Barcelona-based mobile game developer Cheer Games has raised $4.5 million in pre-seed funding to support the development of new puzzle titles and the expansion of its team. The round was led by Makers Fund with participation from Play Ventures and a group of strategic angel investors. The funding will be used to grow the studio’s Barcelona headquarters and recruit additional global talent, with the goal of creating long-lasting puzzle game franchises rather than one-off mobile hits.
Leadership Team Brings Experience From Major Mobile Studios
Cheer Games was founded by former senior leaders from AppLovin’s Lion Studios. The studio’s founding team previously worked on successful mobile titles, including the puzzle game Hexa Sort. Cheer Games is led by CEO Emre Gercel, CPO Berkay Ozturk, CTO Ertan Ünver, and CMO Kutay Koralturk.
According to the studio, the team’s prior experience in product design, engineering, growth, and business development provides a solid foundation for building scalable intellectual property. CEO Emre Gercel emphasized that the team aims to create durable franchises and develop a studio that can operate successfully over the long term, leveraging both its Barcelona base and its members’ Turkish roots to drive innovation and collaboration.
Focus on Building Sustainable Puzzle Games
Cheer Games operates with a current team of 11 people but plans to expand its roster to support the development of upcoming puzzle titles. The studio is positioning itself to compete in the mobile gaming market by emphasizing franchise-driven puzzle games and long-term intellectual property, moving away from short-term mobile releases that dominate the industry.
The company aims to leverage its founding team’s experience to produce games that can grow into recognizable franchises. By combining its leadership’s knowledge of successful mobile mechanics with a global hiring strategy, Cheer Games intends to establish itself as a developer capable of delivering engaging, long-term puzzle experiences to mobile audiences worldwide.
Global Expansion and Studio Growth
The new funding will also be used to expand Cheer Games’ physical presence in Barcelona. The studio sees the city as a strategic location to attract international talent and maintain a collaborative work environment. With additional hires, the studio plans to accelerate its development pipeline and increase the scope of its upcoming puzzle titles.
Cheer Games’ approach reflects a broader trend in mobile gaming, where studios are increasingly prioritizing sustainable franchises over single-hit releases. The studio is positioning itself to become a player in the global puzzle game market, building intellectual property that can be scaled and maintained over multiple game releases.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cheer Games?
Cheer Games is a Barcelona-based mobile game studio founded by former leaders of AppLovin’s Lion Studios. The studio focuses on developing puzzle games and building long-term franchises.
How much funding did Cheer Games raise?
The studio raised $4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Makers Fund, with participation from Play Ventures and angel investors.
What will the funding be used for?
The funding will support the development of new puzzle games, expansion of the Barcelona headquarters, and hiring of additional global talent.
Who is leading Cheer Games?
The studio is led by CEO Emre Gercel, CPO Berkay Ozturk, CTO Ertan Ünver, and CMO Kutay Koralturk, all of whom have prior experience with successful mobile game titles.
What is Cheer Games’ strategy for growth?
The studio focuses on creating long-term puzzle game franchises and scalable intellectual property rather than short-term mobile hits, leveraging both experienced leadership and international talent.
Where is Cheer Games based?
Cheer Games is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with plans to expand its local and global team.
