Saudi Arabian gaming technology startup Qwacks has successfully secured $480,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by the investment firm Merak Capital. Founded in 2024 by Anas Alsahli and Abdulrahman Alfozan, the company is developing a unified platform to support the entire lifecycle of game creation and live operations. This investment marks a significant milestone for the nascent Saudi gametech sector, empowering a key player focused on building foundational developer tools.
Fostering a New Era of Game Creation
The investment arrives as Saudi Arabia's game development ecosystem undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from a consumer-focused market to a hub of production and creativity. This evolution has created a pressing demand for advanced infrastructure and developer-centric tools that can streamline complex processes. Local studios increasingly require homegrown technology platforms that enable them to build, test, and scale their projects with greater efficiency and precision.
An Integrated Suite of Developer Tools
At the core of Qwacks' strategy is a unified technology layer comprising three complementary products designed to address critical development challenges. The platform includes Flock, a scalable Backend-as-a-Service for online games; Protokite, an AI-enhanced playtesting system connecting developers with real players for feedback; and DataDuck, a market intelligence engine that helps studios validate ideas. This integrated approach aims to provide a comprehensive solution for modern game studios.
Fueling Technological Expansion and Growth
The newly acquired capital will be instrumental in accelerating the expansion of Qwacks' technology stack and enhancing its platform capabilities. The funding is earmarked for deepening product integrations and expanding the company's reach to a wider network of studios across Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Furthermore, these resources will bolster the company's operational capacity to meet the rising demand for locally developed gaming infrastructure.
A Shared Vision for the Kingdom's Gaming Future
Merak Capital's investment reflects strong confidence in Qwacks' potential to shape the future of the regional gaming industry. Abdulelah Alsharif, Vice President at Merak Capital, noted that Qwacks is addressing a clear gap in the ecosystem with a vision that aligns perfectly with the Kingdom's broader ambitions. The firm views this partnership as a meaningful step toward building the technical foundations necessary for local studios to thrive on a global stage.
Empowering Studios to Innovate Faster
For Qwacks' leadership, the partnership with Merak Capital is a pivotal moment that validates their mission to empower developers. Anas Alsahli, CEO and Co-founder, stated that the investment will significantly accelerate the development of their unified platform, bringing advanced tools to more studios. The company's ultimate goal is to provide technology that removes friction, shortens production cycles, and helps creative teams build better and more successful games.
This pre-seed funding round not only provides Qwacks with the necessary capital for growth but also signals a maturing domestic investment landscape for specialized technology ventures. As the company deploys its integrated suite of tools, it is poised to become a cornerstone of the regional game development infrastructure. The strategic partnership with Merak Capital positions Qwacks to play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of game creators in Saudi Arabia and beyond.