MetaApp

MetaApp, operating under Beijing Zhanxin Zhanli Information Technology Co., Ltd., is a technology firm focused on the mobile and interactive entertainment market. The company was established in October 2017 by Sen Hu, a serial entrepreneur with a background in computer science from the University of Science and Technology of China who later attended Yale University's PhD program before leaving to pursue his ventures. His co-founder, Duan Jinwei, holds a computer science degree from Tsinghua University and has prior experience developing large-scale multiplayer games.

Before MetaApp, Sen Hu founded the livestreaming platform Zhangyu TV, which was successfully acquired by LeTV Sports in 2015. This entrepreneurial success paved the way for MetaApp, which secured Series A funding in May 2018, just months after its inception. The company's growth trajectory includes reaching over 4 million daily active users by October 2019 and accumulating over 200 million registered users by January 2020. A significant financial milestone was achieved in March 2021 with the completion of a $100 million Series C funding round led by SIG China.

The core of MetaApp's business is a platform that leverages sandbox technology, allowing users to access and use mobile applications, particularly games, without the need for traditional download and installation. This model serves both end-users and game developers. For users, it offers a seamless way to discover and play a vast library of games instantly. For small and medium-sized developers, it provides a channel to reach a large audience without substantial upfront marketing investment. The company's primary product, "233 Paradise" (formerly 233 Little Games), embodies this model, functioning as a user-generated content (UGC) gaming community. The business generates revenue through a model that is primarily based on advertising, supplemented by in-app purchases. Rather than charging developers for tools or services, MetaApp operates on a revenue-sharing basis, profiting once the games on its platform become profitable.

Looking forward, MetaApp is developing the "MetaWorld Editor," a low-code editor designed to empower users to create their own 3D interactive content and games. This tool aims to lower the barrier to game development by providing creators with pre-built assets, a powerful user ecosystem for distribution, and rapid data feedback for iteration. The ultimate vision is to cultivate a comprehensive virtual world where users can not only consume content but also actively create and share a multitude of life experiences.

Keywords: mobile gaming, user-generated content, UGC platform, instant play, sandbox technology, game distribution, game development tools, Sen Hu, Duan Jinwei, 233 Paradise, MetaWorld Editor, interactive entertainment, virtual world, mobile app virtualization, revenue sharing, ad-supported gaming, low-code game editor, game monetization, Series C funding, Beijing