Circle Games Raises Over $7 Million

Turkish mobile game developer Circle Games has raised $7.25 million in a seed funding round to support the development and expansion of its mobile puzzle game titles. The round was led by Bitkraft Ventures and included participation from a16z Speedrun, Play Ventures, e2vc, and APY Ventures. The company announced that the funding will be used to enhance its game development capabilities, build out its existing team, and scale its first title, Sort Express.

Circle Games Raises Over $7 Million

Focus on the Mobile Puzzle Game Market

Founded by a team with prior experience at leading gaming studios such as Gram Games, Dream Games, and Good Job Games, Circle Games is concentrating its efforts on the mobile puzzle genre. The studio's first release, Sort Express, will be a primary focus as it plans to scale the game globally and introduce additional content.

According to an interview with GamesBeat and CEO Gokturk Balıkcı, the company is prioritizing both team growth and product development, with an emphasis on creating a high-quality user experience that aligns with current player expectations in the casual puzzle segment.

Balıkcı noted that player expectations have evolved significantly over the last decade, with higher demands for visual quality and engaging gameplay. He also highlighted that Turkey has become known for producing successful mobile puzzle games, providing Circle Games with access to experienced local talent. The company aims to innovate in later stages of gameplay by adding new mechanics that could enhance long-term user engagement.

Mobile Gaming Market By Region (Apply Store and Google Play)

Plans for Growth and Innovation

The funding will also be used to expand the current team of 12 employees as Circle Games looks to strengthen its production pipeline. Balıkcı emphasized the importance of innovation in progression systems and game mechanics to support long-term player retention. These efforts aim to distinguish the studio’s games in an increasingly competitive mobile gaming market.

Bitkraft Ventures partner Jasper Brand stated that Circle Games stood out among seed-stage studios for its combination of game development experience, fast development cycles, and understanding of market dynamics. He added that the company’s approach to features such as dynamic difficulty adjustments and playable advertisements positions it well for success.

Top Mobile Games in 2025

Looking Ahead

With the seed funding secured, Circle Games is positioning itself for growth within the mobile gaming industry. The studio plans to continue developing new puzzle titles and broaden the reach of Sort Express. As the mobile gaming market continues to expand, Circle Games aims to deliver gameplay experiences that resonate with a global audience. While the company is not currently exploring web3 integrations, its focus on innovation and player engagement reflects broader trends within mobile gaming development.