KSA-Based Spoilz Secures Backing From Merak Capital, Impact46

Saudi Arabia-based game development studio Spoilz has secured funding co-led by Riyadh-based investment firms Impact46 and Merak Capital, with participation from other investors.

The investment is set to support the company’s expansion into personal computer (PC), console, and smart TV platforms, while also strengthening its live operations (live ops) gaming capabilities as well as enabling the development of mobile games with global reach. 

Founded by Musab Almalki in KSA in 2020, Spoilz is recognized for titles such as Climb Up #3D, Break 'Em All, and the word game Last Letter. Backed by artificial intelligence (AI)-driven development tools and cross-device infrastructure, the studio combines original game production with tailored services for its partners. It also delivers business-to-business (B2B) and live ops solutions to institutions across the MENA, covering market analysis, user interface/experience design, localization, and player engagement.  

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Almalki, founder and CEO of Spoilz, along with Vice President of Creative, Harvey Parker, and Marketing and Growth Manager, Ameera Salhab, spoke about the studio’s journey, its creative approach, and where they see the industry headed. “We see gaming as more than entertainment, it’s culture,” they said. “With 17+ titles already launched and our upcoming game Jackaroo Go!, we’re building games that are bold, joyful, and universal, while still carrying the spark of our region’s stories, humor, and art.”

According to the trio, it is this blend that makes the studio distinctive. “What sets us apart and how we aim to make our mark is the way we blend Saudi culture with global design, creating games that feel both familiar and fresh, rooted locally yet celebrated globally,” they explained, while noting that industry changes are also creating opportunities for deeper, more durable experiences. “The age of disposable hyper-casual is fading," they said. "While some have hit big numbers, the lack of depth and quality has hurt player trust when it comes to investing their time and money. People don't just want to play alone anymore, they want to share moments and return to experiences that evolve with them. At Spoilz, we treat every title as the start of a new intellectual property (IP), built to last, and scale into franchises.” 

Musab Almalki, founder and CEO, Spoilz. Image courtesy Spoilz.

Plus, to tap into an increasingly discerning audience, Spoilz’s approach has been to design every title as the start of a potential franchise. “That’s why we design games that are easy to pick up yet rich in content, with live ops, events, and culturally inspired gameplay that keeps players coming back.” It’s an ethos that also informs how they see the industry evolving—over the next five years, the Spoilz team sees three main forces shaping the future of gaming.

“First, platforms will fully converge," they said. "The difference between console, mobile, and cloud will keep fading. Second, games are becoming the new social hubs, digital ‘third places’ where hanging out is as important as competing." The third shift, according to them, will be a growing appetite for cultural storytelling. “The world is craving new cultural perspectives," they said. "Players everywhere are hungry for fresh stories, new humor, and art beyond the traditional experiences. That’s where Saudi studios have a huge opportunity—not to be niche, but to bring something original into the global mainstream.” 

Reflecting on Spoilz’s journey so far, Almalki, Parker, and Salhab also shared advice for other gaming entrepreneurs in the region. “First, think player first, tech second," they advised. "No engine or monetization trick can save a game that isn't fun at its core. Second, play local but dream global—start with games that resonate at home, but design them to scale everywhere, and listen closely to Saudi audiences, they look for games that feel worth investing in not just financially, but emotionally. That push for richer, more enduring experiences that could set the tone for how the global industry evolves."

"Third, build community, not just products," they continued. "Your brand identity matters as much as your releases. And finally, don’t fear iteration. Every test, every small launch is a stepping stone toward something bold, because in gaming, progress loves the fearless.”  

Image courtesy Spoilz.