Saudi game developer Ash Games Studio has raised $1.5 million in seed funding, adding fresh momentum to the Kingdom’s growing gaming industry. The investment highlights how local studios are creating original titles for global audiences.
The funding round was co-led by Merak Capital, through the Merak Gaming Fund, and venture capital firm Impact46. Ash Games said the investment will accelerate game development. It will also help the studio expand its team and strengthen its portfolio of games inspired by Saudi history, traditions, and folklore.
Building Games Around Saudi Stories
Ash Games launched in Riyadh in 2022. The studio develops original action-adventure games rooted in authentic Saudi and Arab storytelling. Its goal is to create culturally rich gaming experiences that resonate with players worldwide by combining regional narratives with modern gameplay.
Chief Executive Officer Anas Bakhsh said the studio aims to create culturally rich, story-driven games with global appeal. He said Ash Games combines authentic regional stories with accessible gameplay to introduce Saudi and Arab culture to players around the world.
Upcoming Projects
One of the studio’s biggest projects is Nomad: The Legend of Zarqa, a top-down action roguelite inspired by Arabian folklore. Players take on the role of Zarqa al-Yamama, the legendary seer. They can guide arrows in mid-flight to strike enemies through difficult terrain. The game blends regional myths with gameplay mechanics designed for international audiences.
The studio also developed Azooma Escape. Ash Games plans to bring the game to mobile platforms as it continues expanding its portfolio.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Gaming Industry
The Ash Games funding comes as Saudi Arabia expands its gaming sector under its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom continues to support game developers, esports organizations, gaming infrastructure, and investment funds. These efforts aim to position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for the interactive entertainment industry.
The latest investment reflects growing confidence in locally developed intellectual property. More Saudi studios are creating games based on regional culture and history. Ash Games is one of the developers leading that effort while targeting players beyond the Middle East.
With fresh capital and an expanding portfolio, Ash Games plans to introduce more Saudi-inspired titles to players worldwide. The investment also highlights the growing role of local storytelling in the Kingdom’s ambitions for the global gaming market.
