The gaming industry thrives not just on technical expertise and creativity but on a deep understanding of markets, players, and the trends shaping the future.
Building a successful, sustainable game studio or gaming technology startup demands a bold vision fused with technical prowess and business acumen. Yet, for early-stage game developers and entrepreneurs, this journey is fraught with challenges.
Enter Lorien Accelerator, a groundbreaking program launching from Istanbul to empower the global gaming ecosystem.
Lorien Accelerator goes beyond game development, equipping entrepreneurs to build sustainable business models.
Through an intensive 12-week program, it bridges the gap between creativity and business growth, helping game studios and gametech startups scale rapidly and compete on the international stage.
Designed by a team of industry veterans and passionate gamers, Lorien aspires to be “the Y Combinator of gaming,” welcoming PC, console, and XR-focused startups not only from Turkiye but from across the globe.
From Turkiye to the World: A Fresh Force in Gaming
Turkiye has captured global attention in recent years with standout successes in mobile gaming.
Peak Games’ $1.8 billion sale to Zynga in 2020, Dream Games’ $1 billion valuation, and Spyke Games’ $55 million raise in its first year underscore the nation’s potential.
Yet, the gaming industry extends far beyond mobile. Global data reveals that in 2023, the PC and console segment grew at a CAGR of 8.4%, reaching a $94 billion market, while mobile gaming saw a 2.1% contraction. With the total gaming market projected to hit $534.93 billion by 2030, opportunities in PC, console, and XR have never been more vital.
Lorien Accelerator seizes this shift, introducing a first-of-its-kind program in Turkiye and beyond: a dedicated accelerator for PC, console, and XR gaming startups.
Moving past the mobile-dominated landscape, Lorien Accelerator addresses the gap in investors and accelerators for these segments. Rather than focusing on single-game development, it fosters scalable studios and gametech ventures ready to compete globally.
Leveraging Istanbul’s rise as a gaming talent hub, Lorien Accelerator program welcomes applications worldwide, connecting entrepreneurs to the international ecosystem.
What Lorien Accelerator Offers
Lorien Accelerator’s 12-week program provides a tailored roadmap for seed-stage game studios and gametech startups. Participants gain one-on-one mentorship from industry luminaries, connect with global publishers and investors, and access tools to shape the future of gaming.
Mentorship from Industry Titans: Mentors from gaming giants like Disney, Blizzard, Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Crytek guide participants throughout the program.
Standout mentors include
- Paul Limon, creator of Diablo 2’s iconic Tyrael and a key figure in World of Warcraft and Starcraft’s storytelling
- Dr. Fasih Sayın, a Crytek veteran narrative designer
- Assoc. Prof. Güven Çatak, Head of Game Design at Bahçeşehir University
- Kayra Keri Küpçü, founder of FRP Net.
- The roster also features Safa Sofuoğlu, former CTO of Peak Games, and Alper Mat, its former Operations Lead.
Opportunities for Accepted Startups:
- In-Depth Training: Masterclasses and mentorship sessions cover game design and development, revenue models, publishing, game economics, global startup and gaming law, financial management, and investment processes.
- Investor and Publisher Network: Throughout the program and at Demo Day, founders connect directly with venture capitalists, angel investors, and publishers from Silicon Valley, Europe, and Turkiye.
- End-to-End Support: From technical guidance with global mentors to AWS Cloud Credits, legal counsel, and company formation with office space at Bilişim Vadisi, Lorien offers a comprehensive support package to help teams build and grow on solid ground.
- Global Partner Network: Collaborating with giants like Amazon, Microsoft, APY Tekmer, and Digiage, Lorien creates an inclusive gaming entrepreneurship ecosystem, offering a springboard to both local and global opportunities.
- Personalized Experience: Working with small, focused cohorts—capped at 10 startups per cycle—Lorien tailors each journey to the unique needs of its teams, ensuring deep, impactful support.
Lorien’s Edge: A Gaming-Specific Vision
Lorien Accelerator transcends traditional accelerators with a model crafted for the gaming industry. It bridges the gap to mentors, investors, and publishers—resources often out of reach for Turkish entrepreneurs—while standing out with five key differentiators:
- Focus on PC, Console, and XR: A specialized approach for teams in these high-growth segments, unlike mobile-centric programs.
- Scalable Studios: Aiming to build globally competitive companies, not just individual games.
- Expert Mentorship: Leaders blending academic insight with real-world experience.
- Global Reach: Support to break into international markets beyond Turkiye.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with tech giants, investors, and publisher unlock unparalleled resources.
Lorien’s Substack publication, Lorien Accelerator, brims with content reflecting this vision. In “Why Lorien Exists,” the team writes:
“Great games aren’t just born from creativity or technical skill—they come from understanding markets, players, and societal shifts. We show entrepreneurs the bigger picture and stand by them to turn their dreams into reality.”
The Founding Team: Passion Meets Expertise
Lorien’s founders are lifelong gamers and seasoned professionals who’ve played, analyzed, built, and invested in PC, console, and XR games:
- Dilara Keçeci (Co-Founder & CEO): Co-founder and former CEO of Teleporter VR, Keçeci brings over a decade of experience in gaming and tech. Named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40, she secured significant Silicon Valley and Turkish investment for XR innovations, excelling in team-building, game design, and global growth strategies.
- Can Akpınar (Co-Founder & COO): An expert in startup and gaming law, Akpınar’s deep knowledge of development, partnerships, and operations helps startups build sustainable models from day one.
- Dr. Cüneyt Devrim (Co-Founder): A strategist and angel investor with expertise in advertising, web3, and data analytics, Devrim has guided brands and gaming firms to global success.
- Dr. Serhat Akkılıç (Advisory Partner): A communications and tech leader with decades of experience, Akkılıç leverages his AI expertise to help startups excel in marketing, growth, and investment.
Apply Now!
Lorien Accelerator has opened applications for its inaugural cohort. Held just twice a year with limited spots, this is a rare chance for game-changers. The deadline is March 9, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
For inquiries, contact [email protected]. Follow Lorien’s journey on Substack.
