Saudi Arabia’s Starvania Studio has raised USD 1.1 million in funding from Merak Capital and Impact46, marking a key step in the indie developer’s bid to scale its creative and operational capacity.
Founded in 2022 by Meaad Aflah and Muslih Alzahrani, Starvania Studio has quickly carved out a name for itself in the Kingdom’s emerging games industry.
Its breakout title, Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree, drew international attention for its richly imagined fantasy universe inspired by Arabian mythology, positioning the company as a new voice in culturally rooted game design.
How Starvania is Scaling Saudi’s Gaming Ambitions
With the new investment, Starvania aims to accelerate development of immersive console and PC titles that extend beyond regional mythology into new worlds and narratives.
The funding will also strengthen its operational infrastructure and production pipelines, providing the studio with the resources to attract top-tier Saudi gaming talent and foster a more globally competitive ecosystem.
“Our goal has always been to tell stories that feel both epic and deeply personal, experiences that explore unseen worlds and inspiring concepts,” said Meaad Aflah, CEO and Co-founder.
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“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.”
Beyond Games: Building IP Universes
Starvania’s long-term vision extends beyond the gaming screen. The studio is committed to building original IPs with the potential to scale across entertainment formats, including comics, animation, and merchandise.
By blending local heritage with universal storytelling, the company aims to create fantasy universes that resonate with global audiences while nurturing Saudi Arabia’s own creative talent base.
The investment underscores the momentum of Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving gaming sector, a key pillar of the Kingdom’s digital economy diversification strategy.
For Starvania, it represents both validation of its creative vision and a launchpad to elevate its presence on the global gaming stage.
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