Starvania Studios raises $1.1m to accelerate growth and fuel its gaming ambitions

• Funding will support new console and PC games while strengthening operations and pipelines.
• Merak Capital and Impact46 led the funding round to support Saudi Arabia’s games ecosystem.
• Founded in 2022, Starvania gained recognition with Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree inspired by Arabian mythology.
• The studio has won awards including Best Games Startup at the MENA Games Industry Awards.

Saudi-based award-winning game developer Starvania Studios has raised $1.1 million to accelerate its growth and fuel its gaming ambitions. 

The funding will support Starvania in developing new console and PC games while strengthening its operations and pipelines for sustainable growth.

The investment will also enable the studio to expand its team by attracting Saudi talent and building global competitiveness as part of its mission to “deliver experiences that stretch beyond the horizon". 

Investment firms Merak Capital and Impact46 led the round as part of their support for the games ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. 

“Building immersive universes"

Founded in 2022 by Meaad Aflah and Muslih Alzahrani, Saudi-based Starvania Studios made its mark with Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree, a fantasy game inspired by Arabian mythology. 

Released on Steam in 2024 after the team’s time in the NEOM Level Up Accelerator, the title earned international recognition, including a Devcom Indie Award win and the Best Games Startup award at our MENA Games Industry Awards last year. 

"This investment marks a pivotal moment in our journey to build world-class fantasy games rooted in depth and creativity," said Starvania CEO and co-founder Meaad Aflah.

“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."