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Zawya
10 hours ago
- Zawya
Starvania Studios secures $1.1mln from Merak Capital and Impact46 to fuel their gaming ambitions
Starvania Studios creates fantasy-rich gaming experiences that explore bold, imaginative worlds, guided by depth, creativity, and a vision that extends beyond gameplay. Their goal is to build unique, high-quality games that resonate with players around the world. The $1.1M investment by Merak Capital and Impact46 will enhance Starvania's production capabilities, support game development for PC and console platforms, and help recruit top Saudi gaming talent. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Starvania Studios, the award-winning indie game development studio based in Saudi Arabia, has secured a strategic investment of $1.1 million USD from Merak Capital and Impact46. This milestone strengthens the studio's ability to create high-quality, imaginative console and PC games that reflect its distinct creative vision. Founded in 2022 by Meaad Aflah and Muslih Alzahrani, Saudi-based Starvania Studios quickly carved out a niche in the indie game development scene. The studio's breakout moment came with the release of Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree, a richly imagined fantasy game inspired by Arabian mythology. The game launched on Steam in 2024 following the team's earlier participation in the NEOM Level Up Accelerator, garnering international recognition, winning the Devcom Indie Award for 'Graphics Galore' and earning a nomination for the TrueGaming Award for 'Best Saudi Indie Game.' Starvania's momentum continued as it won the prestigious Best Games Startup award at the MENA Games Industry Awards, further cementing its reputation as a creative force bringing original stories to global gamers. Starvania's mission is to deliver experiences that stretch beyond the horizon – richly imagined fantasy universes that resonate deeply with players and spark imagination across cultures. While the studio draws inspiration from regional heritage, its vision is not limited to Arabian themes. Starvania focuses on building original IPs with the creative depth and potential to grow beyond games into comics, animation, merchandise, and other entertainment mediums. "This investment marks a pivotal moment in our journey to build world-class fantasy games rooted in depth and creativity," said Meaad Aflah, CEO and Co-founder of Starvania Studios. "Our goal has always been to tell stories that feel both epic and deeply personal, experiences that explore unseen worlds and inspiring concepts. We're not just creating games; we're building immersive universes that can evolve beyond gameplay and connect with players across cultures. With the backing of Merak Capital and Impact46, we now have the resources to expand our development pipeline, grow our team, and push creative boundaries." The strategic investment from Merak Capital and Impact46 will play a pivotal role in accelerating Starvania Studios' growth trajectory. The funding will be directed toward the development of high-quality, immersive console and PC games that reflect the studio's broader creative vision. It will also bolster the studio's operational infrastructure and production pipelines, allowing it to scale more efficiently and sustainably. In parallel, the investment will empower Starvania to attract and retain top-tier talent from Saudi Arabia's rapidly maturing gaming ecosystem, nurturing local expertise while fostering global competitiveness. Abdulelah Alshareef, VP of Venture Capital at Merak Capital, stated: 'Starvania Studios exemplifies the kind of visionary, locally-rooted talent that Merak seeks to back. Their work demonstrates how Saudi creativity can be channeled into rich, immersive digital experiences. We are proud to support their mission to share original stories with a global audience, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a rising leader in the global gaming landscape.' Basmah Alsinaidi, Managing Partner at Impact46, added: 'Starvania is building original worlds with the kind of focus and polish that makes a studio stand out on PC and console. It's a strong signal of how far Saudi game development has come - and the ambition it can carry globally.' Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a key player. Home to over 24 million gamers, representing approximately 67 percent of its population, the Kingdom boasts one of the most engaged gaming communities in the world. Fueled by government-backed initiatives, regulatory support, and a surge in private investment, Saudi Arabia is executing an ambitious strategy to become a global hub for game development, publishing, and esports by 2030. About Starvania Founded in 2022 by Meaad Aflah and Muslih Alzahrani, Starvania Studios is an award-winning Saudi indie game development studio creating fantasy-rich experiences that explore bold and imaginative worlds. Known for its breakout title Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree, inspired by Arabian mythology, Starvania has earned global recognition, including the Devcom Indie Award for 'Graphics Galore,' a nomination for the TrueGaming Award for 'Best Saudi Indie Game,' and the 'Best Game Startup' award at the MENA Games Industry Awards 2024. With a mission to build original, high-quality IPs that transcend gaming into comics, animation, and merchandise, Starvania is shaping immersive universes that resonate with players worldwide. About Merak Capital Merak Capital is an investment firm focused on technology opportunities across multiple stages and industries. Merak is built on deep technological research and understanding, staying at the forefront of digital trends, and finding investment opportunities aligned with adoption cycles from different sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. The firm aims to partner with the builders of tomorrow in leading technological transformations, unlocking new markets and opportunities for growth, where innovation, fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit, shapes our future. About Impact46 Impact46 is an innovation-driven, CMA-licensed asset management firm managing over SAR 2.8 billion in alternative investments. Based in Saudi Arabia, the firm delivers institutional-grade investment products across venture capital, private credit, and capital markets. With deep regional expertise and disciplined execution, Impact46 invests alongside institutions, corporates, and family offices to create long-term value and unlock new opportunities. Today, the firm plays a growing role in enabling strategic sectors — including the launch of a SAR 150 million gaming fund and an expanding credit advisory practice for institutional and growth-stage clients.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
New Global Sport Conference 2025 unveils strategic partner line-up driving the future of global sport
stc group, Qiddiya, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Aramco, Savvy Games Group, Cenomi Centers, ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group and Boston Consulting Group join NGSC 2025 to accelerate cross-sector innovation and collaboration Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the strategic partners joining the New Global Sport Conference 2025 (NGSC 2025), the premier global platform for industry leaders at the intersection of gaming, esports, and sport. Held annually in Riyadh during the closing weekend of the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's largest esports and gaming event, the NGSC brings together CEOs, founders, and investors to drive groundbreaking initiatives that will shape the future of these dynamic industries. The 2025 partner cohort includes organizations leading transformation across infrastructure, entertainment, retail, healthcare, and global strategy: As an Elite partner, stc group provides the digital infrastructure for the event, including high-speed connectivity, streaming via stc tv, and audience engagement. Nexus Partner Qiddiya brings its long-term vision for the Kingdom's entertainment economy, using NGSC to enhance the vision for its innovative Gaming and Esports district, the future global hub for elite competition, while AWS powers the next-generation esports viewing experience through advanced cloud technology and machine learning. Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group contributes to the success of NGSC by providing the highest standards of medical services to its attendees, while Savvy Games Group drives investment and growth across game development and esport. ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) brings operational, broadcast and marketing expertise within the esports industry. From the retail sector, Cenomi Centers blends youth culture and lifestyle with immersive activations in contemporary lifestyle destinations, bringing esports into everyday spaces. As a Thought Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) delivers strategic insight and global perspectives to NGSC's executive forums that define the next phase of global industry growth. 'Gaming, esports, and sport are the essential pillars of global entertainment, both now and in the future,' said Hans Jagnow, Director, Special Projects, NGSC 2025. 'At NGSC, we are bringing together the organisations and partners that recognise this — joining us to build a platform that drives the future of these industries. They are not only helping us host the brightest minds and leaders, but also contributing their expertise, market influence, and unique value that complements and fuels the continued growth of esports.' NGSC 2025 will take place on August 23-24 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh under the official theme 'The Next Game – Building the Future of Gaming, Esports, and Sports'. The curated program will feature over 1,500 industry leaders, including HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Nasser Al Saud, and representatives from the LA28 Olympic Games, Sony, SEGA, and more. Tickets for NGSC 2025 are available now at To learn more about the New Global Sport Conference and the Esports World Cup, visit and and follow the New Global Sport Conference and the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn. About the New Global Sport Conference The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC2025) is the flagship event of the Esports World Cup Foundation, serving as the premier global forum where gaming, esports, and sport converge. Held annually in Riyadh during the final weekend of the Esports World Cup, the event unites CEOs, investors, and industry pioneers to drive transformative global initiatives and foster collaboration on the growth and future of these dynamic industries. About The Esports World Cup The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC brings gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. Esports World Cup Foundation media contact: Anna Rozwandowicz Head of PR
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Exel by Merak showcases Saudi Arabia's next generation of game studios
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Exel by Merak, Saudi Arabia's premier gaming accelerator, hosted its first-ever Demo Day. Showcasing 17 gaming startups selected from a competitive pool of over +300global applications, the accelerator provides each with $300,000 in investment and equips them with mentorship and hands-on support from global industry leaders. The event marks a defining moment in the Kingdom's position as a global force in gaming innovation. Attended by investors, publishers, and strategic partners, the Demo Day spotlighted the entrepreneurial talent driving Saudi Arabia's rise as a global gaming hub. Participating studios unveiled original IP inspired by local stories, designed for international appeal, built to world-class standards, and backed by scalable business models. 'The Demo Day is not only an opportunity to showcase the next gaming talent, but it also signals to the world that Saudi Arabia is a global hub for game studios, not just a market for consuming games,' said Faisal Sedrani, Vice President – Innovation Platform at Merak Capital and Head of Exel. 'With the support of our partners and backing of Merak Capital's Gaming Fund, we're defining a new benchmark in startup acceleration in the region, one that's built on investment, mentorship, and scaling.' Building on the success of its first cohort, Exel has created a long-term pipeline to nurture future Saudi gaming startups, strengthening the Kingdom's gaming ecosystem. The accelerator backs studios, technologies, and publishing platforms with a holistic program—combining investment, mentorship, relocation support, and essential tools—to grow scalable gaming businesses rooted in Saudi culture and primed for global markets. Exel by Merak's efforts closely align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy, which seeks to support gaming as both a creative industry and as an economic growth engine. The accelerator is powered by Merak Capital's $80 million Gaming Fund, with institutional backing from the National Development Fund (NDF) and in collaboration with the Social Development Bank (SDB). The Accelerator provides startups with structured equity investment, market readiness support, legal and relocation assistance, and access to global technology partners, including Microsoft, Huawei, and AWS. About Exel by Merak Exel by Merak is a leading innovation company that drives innovation through accelerators and digital innovation. As a subsidiary of Merak Capital, Exel aims to bring innovation to the gaming industry by launching four funded investment accelerators for the gaming sector, backed by Merak Gaming Fund, enabling early-stage game development startups to thrive and grow globally. The Gaming Accelerator program offers a comprehensive approach to supporting startups by targeting game development studios, gaming technologies, publishing platforms, and other gaming-related services. Committed to building a thriving gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, Exel by Merak provides mentorship from global experts, support services from gaming industry experts, and access to an exploitable network, to enable startups to achieve sustainable growth and drive innovation and creativity to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub of excellence in gaming. For media inquiries, please contact: Zara Siddiqui
