Krafton Boosts India's Gaming Startups, Two New Biz Join KIGI

South Korean gaming giant expands its commitment to nurturing Indian talent with the addition of two more innovative game development studios to its Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI). Wodering who are these two new startups that KIGI?

India's Gaming Startup Industry: A Hub of Innovation

In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in its gaming industry. The growing accessibility of smartphones, affordable internet plans, and an increasingly passionate player base have all contributed to the industry's ascent. Krafton, the South Korean developer behind the wildly popular Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has been keenly observing this phenomenon and is now taking significant strides to fuel India's transformation into a global gaming powerhouse.

Krafton's Incubator: Nurturing the Next Big Thing

In October 2023, Krafton unveiled the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), a game-changing initiative designed to support and elevate the brightest stars in India's game development scene. The program offers a comprehensive package of support, including tailored mentorship from industry veterans, financial assistance ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, and invaluable access to Krafton's vast internal resources.

Expanding the Family: Two New Studios Join the Ranks

KIGI's inaugural cohort, launched in March this year with two promising studios, is now even stronger with the addition of two more: Gurugram-based Dunali Games and Delhi-based Arjuna Studios. These studios join Nagaland-based ReDimension Games and Bengaluru-based Shura Games in a unique opportunity to benefit from Krafton's expertise and resources.

Dunali Games: Masters of Stealth and Strategy

Founded by Dipender Kaushik in 2020, Dunali Games boasts an impressive portfolio of online and mobile games, including Planet Heroes, Wheels of Fury, and Arrow Arcade. The studio's latest project, Tale of Honour, an Android-based stealth puzzle game, promises to captivate players with its strategic gameplay and immersive world.

Arjuna Studios: Entering the Battle Royale Arena

The Delhi-based Arjuna Studios, founded this year by Salil Gupta, Manraj Bawa, and Sagnic Bhowmick, is set to make waves with its mobile-focused multiplayer Battle Royale game, Gangster Carnival. The studio's innovative take on the genre is expected to draw in players seeking a unique and thrilling gaming experience.

KIGI: The Driving Force Behind India's Gaming Future

Led by former Gameloft and Glu Mobile executive Anuj Sahani, KIGI is solely focused on fostering game development studios. The program, spanning six months to a year, provides participating studios with the guidance and resources they need to refine their skills, create world-class games, and achieve success in the global market.

The launch of KIGI is just one facet of Krafton's ambitious plans for India. In August 2023, the company pledged a substantial investment of $150 million in Indian gaming and interactive entertainment startups over the following two to three years. This commitment, combined with previous investments, brings Krafton's total investment in India to nearly $290 million, solidifying its position as a key player in the country's rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem.

Beyond BGMI: Krafton's Expanding India Portfolio

In addition to its investment initiatives, Krafton has been actively expanding its gaming portfolio in India, releasing several titles in recent years, including Bullet Echo India, Garuda Saga, Road To Valor: Empires, and Defense Darby. These releases, alongside the flagship BGMI, showcase Krafton's commitment to delivering engaging and innovative gaming experiences to Indian players.

With Krafton's unwavering support and the emergence of talented studios like Dunali Games and Arjuna Studios, India's gaming industry is poised for even greater success in the years to come. The Krafton India Gaming Incubator stands as a testament to the company's belief in the country's potential and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of Indian game developers. The future of gaming in India is undoubtedly bright, and Krafton is proud to be a part of this exciting journey.

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