RIVRS, a startup specializing in the creation of video games based on user-generated content (UGC), has announced a €4 million funding round. This first round of financing, exclusively led by Pléiade Venture, will allow the company to scale its game development on platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft, while preparing for its international expansion.
An international ambition to revolutionize the UGC game sector
Founded in 2021 in Rennes by Romain Hubert (23) and Loïc Deffains (41), RIVRS quickly established itself as a key player in the UGC game sector. In 2023, the company doubled its revenue and now positions itself as a serious competitor to Anglo-Saxon leaders such as Voldex and Gamefam.
According to Romain Hubert, co-founder and CEO of RIVRS, “Our proven business model and our ability to create quality games at a fast pace put us in pole position to capture a significant share of the global UGC video game market. This funding marks a key milestone in our history and enables us to realize our ambition of becoming a world leader in the years to come.”
A booming market
The UGC game market is experiencing tremendous growth, with more than $2.7 billion generated by content creators on the top three platforms in 2024. This model is transforming the video game industry by enabling rapid content diversification at lower costs while fostering strong player loyalty.
However, most UGC creators come from young, unstructured gaming communities that lack experience and economic rationalization. This is where RIVRS stands out by combining in-house production with professionalization across the entire value chain.
Fast production and impressive results
RIVRS distinguishes itself with its ability to develop games on several UGC platforms while mastering the entire process from game design to distribution. The average production time for each game is just two months.
The startup has already developed ten successful games, some of which have generated significant revenue, reaching nearly €500,000 for a single title. These productions attract hundreds of thousands of players, with the business model based on in-game purchases and game subscriptions.
A strong team and influential backers
In addition to the complementary skills of its co-founders, Romain Hubert, a gaming expert, and Loïc Deffains, serial entrepreneur and founder of the startup studio Unitee, RIVRS’ growth is supported by a diverse team of talented individuals from the video game and tech industries. Among its historical backers are leading gaming influencers such as FuzeIII (5.4 million subscribers) and LeBouseuh (4.3 million subscribers).
Constance Rietzler, Associate Director at Pléiade Venture, praised the investment: “RIVRS perfectly matches our investment criteria: innovation, growth, and operational excellence. The company generates strong self-financed growth, a rapid ROI for each game, and solid processes. We are confident that Loïc and Romain will build a world leader in the fast-growing UGC game market.”
