From Stadiums to Startups: How Imagine Dragons’ Brothers Are Reinventing the Competitive Shooter Genre

From Stadiums to Startups: How Imagine Dragons’ Brothers Are Reinventing the Competitive Shooter Genre

Best known for their chart-topping anthems and sold-out arena shows, Imagine Dragons’ members are now turning their creative energy to an entirely different stage: the gaming industry. Frontman Dan Reynolds and his brother Mac Reynolds have co-founded Nightdive Studios, a startup that’s gaining serious momentum with their new project — a competitive shooter that aims to break the mold.

Teaming up with game industry veterans and driven by a passion for both storytelling and high-octane gameplay, the Reynolds brothers are working on a title they describe as “a genre-bending experience that fuses cinematic immersion with raw competition.” Rather than following the footsteps of traditional FPS giants like Call of Duty or Valorant, their game is designed to blend narrative depth with fast-paced action, creating a hybrid that appeals to both esports fans and narrative gamers.

The roots of this venture go beyond simple investment. Dan Reynolds has long expressed a love for video games, citing them as an artistic medium on par with music. Mac Reynolds, who has a background in management and business strategy (including managing Imagine Dragons), brings a sharp operational edge to the project. Together, they aim to push boundaries — not just with gameplay mechanics, but with how games are marketed and monetized.

One key innovation? A creator-first ecosystem. The Reynolds brothers are building tools directly into the game that allow modders, streamers, and artists to craft custom content, opening up new revenue streams and fostering a grassroots community from the ground up. “We’re building a game that’s as much for creators as it is for players,” says Mac.

Early playtests have sparked excitement within both indie and pro gaming circles, and the startup has already secured significant funding from top-tier investors. With esports partnerships reportedly in the works and a beta slated for early next year, the buzz is building fast.

While Imagine Dragons continues to dominate the charts, the Reynolds brothers are proving they’re more than rock stars — they’re innovators at heart. If their new shooter hits the right notes, they might just change how we play, watch, and even create games in the competitive shooter genre.