Super Banana Studios: A New Casual Puzzle Venture Backed by Griffin Gaming Partners
In an exciting development for the gaming industry, Griffin Gaming Partners, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms dedicated to gaming, has announced its support for Super Banana Studios, a new game studio founded by industry veterans Danil Moskovoy and Nikolay Ternovoy. With decades of combined experience at top gaming companies like Zeptolab, Voodoo, Tripledot, Popcore, and Playrix, the duo is now embarking on a bold mission to redefine the casual puzzle genre. Their approach? Build fast, smart, and with purpose.
Super Banana Studios is setting out to tackle overlooked yet high-potential segments of the casual gaming market, such as high-retention puzzles and innovative hybrid monetization models. By combining player-first design with data-driven strategies, the studio aims to create games that not only captivate but also endure. With a lean team, rapid feedback loops, and a disciplined production framework, Super Banana plans to launch multiple original titles each year while actively expanding its talent pool.
Why Super Banana Studios Stands Out
The casual puzzle genre may seem saturated, but Danil Moskovoy, CEO & Co-Founder of Super Banana, sees untapped potential. “Casual puzzle games are full of white space if you know where to look,” he explained. “We’ve seen what works, and more importantly, we’ve seen what hasn’t. This studio is our chance to take that knowledge and go deeper—not just launching games, but scaling ones that can actually stick. We’ve launched and operated some of the biggest games out there, and we can do it again—but better.”
For Nikolay Ternovoy, CPO & Co-Founder, the focus is on delivering lasting value to players. “With the best games, five-minute sessions turn into years of joy, so fun is our north star,” he stated. “We’re out to erase the trade-off between retention and monetization, delivering scalable puzzle experiences players return to long after the trends move on.”
This philosophy underscores Super Banana’s commitment to creating games that resonate deeply with audiences. By blending proven mechanics with fresh innovations, the studio aims to deliver titles that stand the test of time.
Griffin Gaming Partners’ Vote of Confidence
Griffin Gaming Partners’ decision to back Super Banana from inception reflects their belief in both the team and their vision. According to Ibrahim Hafeez, Investor at Griffin Gaming Partners, “Danil and Nikolay are operators in the truest sense. They know how to ship, how to scale, and how to spot underutilized mechanics with breakout potential. What they’re building with Super Banana is more than a studio—it’s a system for finding the next generation of casual hits.”
Griffin’s investment highlights the growing importance of operational excellence and strategic innovation in the gaming sector. As the casual puzzle genre continues to evolve, studios like Super Banana are poised to lead the charge by prioritizing player delight, operational rigor, and smart experimentation.
A Data-Driven Approach to Game Development
Super Banana’s success hinges on its ability to leverage data effectively. The studio employs a rigorous framework that emphasizes quick iteration, player feedback, and market validation. By focusing on sorting mechanics, hybrid in-app purchase (IAP) and in-app advertising (IAA) economies, and reinventing market-tested concepts, Super Banana is positioning itself at the forefront of casual gaming innovation.
One of the studio’s key differentiators is its emphasis on hybrid monetization models. These models combine traditional in-app purchases with ad-based revenue streams, creating a balanced ecosystem that maximizes player engagement without compromising the user experience. This approach addresses a common challenge in the casual gaming space: striking the right balance between retention and monetization.
Building for the Future
Super Banana is already hard at work prototyping its first batch of games. Each project is meticulously crafted to meet the studio’s high standards for quality, innovation, and scalability. The team’s lean structure allows for agility and adaptability, ensuring that every title benefits from constant refinement and optimization.
As the studio grows, it is actively seeking talented individuals who share its passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences. From developers and designers to marketers and analysts, Super Banana is assembling a diverse team capable of bringing its ambitious vision to life.
Why Casual Puzzle Games Matter
The casual puzzle genre remains one of the most popular and accessible categories in gaming, appealing to players of all ages and backgrounds. However, standing out in this crowded space requires more than just creativity—it demands a deep understanding of player behavior, market trends, and technological advancements.
Super Banana’s founders bring precisely this combination of expertise and insight to the table. Having worked on some of the biggest hits in the industry, they understand what drives long-term success. Their goal is not merely to create games that entertain but to craft experiences that foster meaningful connections with players.
