Barcelona-based mobile game developer Cheer Games has secured $4.5 million in pre-seed funding to fuel development of new puzzle titles and grow its team. Makers Fund led the round, with Play Ventures and several strategic angel investors joining. The capital will go toward expanding the studio's Barcelona headquarters and bringing in talent from around the world, all in service of building puzzle game franchises designed to last years, not just chase viral moments.
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Leadership Team Brings Experience From Major Mobile Studios
The studio was founded by former senior leaders from AppLovin's Lion Studios. That team previously shipped successful mobile titles, including the puzzle game Hexa Sort. Cheer Games is helmed by CEO Emre Gercel, CPO Berkay Ozturk, CTO Ertan Ünver, and CMO Kutay Koralturk.
The founding team's background spans product design, engineering, growth, and business development — experience the studio believes gives it a foundation for building scalable intellectual property. CEO Emre Gercel stated the team's goal is creating franchises that endure and developing a studio built for the long haul, drawing on both its Barcelona location and the founders' Turkish heritage to drive innovation and collaboration.
Focus on Building Sustainable Puzzle Games
Cheer Games currently operates with 11 people but plans to expand its roster to support upcoming puzzle titles. The studio is positioning itself to compete in mobile gaming by emphasizing franchise-driven puzzle games and long-term intellectual property, stepping away from the short-term mobile releases that flood the market.
The company intends to use its founding team's knowledge to produce games that can grow into recognizable franchises. By pairing its leadership's understanding of successful mobile mechanics with a global hiring strategy, the studio aims 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 expand Cheer Games' physical presence in Barcelona. The studio views 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.
The studio's approach reflects a broader trend in mobile gaming, where developers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable franchises over single-hit releases. Cheer Games is positioning itself to become a player in the global puzzle game market, building intellectual property that can be scaled and maintained across multiple game releases.
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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.
