Ash Games Raises $1.5M Seed Round for Saudi-Inspired Games
Saudi Arabia-based game development studio Ash Games has raised a $1.5 million Seed round, co-led by Merak Capital and Impact46 through the Merak Gaming Fund. The capital will accelerate development of its culturally rooted titles and support international publishing.
Founded in 2022 by Anas Bakhsh, Yaser Alahmadi, and Saud Bakolka, Ash Games builds action-adventure games for PC and console that draw on Saudi history, folklore, and mythology.
The remote-first team of 18 is developing its flagship title, Nomad — an action-adventure roguelite inspired by the mythology of Ancient Arabia, scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox in 2027. The studio has also introduced Azooma Escape, a stealth-comedy game that pulls from everyday Saudi life.
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Why it matters: Global demand for culturally distinct game IP is rising, and Saudi Arabia is placing serious capital behind homegrown studios that can compete internationally. Ash Games sits at the intersection of that push — building narratives that are regionally authentic but designed for a global console and PC audience.
For international publishers and platform holders looking for original content out of the Gulf, a funded studio with a 2027 cross-platform launch and clear cultural positioning is a signal worth tracking as the Kingdom builds toward becoming a regional gaming hub.
The funding will go toward expanding the development team, scaling the production pipeline, and strengthening international publishing and commercialization efforts.
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