Turkish Mobile Gaming Giant Secures Major Funding to Expand Legacy

Mar 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM

A prominent mobile gaming company based in Turkey, Good Job Games, has successfully secured a significant $23 million seed funding round. This investment aims to bolster the company's efforts in establishing itself as a global entertainment powerhouse catering to players of all ages. Renowned for its hit games such as Zen Match, Wonder Blast, and Match Villains, Good Job Games boasts an impressive track record that made this substantial funding possible. The round was led by Menlo Ventures and Arcadia, marking the first venture from Babayigit’s new fund dedicated to mobile gaming. Despite being founded in 2017, the company maintained remarkable growth without external investment until now, thanks to its talented team and hypercasual game success.

Innovative Growth: Inside Good Job Games' Journey

Good Job Games, established in the vibrant city of Turkey, began its journey in 2017 with a vision to redefine the mobile gaming landscape. Founded by industry leaders Ilker Ilicali and Nazim Akmandil, the company initially thrived on bootstrapping, achieving astronomical success within just two years by becoming one of the top hypercasual game publishers globally, boasting over three billion downloads. In the enchanting world of match-3 games, their innovative title Match Villains emerged as a groundbreaking phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. With a team now exceeding 100 skilled developers, designers, and artists, Good Job Games continues to push boundaries, focusing on creativity, teamwork, and quality craftsmanship.

The decision to seek funding after eight years of independent success stems from the company's ambition to scale further in the highly competitive mobile gaming sector. As CEO Ilker Ilicali explained, the initial growth phase did not require external capital due to organic expansion supported by strong ideas and flawless execution. However, scaling within the expansive match-3 genre necessitates strategic partnerships and substantial investment. Investors like Menlo Ventures and Arcadia were chosen for their deep understanding of what constitutes a great game and their alignment with Good Job Games' product-first philosophy.

Exploring cutting-edge technologies, including AI, remains part of the company's ongoing experimentation. While not yet central to production, AI plays a supportive role in enhancing game development processes. The thriving Turkish gaming ecosystem, enriched by the early success of companies like Peak Games, contributes significantly to the availability of top-tier talent. This cultural foundation, combined with a generation immersed in Western entertainment, equips Turkish teams with a keen sense of what resonates globally.

Looking ahead, Good Job Games is committed to expanding the reach of Match Villains and continuing its legacy of creating genre-defining games with universal appeal.

From a journalistic perspective, Good Job Games’ story offers invaluable insights into the power of passion, strategic timing, and the importance of nurturing a culture centered around excellence and innovation. Their approach serves as a beacon for aspiring gaming startups, emphasizing the significance of proving oneself through smaller projects before venturing into larger-scale productions. By prioritizing product quality and fostering a collaborative environment, Good Job Games demonstrates how sustainable growth can be achieved even in highly competitive industries. This narrative inspires others to focus on foundational strengths while embracing opportunities for expansion at the right moment.