Top 30 MENA Game Makers 2025
SOFTOGRAPHY
- Spades Masters
- Tarneeb Masters
YallaPlay has carved out a distinct niche in MENA’s games industry by focusing on timeless card games powered by cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2015, the studio built its own proprietary engine to support real-time multiplayer gameplay and complex monetisation, a foundation that has enabled it to grow lean and scale sustainably.
Its first title, Tarneeb Masters, became a hit with over three million users across iOS and Android, while its follow-up Spades Masters has gained traction globally, particularly in the US market. Originally launched with MiniClip, Spades Masters has since generated millions in revenue and is now being scaled further under YallaPlay’s own publishing.
The company’s journey has spanned continents, beginning in Austin, expanding to Brazil, and ultimately establishing its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. At its peak, YallaPlay employed around 40 staff, blending in-office and remote talent. By self-publishing and retaining ownership of its IP, the studio has remained agile and insulated from external publisher pressures, allowing it to pursue a long-term strategy built around what it calls “forever games”.
Artificial intelligence sits at the core of YallaPlay’s approach. From smart matchmaking and adaptive difficulty to optimised in-game economies, AI drives player engagement and ensures robust retention. The studio’s proprietary systems leverage data from billions of game cycles to continually refine performance and monetisation. Beyond gaming, YallaPlay is also exploring innovative applications of its expertise with projects such as an AI Tutor, merging educational value with the studio’s knowledge of gameplay systems.
Backed by multiple rounds of venture capital funding, YallaPlay is poised to expand its catalogue with more real-time card games while pushing into international markets. Its combination of cultural resonance, AI-driven design, and sustainable operations has positioned it as one of the most innovative mobile publishers to emerge from the MENA region.
