Bigger Oyun Yazılım ve Pazarlama A.Ş. (Bigger Games)

Building Emotion Engines for Casual Gamers

Bigger Games is an Istanbul-based mobile gaming studio with a mission to create games that are remembered forever. Founded in 2019 by former Peak Games veterans Hakan Ulvan, Erkan Gürel, and Yankı Yağız Akpek, the company focuses on high-quality casual puzzle games. With their breakout hit *Kitchen Masters* and a portfolio that has amassed over 110 million downloads, Bigger Games doesn't just want to entertain; they aim to build "emotion engines" that connect and empower players globally. Following a $25 million Series A round in June 2025, the studio is rapidly expanding its team to scale its titles to new markets.

A Culture of Passion and Perfection

At Bigger Games, the culture is deeply rooted in the belief that "fun is a feeling." The team operates with a relentless focus on execution, obsessing over every detail to deliver the best possible player experience. The founders' background at Peak Games (creators of *Toy Blast* and *Toon Blast*) heavily influences their approach: combining art, technology, and emotional design. Employees describe a dynamic, fast-paced environment where creativity meets data-driven decision-making. The studio values collaboration and hands-on problem solving, ensuring that every feature built directly impacts millions of users.

What You'll Actually Do

Whether you're an engineer, artist, or product manager, your work at Bigger Games revolves around creating joy. Engineers tackle the challenges of scaling backend systems for millions of concurrent players or optimizing game engines for smooth mobile performance. Artists and animators bring vibrant, engaging characters (like the confident Master Chef) and environments to life. Product and marketing teams analyze user behavior and craft strategies to acquire and retain players. The environment is highly iterative—you will prototype, test, and refine features constantly based on real-world player feedback.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific salary figures for Bigger Games are not widely publicized, compensation in the Turkish gaming sector typically balances base pay with performance bonuses tied to game success. As a well-funded Series A startup backed by prominent investors like Index Ventures and Goodwater Capital, Bigger Games is positioned to offer competitive packages relative to the local market. The primary benefit is the opportunity to work alongside industry veterans in a well-resourced studio, contributing to titles with massive global reach.

The Interview Process

The interview process at Bigger Games is rigorous, reflecting their commitment to hiring top-tier talent. Candidates can expect a multi-stage process starting with an initial HR screening to assess cultural fit and passion for gaming. This is usually followed by a technical or portfolio review—engineers may face coding challenges and system design discussions, while artists will present their portfolios and potentially complete a take-home art test. The final rounds typically involve deep-dive interviews with the founders and core team members, focusing on problem-solving abilities and alignment with the studio's "emotion engine" philosophy. Notably, candidates should be prepared to discuss their willingness to work onsite in Istanbul.

Why Join / Why Not

Why Join: If you are passionate about mobile gaming and want to learn from founders who have already built massive hits at Peak Games, Bigger Games is an incredible launchpad. The recent $25 million funding provides stability and resources, while the scale of their games (110M+ downloads) means your work will have immediate, widespread impact. It's a place for craftspeople who care deeply about the nuances of player experience.

Why Not: The studio operates on a strict onsite model in Istanbul, which is a dealbreaker for those seeking remote or hybrid flexibility. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of mobile game development can be demanding, requiring resilience and adaptability as projects pivot based on market data. If you prefer building hardcore AAA titles over casual puzzle games, this might not be the right fit.