Mobile gaming company Scopely has acquired a majority ownership stake in Loom Games, the Istanbul-based developer of the popular mobile title Pixel Flow. The deal values Loom Games at over $1 billion, marking a significant achievement for a Turkish startup in the global gaming market. This move signals Scopely's intent to expand its reach and tap into the growing talent pool in Turkey.
Growing Pains and Global Ambitions
Loom Games, a studio with approximately 20 employees, recently launched its debut hybrid-casual puzzle game, Pixel Flow. In a short period, the game has achieved considerable success, surpassing ten million players worldwide and climbing the top-grossing charts. This rapid traction caught the attention of Scopely, a company known for scaling mobile game franchises.
Loom Games' rapid ascent: Pixel Flow launched only a few months prior to the acquisition and quickly gained a large player base.
Scopely's strategic goal: The company aims to integrate world-class teams and game franchises into its operational framework.
Deal Dynamics and Valuations
The exact financial terms of the majority stake acquisition have not been disclosed. However, multiple reports indicate the deal values Loom Games at over $1 billion. This valuation positions Loom Games as a "unicorn" – a private company valued at $1 billion or more. The acquisition follows Loom Games' seed funding round which included investors like Arcadia Gaming Partners and e2vc. For early investors such as Arcadia Gaming Partners, this transaction represents a swift and profitable exit.
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"We are proud to be one of few gaming companies in Türkiye to achieve such an impressive outcome with this deal – a milestone that reflects not only our team's dedication, but also the strength and global potential of the Turkish gaming ecosystem." - Loom Games CEO
Strategic Fit and Future Prospects
Both companies have expressed optimism about the partnership. Loom Games believes Scopely's experience in developing and scaling products, combined with a shared passion for games, will help them grow while maintaining their creative independence. Scopely, in turn, views Loom Games' team as possessing a rare combination of creativity, adaptability, and market appeal.
Creative Autonomy: Loom Games anticipates continuing to build games with a focus on player engagement, benefiting from Scopely's global scaling expertise.
Market Expansion: The acquisition bolsters Scopely's presence in Turkey, a region increasingly recognized for its skilled game development talent and success in casual and hybrid-casual game formats.
"The combination of creativity, willingness to iterate, and immediate traction in the mobile game space is extremely rare and impressive, and we believe this team has a bright future ahead." - Tim O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer and Board Member, Scopely
Echoes of Growth in Turkish Gaming
The deal highlights the burgeoning success of the Turkish gaming industry. Industry observers note that Turkey's expanding talent base and proven track record in mobile game development are drawing significant international interest and investment. Loom Games' rapid rise is seen as a notable success story within this dynamic sector.
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Evidence Review
The information presented is drawn from multiple industry news outlets. Key facts and figures are consistently reported across these sources, establishing a clear narrative of the acquisition.
Acquirer: Scopely
Acquired: Loom Games (developer of Pixel Flow)
Location of Loom Games: Istanbul, Turkey
Valuation: Over $1 billion
Key Personnel Statements: Positive outlook and mutual strategic alignment.
Previous Funding: Seed round with Arcadia Gaming Partners and e2vc.
Expert Commentary
While direct expert analysis outside of company statements is limited in the provided data, the consistent reporting across reputable sources like GamesIndustry.biz, PR Newswire, The Financial Times, The Hollywood Reporter, PocketGamer.biz, Mobile Marketing Reads, and tech.eu underscores the significance of the event within the gaming industry. The repeated emphasis on Loom Games' rapid growth and market traction, coupled with Scopely's stated strategy of acquiring high-performing studios, provides a clear context for the deal.
Conclusion
Scopely's acquisition of a majority stake in Loom Games at a $1 billion-plus valuation represents a significant development for both companies and the Turkish gaming ecosystem. The deal underscores Loom Games' impressive performance with Pixel Flow and aligns with Scopely's strategic expansion into key global talent markets. The emphasis on maintaining creative autonomy suggests a partnership model aimed at fostering continued innovation. The transaction further solidifies Turkey's position as a vital hub for mobile game development.
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Sources Used:
GamesIndustry.biz: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/scopely-acquires-pixel-flow-developer-loom-games
Context: Provides a detailed overview of the acquisition, including quotes from both companies and insights into the Turkish gaming market.
PR Newswire: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scopely-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-breakout-mobile-game-pixel-flow-and-the-development-team-behind-it-302692154.html
Context: Official press release detailing the agreement, highlighting Scopely's confidence in Loom Games and the strategic importance of Turkey.
The Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/9503eaad-3a0a-430c-9e4a-c1c4a4889362
Context: Reports on the financial aspect of the deal, mentioning the $1bn valuation. (Note: Full access requires subscription).
The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/scopely-pixel-flow-studio-deal-istanbul-1236508557/
Context: Covers the business and strategic implications of the acquisition, including quotes about Loom's growth and future potential.
PocketGamer.biz: https://www.pocketgamer.biz/scopely-acquires-majority-stake-in-istanbuls-pixel-flow-developer-loom-games/
Context: Provides details on the majority stake acquisition, Loom's debut title, and previous funding rounds.
Mobile Marketing Reads: https://mobilemarketingreads.com/scopely-takes-majority-stake-in-loom-games-at-1-billion-plus-valuation/
Context: Focuses on the valuation and Scopely's expansion strategy within the Turkish market.
tech.eu: https://tech.eu/2026/02/19/scopely-takes-majority-stake-in-pixel-flow-at-1b-valuation/
Context: Reports on the valuation and Scopely's strategy of partnering with high-performing studios globally.
