Pavel Sudakov, Alex Bogdanov, and Ivan Larionov have formed Studio42, a game company that is set out to create casual puzzle games with a hybrid monetization model.
The founders believe in the genius of simplicity, and that core principle guides everything they do, from gameplay to player interactions. The “42” symbolizes the simple answer to complex questions.
Image Credit: Studio42
Founders of Studio42
Alexandr Bogdanov, the CEO of Studio 42, was previously the CEO of Belka Games for seven years. Belka Games is one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, with offices in several cities and countries. Their portfolio includes hit games like Clockmaker, Roger That!, Bermuda Adventures, Solitaire Cruise, and many more.
Ivan Larionov, the COO and Co-Founder of Studio42, also worked in Belka Games as a Project Manager, Development Director, and finally, Head of Development.
Ivan shared his excitement on LinkedIn:
It’s been a while since I last shared anything about my work life! 🙂
As it happens, since January of this year, I am no longer working at Belka Games. Words can’t express how much this company and the incredible people in it have given me.
And since I love lists—why not make one? Over the years, I have:
✅ Grown from Project Manager to Head of Development
✅ Launched Solitaire Cruise—this project was like a first child. It was through it that I learned the ins and outs of mobile development and built a team that I still work with to this day
✅ Did the same for Bermuda Adventures and Roger That!
✅ Worked through every stage of development:
• Creating projects from scratch
• Bringing a project to a global launch
• Supporting and operating live projects
✅ Developed a modular development system
✅ And so much more!
But! This isn’t a post about nostalgia—because exciting new opportunities lie ahead.
Together with Alexandr Bogdanov and Pavel Sudakov, we’ve decided to launch our own studio—Studio42! We have the knowledge, experience, the best partners one could dream of, a strong team, and eyes burning with passion.
Right now, we’re working on a new project that will soon be released. And after that—another one. And another!
Pavel Sudakov, Co-founder and Producer of Studio42, served in Belka Games for 5 years as Head of R’n’D department.
Pavel also shared his thoughts on the new adventure:
When I was a kid, my father had a Zippo lighter with the inscription: “In a constantly changing world — we don’t.” Back then, this slogan seemed genius to me (and I still think it’s pretty good). But it really only fits Zippo. Because in today’s world, not changing means moving backward.
A similar change has happened in my (professional) life — after five amazing and eventful years filled with achievements, experiments, research, and releases, I have left Belka Games.
BUT! When one chapter of life ends, a new one begins. And I’m excited to announce that I’m starting a new, inspiring journey with Alexandr Bogdanov, Ivan Larionov, and our small but awesome tiger team at Studio 42!More details and announcements will be coming soon, but for now, I’ll just say this — we’re already making games.
Stay tuned for releases, follow our pages, check out our website, and I’ll wrap this up with another great slogan: “I’m part of the answer — 42.”
Finally, the official statement from the team on why they formed Studio42:
Because we missed the days of small, cozy teams — the kind where 15 people work side by side, turning bold ideas into real games fast, without getting lost in endless processes. And, of course, we wanted to create something new. On our own terms. No limits.
We’ve been creating games together for years and know that great games aren’t just about ideas — they’re about the people behind them.Alone, it’s just a feature. Together, it’s gameplay.
