17 MENA game studios graduate from the first Exel by Merak accelerator cohort

• Exel by Merak received hundreds of applications but chose just 17 teams for its debut programme.
• Applications for the second cohort have closed as it gears up for a third.
• The programme aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to build a global gaming hub.

Seventeen MENA game studios have graduated from the first cohort of Exel by Merak $80 million gaming accelerator launched by Merak Capital earlier this year. 

Each startup received $300,000 in funding along with access to mentorship, global networks, and the possibility for subsequent investment as they begin their next stage of growth.

Launched in January 2025, Exel by Merak said it received hundreds of applications but ultimately selected 17 teams for a 14-week programme that paired them with international publishers, investors, and industry leaders. 

Selected startups revealed 

• Copa Fantasy: A football gaming platform featuring the Saudi league and Europe’s top leagues, with fantasy elements, predictions, and trivia.

• Twenty Ninety Creative: A creative studio focused on crafting memorable entertainment experiences.

• Symmetric Studio: A Riyadh-based mobile studio specialising in action games.

• DaFluffs Games: A mobile developer currently working on Dungeon Blast, a fast-paced roguelite that blends strategic shoot-and-move action with handcrafted worlds.

• Sheba Joy: Builds culturally distinctive mobile games aimed at global audiences.

• Superbullet Studios: Developing Roblox games with AI-driven workflows for next-gen entertainment ecosystems.

• Studio AstraValle: A joint-stock startup dedicated to creating PC and console titles.

• FitNot Games: Based in Egypt, FitNot seeks to fill the gap in Arabic gaming content with locally relevant innovation through titles that appeal to a wide and diverse audience. 

• Evolite Studio: An award-winning developer of low-poly games rooted in Arabic culture and identity.

• Rojeh Games: Specialises in puzzle-driven titles with emotionally resonant characters.

• HYS Games: A Saudi-based studio with over 80 mobile games, including global chart-toppers.

• Liva Interactive: Alumni of Google’s Indie Games Accelerator, creators of hits like easyBoat and Superpunk Tactics.

• Studio Eshi Games: Founded in 2023, offering culturally inspired mobile experiences.

• Hyena Hon: Experiments with unconventional mechanics and bold design philosophies.

• Dreaming Door Studios: Indie storytellers behind Golden Treasure: The Great Green.

• Classy Games Studio: Born during the pandemic, Classy Games is focused on its mission to create games that offer an escape. The developer is currently working on SillySuspects. 

• Studio Phys: Uses AR to transform screen time into physical activity for children.

Applications for the second cohort have closed, and Merak is preparing to open submissions for the third cohort in the coming months. 

The programme is part of Saudi Arabia’s push to develop its games sector under Vision 2030, with a focus on nurturing homegrown talent and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for interactive entertainment.

Learn more about the MENA games market at Pocket Gamer Connects Aqaba on November 8th to 9th, 2025.