From Belka Games to Studio42: The Creative Journey of a New Game Development Powerhouse

Creators from the Cypriot studio Belka Games have formed a new original collective called Studio42.

According to PocketGamer, former Belka CEO Alexandr Bogdanov has co-founded this new venture alongside former construction chief Ivan Larionov and ex-R&D director Pavel Sudakov. Larionov is likely to serve as Studio42’s COO, while Sudakov will assume the role of producer.

Although Studio42 was set up in 2024, the trio appears to have only recently committed to it full-time, as both Larionov and Sudakov indicated in their LinkedIn updates that they departed from Belka during January.

A Mobile Puzzle Focus for Studio42

The team will focus on developing puzzle games for the mobile sector, and Larionov has stated that their initial project will commence “Soon. And after that, another one. And another. We possess the knowledge, expertise, the finest partners imaginable, a strong team, and our eyes lighted with enthusiasm.”

Studio42’s website showcases artwork for three gaming projects. However, none have links to a retail page, with only one appearing to have a true title: Purrfect!

In a separate communication, Studio42 informed PocketGamer that it aims to create “something innovative, on our own terms, without restrictions. We long for the days of small, intimate teams—the kind where 15 individuals collaborate closely, transforming bold concepts into real games swiftly, without getting lost in endless procedures.”

Belka Games is best known for its array of casual games, such as Clockmaker and Bermuda Adventures. In the spring of 2024, it laid off 33 employees across various departments, including narrative and stage design.

None of the three co-founders of Studio42 were affected at that time. As the then-CEO, Bogdanov stated that the studio would concentrate on creating original hits and “preparing for the next phase of growth.”

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