Floaty Studio's Abdullah Salah: "Our roots are in Saudi Arabia, but our ambition has always been global"

Summary

Riyadh-based Floaty spent its early days proving it could build one game well. Now, with a $1 million round from Merak Capital behind it, the studio is betting Hero Squad shows it can build for years. We speak with founder Abdullah Salah about why execution matters more than chasing trends, what the investment actually changes day to day, and why he sees Saudi Arabia's gaming scene as a rising force rather than a passing trend. Salah emphasizes that Floaty's identity is deeply local, yet its design philosophy and market ambitions are inherently global. He argues that too many studios get distracted by industry fads, whereas Floaty stays focused on refining core gameplay and player engagement. The investment, he explains, provides more than just financial runway—it enables the team to expand, streamline production, and plan for long-term live operations. He also highlights how Saudi Arabia's gaming ecosystem has been strengthened by government initiatives and a growing pool of local talent, though he stresses that global success ultimately depends on shipping outstanding products. With Hero Squad, Floaty aims to demonstrate that Saudi developers can create original IP with worldwide appeal. This interview offers a snapshot of the region's gaming industry shifting from outsourcing to original development, which could inspire other studios across the Middle East. Salah's…