Fahy Studios Secures $1.75M to Launch Global Games from Saudi Arabia
▼ Summary
– Fahy Studios raised $1.75 million in funding led by Impact46 and Merak Capital to support its goal of creating global games from Saudi Arabia.
– The funding will accelerate development of its hybrid-casual mobile games pipeline, including RAWR, Footy Traps, and Heist Party.
– The studio was founded in 2023, graduated from NEOM’s LevelUp accelerator, and partners with UK publisher Kwalee for distribution.
– Saudi Arabia’s gaming market is rapidly growing, with over 24 million gamers and high spending per player.
– Fahy plans to use the capital to expand its team and production capabilities, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a competitive force in global game development.
Riyadh’s Fahy Studios has successfully raised $1.75 million in a funding round led by Impact46 and Merak Capital, marking a significant step in the studio’s mission to produce globally successful games from Saudi Arabia. This financial backing will accelerate the development of the studio’s hybrid-casual mobile titles, which are designed to merge easy-to-learn gameplay with deeper, more engaging mechanics.
Among the projects currently in active development are RAWR, a monster-collecting RPG with innovative combat and rich meta features; Footy Traps, a competitive PvP football strategy title; and Heist Party, a raucous multiplayer game centered around heists where cooperation and betrayal are both paths to victory. While two earlier concepts, Smash & Dash and Town Hero, remain listed on the company’s site, they are no longer part of the active production schedule.
Established in early 2023 by Hani Hashem, Owis Alsaour, and Fahad Alshibl, Fahy Studios completed NEOM’s LevelUp accelerator and has since joined forces with UK-based publisher Kwalee for worldwide distribution. The studio’s emphasis on hybrid-casual games reflects a rising trend in mobile gaming, appealing to players who want both instant enjoyment and lasting engagement.
Hani Hashem, CEO and Co-founder, emphasized the studio’s philosophy: “Modern mobile gamers expect more than just quick distractions. They’re looking for titles that are simple to start but provide real depth and a sense of achievement. Our aim is to deliver games that feel fun from the first tap and keep players coming back.”
This funding arrives amid a period of remarkable expansion within Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry. With more than 24 million gamers, roughly 67% of the population, the Kingdom boasts one of the highest rates of gaming engagement anywhere in the world. Spending per player also surpasses global averages, underscoring the market’s vitality.
Basmah Al Sinaidi, Managing Partner at Impact46, expressed strong confidence in Fahy’s trajectory: “Fahy stands out as one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising game studios. We’re excited to support their innovative vision and help bring extraordinary gaming experiences to life.”
Echoing this sentiment, Abdulelah Alshareef, VP of Venture Capital at Merak Capital, noted the strategic importance of the investment: “Mobile gaming represents a high-growth arena, and Fahy Studios is perfectly placed to develop content that resonates with an international audience. Our involvement signals a deep belief in the potential of Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem.”
The fresh capital will enable Fahy to grow its team and enhance its production capacity as it works toward establishing the Kingdom as a serious contender in global game development. Looking further ahead, the studio has expressed intentions to evolve into a full-scale publishing operation.
(Source: MENAbytes)