Sonzai Labs, a game development company established in 2024, has introduced its latest creation, TeleMafia, on Telegram. The game brings players into a digital underworld of family conflicts, combining AI technology with interactive social gameplay.
Sonzai Labs was founded by a team of industry veterans from diverse fields. The team includes Ryan Foo, a former game designer at Limit Break; Ian Leck, the ex-engineering lead at Tiltyard; Nasrudin Salim, previously the head of machine learning operationalization at DBS; the former VP of engineering at Almanak; and the lead AI architect at OCBC. Together, they aim to develop games that blend artificial intelligence, gaming, and web3 technologies to create immersive social experiences.
Their first release, TeleMafia, is designed specifically for social messaging platforms like Telegram. The game sets itself apart with an AI-based system, offering players a unique and evolving gameplay experience.
TeleMafia uses the proprietary Souls Protocol to power AI-driven agents, with the first agent introduced as Valentina. Valentina is designed as an adaptive AI Soul capable of evolving and gaining new functionalities as the game progresses. This innovation adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, keeping players engaged through the continuous evolution of game mechanics.
Set in a world of digital family wars, the game incorporates interactive AI and social strategy elements, making it a standout addition to the Telegram platform. Players can expect a mix of strategy and narrative-driven gameplay enhanced by the evolving AI system.
Sonzai Labs has garnered support from prominent figures in the crypto and gaming industries. Investors and advisors include Gabe Leydon, Gabby Dizon, Jeff Zirlin, Aleksander Larsen, and Piers Kicks. Their backing underscores the potential of TeleMafia to redefine social gaming within messaging platforms.
By combining AI, gaming, and web3 technology, Sonzai Labs is exploring new possibilities for social interaction in gaming. TeleMafia serves as the first step in their mission to create innovative experiences that push the boundaries of traditional gaming formats.