Saudi-based venture capital and asset management firm Impact46 has committed approximately USD 53 million (SAR 200 million) to Kammelna, a leading local gaming studio best known for digitizing the traditional card game Baloot.
The deal, announced on August 23, 2025, during the New Global Sports Conference (NGSC25) held alongside the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, underscores Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 drive to expand gaming as a key sector of economic diversification and cultural influence.
Founded in Dammam, Kammelna has brought Baloot to mobile screens, where it has garnered more than 6 million downloads and attracts over 1 million monthly active users. The studio now plans to accelerate its expansion strategy and broaden its portfolio of culturally inspired digital games.
“Kammelna delivers on every front — loyal users, high retention, smart monetization, and cultural equity. This deal is a turning point not just for Saudi gaming, but for what it means to invest in culturally grounded, scalable IP,” said Abdulaziz Al Omran, Founder and CEO of Impact46.
Bader Al Zamil, CEO of Kammelna, added: “Our cultural games deserve world-class digital experiences. Partnering with Impact46 marks an exciting new chapter for us to expand our reach and create even more games that carry the spirit of our culture to players everywhere.”
This investment reflects a broader national commitment, championed by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, to make gaming and esports a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s diversification agenda.
Kammelna’s success highlights the convergence of Saudi talent, capital, and culture in shaping a globally competitive gaming industry.
