Soloband Games, a Cyprus-based mobile game studio, has secured a Series A investment from Zubr Capital, marking a new phase of growth for the company as it looks to scale its flagship title World Tour Merge.
The game operates in the growing Merge 2 genre, combining casual puzzle mechanics with a narrative-driven experience. It follows the story of Ellie and her dog Max as they travel across different countries, unlocking new locations, characters, and story elements designed to keep players engaged over time.
Since launch, World Tour Merge has crossed 1 million downloads and holds a 4.8 user rating, reflecting strong early traction. The title blends familiar merge gameplay with progression systems that allow for future content expansion and potential franchise development.
The studio is backed by a 25-member team with experience across companies such as Playrix and Melsoft, bringing expertise in game design, live operations, and scaling. It has also received early support from industry figures, including former Melsoft executives.
Aleksandr Kislitsyn, CEO of Soloband Games, said the company has been focused on building modern, high-quality games that feel intuitive and familiar to players since 2024. He added: “This marks a pivotal moment for our product and the people behind it, as the investment will enable Soloband Games to scale World Tour Merge further, expand in-game content, and enhance its monetisation and retention strategies.”
Zubr Capital’s investment is based on the team’s experience, the game’s market performance, and its position within a fast-growing segment of the mobile gaming market. The Merge 2 category continues to see rising engagement and revenue, creating opportunities for studios with scalable products.
The funding will be used to expand in-game content, improve monetisation systems, and increase user acquisition efforts as the company targets a broader global audience. Soloband Games also plans to further optimise its live operations to support long-term growth.
Further reading:
