The gaming industry has a track record of standing at the forefront of innovation, captivating audiences worldwide with immersive experiences that transcend traditional entertainment boundaries. From mobile puzzle games that challenge the mind to interactive luxury styling platforms that unleash creative flair, gaming has evolved into a dynamic universe where technology and imagination converge.
Join us as we explore this curated list of 10 cutting-edge European gaming startups on the brink of something big! These startups, all founded between 2020 and today, are revolutionizing how we play, connect, and immerse ourselves in virtual worlds. Fueled by innovation and backed by substantial funding, they’re charting new territories in the digital entertainment landscape. From enchanting puzzle adventures, adrenaline-pumping racing simulations, and game-changing football experiences to futuristic cyberpunk Battle Royales, get ready to be amazed!
Metacore Games: Located in Helsinki, Metacore is a rising star in the mobile games industry. Launched in 2020, they’ve quickly made their mark with their hit game Merge Mansion, entertaining over 40 million players worldwide. Since its foundation, Metacore has been able to secure €175 million with the mission to entertain through games, ads, events and online communities.
Drest: Based in London, Drest offers an interactive luxury styling game tailored for fashion enthusiasts. Founded in 2019, the innovative platform provided by Drest enables players to immerse themselves in the world of luxury styling within a virtual environment. With a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and self-expression, Drest has successfully secured €15 million in funding.
GOALS: Headquartered in Stockholm, Goals is a multiplayer football game primarily designed for PCs and consoles, offering gamers the opportunity to own in-game digital assets as they play. It reimagines the virtual football experience as a fair game that reflects the essence of football itself, rather than the football industry. Launched in 2021, the company has secured over €32 million providing football enthusiasts with a unique gaming experience.
Dream Games: Based in Istanbul, Dream Games is a mobile game development company with the mission to combine technology and creativity. They specialize in creating high-quality mobile puzzle games designed to be enjoyed for years, such as the famous game Royal Match. Established in 2019, they have secured a total funding amount of over €433 million to combine technology and creativity to develop high-quality mobile games.
Yahaha: Headquartered in Helsinki, Yahaha aims to democratize 3D metaverse game creation, empowering global creators to design and share games, fostering boundless creativity and community. Their accessible tools are reshaping game development, with total funding exceeding €112 million since their 2020 establishment. Yahaha, a series-A start-up, focuses on a user-generated platform for 3D experiences, offering a no-code tool for interactive content creation and a dedicated player platform.
F1 Arcade: Based in London, F1 Arcade is an immersive hospitality concept that offers the thrill, glitz, and excitement of Formula 1 racing to the general public with 60 full-motion racing simulators, two reaction games, enormous viewing displays, top-notch food and drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Established in 2021, they have secured €30 million to keep offering a unique social gaming experience.
Gunzilla Games: Based in Frankfurt, Gunzilla Games is an independent game developer with the mission of redefining AAA gaming. Breaking through technological barriers, Gunzilla aims to provide players with immersive and engaging gaming experiences, as demonstrated by their latest project, “Off The Grid (OTG),” a cyberpunk Battle Royale 2.0. Founded in 2020, they have secured over €65.5 million.
Immortal Game: Based in Paris, Immortal Game aims to revolutionize traditional board games with a play-and-earn, but free-to-play concept. Immortal Game introduces a new layer of strategy to one of the most played board games. Founded in 2021, Immortal Game has secured over €15.5 million innovating the world of chess, proving that classic can meet innovation.
Quell: Based in London, Quell provides a virtual fitness platform that offers a distinctive and immersive experience by blending intense workouts with gaming, enabling users to achieve their fitness goals. The startup utilizes resistance bands to assist players in getting fit as they progress through a virtual fitness world. Dubbed as a fusion of ‘Peloton meets gaming,’ Quell charges a monthly fee to ensure the continuous availability of fresh content. Established in 2020, the company has already raised over €11.5 million in funding.
Omeda Studios: Based in London, Omeda Studios specializes in developing cross-platform third-person multiplayer online battle arena games. With a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community, their debut release, “Predecessor,” has already cultivated an engaged audience of over 35,000 fans and has garnered well over 100,000 sign-ups prior to its official launch. Established in 2020, Omeda Studios has secured impressive funding of over €20.5 million
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
