Krafton Expands Deeply into India’s Gaming and Esports Market
Gaming has become an integral part of Indian youth culture, with the country boasting a massive and growing gaming community. In this ever-evolving landscape, South Korean gaming giant Krafton has been making significant inroads, expanding its footprint in India through strategic investments, incubators, and collaborations with state governments. The company, best known for its popular battle royale game PUBG, is not only nurturing Indian gaming talent and startups but also diversifying its portfolio into cricket gaming and indie titles, while supporting Esports development across the country.
Krafton’s Indian Journey
Krafton’s entry into the Indian gaming market began in 2020 when the company launched its first mobile game, PUBG Mobile, in the country. The game’s massive success prompted Krafton to establish a dedicated Indian office, which serves as the company’s hub for all gaming-related activities in the country. This move marked the beginning of Krafton’s deep dive into the Indian gaming market, with the company keen to tap into the country’s vast gaming talent pool and capitalise on its growing Esports landscape.
KIGI: Krafton’s Indian Gaming Incubator
In 2022, Krafton launched its Indian gaming incubator, KIGI (Krafton India Gaming Incubator), aimed at supporting Indian gaming startups and helping them grow into global players. KIGI provides a range of services, including mentorship, funding, and access to Krafton’s global network of gaming experts. The incubator has already attracted several startups, which are working on innovative gaming concepts, including cricket games, mobile games, and PC titles.
Cricket Gaming: Krafton’s New Frontier
Krafton has also made a significant foray into cricket gaming, a popular genre in India. The company has partnered with Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar to develop a cricket game, which is set to be released later this year. This move is seen as a strategic attempt by Krafton to tap into India’s passion for cricket, which is not only a popular sport but also a massive cultural phenomenon.
Indie Titles: Krafton’s New Focus
In addition to its foray into cricket gaming, Krafton has also expressed its interest in indie titles, which are smaller, independent games developed by small teams or solo developers. The company has launched a dedicated program to support indie game developers in India, providing them with funding, mentorship, and resources to help them create innovative and engaging games.
Esports Development in India
Krafton is also investing heavily in Esports development in India, recognising the country’s growing potential in this space. The company has partnered with several Indian Esports teams and leagues, providing them with resources, funding, and expertise to help them compete globally. Krafton has also launched its own Esports tournament, the Krafton India Esports Championship, which is aimed at identifying and nurturing Indian gaming talent.
Collaborations with State Governments
Krafton has also been actively collaborating with state governments in India to promote gaming and Esports development in the country. The company has partnered with the governments of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra to establish gaming and Esports zones, which will provide a supportive ecosystem for Indian gaming startups and Esports teams.
Conclusion
Krafton’s expansion into India’s gaming and Esports market is a significant development, not only for the company but also for the Indian gaming industry as a whole. The company’s commitment to nurturing Indian gaming talent, supporting indie titles, and diversifying into cricket gaming is a testament to its long-term vision for the Indian market. As Krafton continues to deepen its roots in India, it is likely to play a key role in shaping the country’s gaming and Esports landscape for years to come.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/business-stories/krafton-india-gaming-startups-esports/
