Egyptian game developer Rojeh Maher has announced a major milestone for his studio: graduating from EXEL’s Gaming Accelerator in Riyadh and securing a $300,000 investment from Merak Capital.

This achievement positions Maher’s studio within Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem while fueling its ambition to build high-quality, story-driven games with global reach.

From “New Beginning” to a New Chapter

Five years ago, Maher left his previous career to pursue his passion for game development, an emotional moment he marked with an artwork titled “New Beginning.” Today, that leap of faith has crystallized into a thriving studio recognized by top investors and mentors in the Middle East.

“Completing EXEL and presenting my studio among 17 startups in its first cohort has been the best time of my career,” Maher said. “The mentorship from Alexander Poysky, Aitor Lozano, and the Merak team unlocked a whole new level for our games and our vision.”

Portfolio and Upcoming Titles

The studio’s signature lies in 2D hand-drawn animation paired with engaging mechanics and narrative depth. Its portfolio already includes successful mobile games like Panda Food Business, and its pipeline reflects a bold expansion:

  • Charlie’s Nightmare – The studio’s first premium PC/console game, a hand-animated beat ’em up adventure blending classic arcade gameplay with a strong narrative.
  • Fashion Startup Idle – A business simulation sequel to Panda Food Business, where players manage the fashion supply chain from cotton farming to retail management.

Both games are targeted for a January 2026 release, aiming to capture audiences across both casual and core gaming markets.

Growth Strategy and Studio Vision

According to the studio’s pitch, the investment will accelerate:

  • Team Expansion: Building a globally distributed, remote-first team. Maher’s sister, Martina Official, has already joined as Co-Creative Director.
  • Platform Expansion: Moving beyond mobile to PC and console with premium titles.
  • Market Reach: Targeting a growing MENA gamer base while crafting content with worldwide appeal.
  • Sustainable Growth: Leveraging idle and simulation genres alongside premium story-driven games to balance creative ambition with financial scalability.

A Saudi Hub for Gaming Innovation

Maher emphasized how Riyadh’s emerging role as a regional gaming hub shaped the company’s trajectory.

“Our studio is officially registered in Saudi Arabia, but we’ll operate remotely to tap into talent worldwide. We’re more ready than ever to deliver experiences players will love,” he noted.

Mentorship and support were instrumental in this journey. Maher recalls the words of Abdullah Altamami, CEO of Merak Capital: “Your studio is your kingdom.” For Maher, that philosophy now guides the next stage of growth.

With fresh capital, a clear strategy, and ambitious titles underway, Rojeh Maher’s studio is set to emerge as a leading indie developer from Egypt and the Middle East — with eyes firmly on the global stage.