Nineteen game studios from the Middle East and North Africa have completed the second cohort of Exel by Merak, a $80 million gaming accelerator launched by Merak Capital in 2024. The program provides funding, mentorship, and access to a global network for emerging game developers. Cohort 2 features studios working across mobile, PC, console, co-op, RTS, RPG, and hybridcasual genres.
Each studio in this cohort received $300,000 in funding and support aimed at scaling their projects to an international level. According to the accelerator, participating studios have already generated $1.2 million in early revenue, with their games reaching over 2 million social impressions across various platforms. This early traction highlights the potential of MENA-based game development studios in the global market.
Highlighted Studios and Their Projects
Among the graduates, Holodot Game Studio from Saudi Arabia is developing Shotball, a competitive multiplayer title. PackDev Games, originally founded in Serbia and now operating from Saudi Arabia, plans a yearly release cycle starting with SOS Incident. Saer Games, also based in Saudi Arabia, focuses on small RPGs and aims to become a globally recognized indie studio.
Other notable participants include Nimble Fox Games, a mobile-first studio experimenting with frequent releases every three weeks, and Entropy Minds Studios, known for the narrative-driven console title Psi Break. Blame the Game Studios, a Spanish team that relocated to Saudi Arabia, is currently developing Greedy, a team-based game featuring procedural ruins and escalating difficulty. Sandouq Studios is working on Puppetter, a 2D souls-like boss rush game with monthly updates and post-launch content.
Inventix Games continues to focus on hybridcasual mobile games, with 13 titles already released and plans to create 40 prototypes and two hit titles within three years. Evlnu GameWorks is building co-op experiences, including Office Chaos, a cooperative office simulator. Luma Play is developing Rocket Force, a chaotic shooter aimed at fast-paced action audiences. Stellar Mythical, which previously released Emotional Flow, is working on Crystalone, with a long-term roadmap extending to 2031 to develop deeper narrative-driven RPG experiences.
Additional graduates include Kiddo Education, a mobile puzzle studio aiming to reduce math anxiety through titles like Math Punk Chronicles; Dynamic Box Studio, a horror exploration project called Madness Afloat; PlayBack Games, focused on multiplayer co-op extraction shooters; Limeless Studio, planning aggressive mobile production; Taka Studio, creating a sports strategy universe starting with HexaFootball; Cakebyte, developing Punk Royale 2052 for competitive mobile audiences; Innovavera, working on a real-time strategy title Crown of Khosrow set in the Persian Empire; and SwordPlay Studio, focusing on narrative-driven games rooted in Saudi culture.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Exel by Merak’s accelerator is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push under Vision 2030 to develop a competitive games sector and nurture local talent. By providing funding, mentorship, and global industry connections, the program aims to position the Kingdom as a hub for interactive entertainment and to encourage the growth of homegrown studios capable of competing internationally. Applications for the third cohort are expected to open in April 2026.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Exel by Merak?
Exel by Merak is a gaming accelerator launched by Merak Capital in 2024 that provides funding, mentorship, and global network support for emerging game studios in the MENA region.
How much funding do startups receive in the accelerator?
Each studio in the program receives $300,000 in initial funding, with opportunities for further investment as they grow.
Which types of games do Cohort 2 studios develop?
The graduates develop games across mobile, PC, console, co-op, RTS, RPG, and hybridcasual genres, including competitive multiplayer, narrative-driven, and puzzle-focused titles.
When will applications for Cohort 3 open?
Exel by Merak plans to open applications for Cohort 3 in April 2026.
How does Exel by Merak support Saudi Arabia’s game industry?
The program aligns with Vision 2030 by fostering local talent, providing investment and mentorship, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for interactive entertainment.
