Starting a games studio: from Türkiye to a global audience
Game genres and business models, the prototype and test loop, key metrics, working with a publisher or self-publishing, team and funding.
By Editorial Team
Türkiye has become one of the countries producing globally successful mobile game studios. Games appeal to founders because the market is global from day one and distribution is digital, but success usually takes many attempts.
Genres and business models
- Hyper-casual and hybrid-casual: quick to build, ad-funded; fast testing and acquisition cost are critical
- Casual and puzzle: a mix of in-app purchases and ads
- Mid-core and strategy: long-lived games with deep economies
- PC and console: one-off sales and add-on content
The prototype and test loop
- Turn ideas into prototypes fast.
- Measure interest with small-budget ad tests (click and install cost).
- Measure retention with early player data.
- Develop the winners, drop the rest.
This is the games-world version of MVP and growth hacking principles.
Key metrics
- Retention: share of players returning on day 1, 7 and 30
- Playtime and sessions
- Revenue per player (ARPDAU, LTV)
- Cost per install (CPI): LTV must exceed CPI
Publisher or self-publishing?
- Publisher: provides acquisition budget, data and experience in exchange for a revenue share.
- Self-publishing: all revenue stays with the studio but needs marketing budget and expertise.
Read revenue share, IP and term clauses in publishing deals carefully; see our IP guide.
Team and funding
A small, versatile team (design, engineering, art, data) is enough early on. Games-focused funds, publisher advances and angels are the main sources; see funding rounds.
Conclusion
Games entrepreneurship needs a culture of fast testing and data-driven decisions. Browse gaming startups on our sector page.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial or investment advice. Check official sources and consult professionals for current terms.
