Video game giant Scopely has announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Istanbul-based studio behind the hit mobile game "Pixel Flow!". Launched in late 2025, the hybrid casual puzzle game has already captivated over ten million players globally. This strategic investment underscores Scopely's commitment to partnering with innovative and rapidly growing game development teams.
A Meteoric Rise in Mobile Gaming
"Pixel Flow!" has achieved remarkable success in just months, securing a position as a top-20 grossing mobile game in the United States. The title is distinguished by its all-new game mechanic, an innovation in the puzzle category that has resonated deeply with its audience. Its rapid ascent makes it the only new casual game in the last year to break into the monthly top-grossing charts.
The game's design blends intuitive, accessible gameplay with layers of strategic depth driven by timing and anticipation. This hybrid casual model, incorporating both in-app purchases and ad-based elements, has proven commercially successful. The studio, founded by CEO Kübra Gündoğan and CTO Emre Çelik, has demonstrated a clear vision for creating distinctive experiences.
Scopely's Strategic Vision
Tim O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer at Scopely, praised the studio's creative approach, rapid iteration, and impressive early traction. He noted that the combination of creativity and immediate market success is exceptionally rare in the mobile gaming space. This acquisition aligns with Scopely's strategy of integrating world-class teams and franchises into its global operating system.
The partnership reinforces Scopely's position as one of the most active acquirers in the industry. It follows a period of significant momentum for the company, including the record-breaking success of "MONOPOLY GO!". By welcoming the "Pixel Flow!" team, Scopely continues to expand its portfolio and support the future of interactive entertainment.
Fostering Creative Independence
Studio CEO Kübra Gündoğan emphasized that the team's focus has always been on developing innovative and original games. She stated that strong positive feedback from players has been a key motivator for the approximately 20-person team. The partnership was affirmed by Scopely's confidence in their unique approach to hybrid-casual game-making and a shared passion for players.
Under the agreement, the founding team will continue to lead the studio from Istanbul, preserving its creative autonomy. Gündoğan highlighted that Scopely’s global scaling expertise will be instrumental in supporting their growth and future roadmap. This structure allows the studio to benefit from a larger ecosystem while continuing to build meaningful games for players.
A Milestone for the Turkish Gaming Industry
This transaction is being hailed as a significant success story for the burgeoning Turkish gaming sector. The studio will continue its operations in Istanbul, further cementing the city's reputation as a dynamic game development hub in the EMEA region. The deal represents one of the most notable achievements for a Turkish startup in recent years, signaling its growing influence.
Akın Babayiğit, Managing Director of early investor Arcadia Gaming Partners, described the studio's rapid rise as compelling. He praised the team for introducing a new casual mechanic through genuine innovation rather than simple iteration. This partnership provides a powerful platform for the team to continue its growth while preserving its creative spirit.
This acquisition marks a pivotal new chapter for both Scopely and the creators of "Pixel Flow!". The collaboration is poised to accelerate the game's global reach while maintaining the creative vision that made it a breakout success. Ultimately, the partnership enhances Scopely's portfolio and shines a global spotlight on the immense talent within Turkey's gaming ecosystem.