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The Turkish video game industry expects to reach $750 million in revenue by the end of 2025, after closing 2024 with a 20% growth and a total value of $695 million, according to sector representatives.
Gaming in Türkiye CEO Ozan Aydemir told AA that mobile games accounted for 54% of 2024’s revenue with $375 million, driven by high mobile device usage among young users.
He said the number of Turkish-made console and PC games increased by 133% compared to the previous year, as local studios expanded beyond mobile development.
"In 2024, the number of Turkish-made console and computer games increased by 133% compared to the previous year," Aydemir said, adding, "While the exact revenue for the first half of 2025 is not yet available, the increasing number of games released both independently and through platforms, and their success, indicate continued growth. Therefore, industry revenue is expected to approach $750 million in 2025."
According to Aydemir, the second half of 2024 saw a noticeable increase in new game studios in Türkiye. He attributed this to the widespread use of AI-powered design and coding tools, which reduced development costs and allowed small teams to build games more efficiently.
"AI tools have made it easier for small teams to handle processes like prototyping, visual production, and even in-game dialogue writing," he said. "In 2025, this trend is expected to evolve into full AI-supported production, known as the ‘AI-first game’ concept, and we may see early examples of this in Türkiye."
Aydemir emphasized that Türkiye remains one of the top three countries attracting investment in the video game sector across Europe and the Middle East since 2021. In 2024, the sector attracted $71.6 million in investment.
He identified the United States, Europe, and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region as the primary target markets. He noted that the Middle East offers significant opportunities due to cultural ties and a large mobile gaming base, while the US and Western Europe are highly competitive but lucrative markets.
"Türkiye has long moved beyond just producing games — it’s now exporting them," Aydemir said. "Video game exports are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in software and technology," he added.
Highlighting the advantages of Türkiye’s strong technical talent and storytelling abilities, Aydemir said that small teams can now produce globally successful games. "Investor interest remains highest in mobile games," he added, noting that, "Projects with the potential to reach markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa are closely followed by investors."
He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to build long-term brands and increase marketing and user acquisition investments early in development. "Many good game ideas risk failing due to lack of early support," he said.
"It’s vital to establish global publishing partnerships, take localization seriously, and plan for international markets from the outset," he added.
Tansu Kendirli, President of Oyunder (Game Designers, Developers, Producers and Publishers Association), also highlighted the importance of public incentives, particularly tax exemptions, in making the Turkish video game sector attractive to investors.
He noted that while incentives continue, their structure has been revised due to misuse. Kendirli said the gaming ecosystem has expanded rapidly with state support.
“Large, experienced companies are more appealing to investors than newer ones,” he explained. “Platform criteria from companies like Google and Apple often serve as indicators for investment quality.”
He pointed out that user acquisition costs have risen for smaller studios due to policy changes by these platforms, and while some companies performed well after 2022, acquisition activity has slowed. AI has since become a dominant force in gaming investment trends, improving performance in advertising, graphics, and code generation.
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