create more diverse entertainment content through emerging technologies. Its main businesses include:
- Mobile Game Development and Publishing: gumi has launched multiple mobile games in domestic and international markets, collaborating with renowned companies like SEGA and LINE. The company primarily uses a free-to-play model, focusing on game enjoyment and long-term operation. Its games have been globally popular, especially in Asian and North American markets.
- Blockchain and Crypto Asset Investment: gumi launched a blockchain fund in 2023, with its gumi Cryptos Capital having invested in over 50 Web3 startups.
- XR and Metaverse: gumi applies virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to game and entertainment content development, actively exploring metaverse-related businesses to establish a presence in this emerging field.
