Turkish mobile game studio Circle Games has announced it has raised $7.25 million in a Seed Round led by BITKRAFT Ventures, with participation from a16z speedrun, Play Ventures, APY Ventures, and e2vc.
Founded by a team with deep experience at Turkey’s top mobile studios — including Gram Games, Dream Games, and Good Job Games — Circle Games is on a mission to deliver premium experiences in the casual puzzle genre.
The fresh capital will be used to scale the studio’s debut title, “Sort Express,” which is currently under development and set for a global rollout. The company also plans to launch new puzzle titles and grow beyond its current 12-person team.
“We want to double down on our talent and scale our first title,” said CEO Göktürk Balıkcı. “Players today expect better visuals and UX, because the casual puzzle space is more competitive than ever. We’re focused on delivering skill-based gameplay and innovating in the later stages of the game to boost long-term retention.”
Leveraging Turkey’s proven track record of high-performing puzzle hits, Circle Games aims to use its local expertise and deep player insights to stand out in a saturated market. The studio’s game design strategy includes introducing new mechanics during mid-to-late game stages to keep players engaged far beyond the initial levels.
Jasper Brand, Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, commented:
“Circle Games is one of the most promising studios we’ve seen at seed stage. They combine deep domain expertise, fast development cycles, and a strong grasp of how to succeed in today’s mobile gaming market. With innovative progression systems, dynamic difficulty, and a smart playable ads strategy, Circle Games has the ingredients to become Turkey’s next breakout name in casual gaming.”
