Scopely Acquires Majority Stake in Turkish Puzzle Studio Loom for $1B+

Mobile gaming company Scopely has acquired a majority stake in Istanbul-based game studio Loom, the maker of the popular puzzle game Pixel Flow, in a deal that values the Turkish startup at over $1 billion, according to sources familiar with the transaction.

Loom, founded in Istanbul, has gained significant traction with its puzzle game Pixel Flow, which has attracted millions of players worldwide. The acquisition represents a major milestone for the Turkish gaming industry, as Loom becomes one of the latest local startups to achieve unicorn status through a strategic acquisition.

"It's been a privilege to have a front row seat to the team's rapid growth and success and see them become the latest Turkish startup to reach this milestone," said a source familiar with the deal. The acquisition underscores the growing importance of mobile gaming and the increasing global interest in Turkish game development talent.

The deal comes as Scopely continues to expand its portfolio of mobile games and strengthen its position in the competitive mobile gaming market. The company has been actively acquiring studios and games to diversify its offerings and capitalize on the growing demand for mobile entertainment.

Pixel Flow, Loom's flagship title, has been praised for its innovative puzzle mechanics and engaging gameplay. The game's success has helped establish Loom as a rising star in the mobile gaming industry, attracting attention from major players in the sector.

This acquisition follows a trend of increased investment in gaming companies, particularly those with strong mobile presence and proven track records of user engagement. The mobile gaming market continues to grow rapidly, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and changing consumer entertainment preferences.

The deal also highlights the global nature of the gaming industry, with companies from different regions seeking to expand their reach and capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Turkish game developers have been gaining recognition for their creativity and technical expertise, making them attractive targets for international gaming companies.

Industry analysts note that the acquisition of Loom could provide Scopely with access to new talent pools, innovative game development approaches, and potentially new markets in the Middle East and Europe. The integration of Loom's team and technology could also accelerate Scopely's product development pipeline.

For Loom, the acquisition represents a significant validation of its business model and product development capabilities. The company's founders and team members are expected to remain involved in the business, ensuring continuity in the development of Pixel Flow and future projects.

The mobile gaming sector has seen several high-profile acquisitions in recent years, as larger companies seek to consolidate their market positions and acquire promising new titles and development teams. This trend is expected to continue as the market matures and competition intensifies.

Scopely's acquisition of Loom adds to its growing portfolio of mobile games and strengthens its position in the puzzle game category, which remains one of the most popular genres in mobile gaming. The company's strategy appears focused on building a diverse portfolio of games that appeal to different player demographics and preferences.

The deal is expected to close in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but sources indicate that the valuation reflects Loom's strong growth trajectory and the potential of its game portfolio.

This acquisition represents another success story for the Turkish startup ecosystem, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. The country has produced several notable tech companies that have achieved significant valuations through acquisitions or public offerings.

As the mobile gaming industry continues to evolve, strategic acquisitions like this one are likely to become more common as companies seek to stay competitive and capitalize on emerging trends and technologies in the space.