South Korean video game company Krafton is known for its compelling video games, including PUBG. Reportedly, PUPG Maker has picked up six video game studios and will grant them $150k each. Let’s find out why Krafton is distributing money to India’s startups.
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Krafton Selects Six Startups.
South Korean video game company Krafton, popular for titles like PUBG, has six Indian startups. Reportedly, Krafton’s India arm, Krafton India Gaming Incubator, has picked six video game-developing startups around the country for its second cohort of the incubation programme.
As per the Business Standard report, Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) is set to offer up to $150k to each selected startup. Krafton will also guide them across categories such as game design, product monetization, performance marketing, and art and visuals, among others.
Anuj Sahani, head of PUBG maker India, said that the programme would continue to look for more partners to support its participant teams. He even told to Moneycontrol that they have teams from emerging gaming hubs such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Madurai, among others, in the upcoming cohort.
Who Are Those Selected Startups?
The selected video game startups out of 350 applications spread from Kolkata to Madurai. As per Krafton India’s official website, selected startups will leverage a mix of best-in-class mentorship, access to top-tier technology tools, and financial assistance, among others.
Among the selected startups are Kolkata-based Advaita Interactive, Madurai-based Cleanup Games, Mumbai-based Singular Scheme, Hyderabad-based Unwind Games, Delhi NCR-based Ginger Games, and Bengaluru-based Smash Head Studio.
Reportedly, PUBG maker had picked 6 startups even in the first Cohort of the incubation programme held in 2024.
Intention Behind Krafton’s Heavy Investment.
Reportedly, PUBG maker has roped in partners such as AccelByte, AppMagic, Liftoff’s GameRefinery, and AWS to help startups boost their tech capabilities. According to the official website, Krafton is on a mission to nurture a nationwide ecosystem of world-class game developers.
“KRAFTON is on a mission to help ambitious young Indian game entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality and beyond. KRAFTON will establish a mature gaming ecosystem where unique creations are born infinitely and enjoyed by everyone.
Take your concept to new heights with industry veterans, KRAFTON resources vault, workshops, and expert guidance, ensuring your game shines in the spotlight.” This is what Krafton’s website reads, which gives clarity behind their intention.
According to some reports, BUBG maker has been consistent with its investment intention in the Indian gaming industry. It has already invested around $200 million in the country. Moreover, it is set to invest around $150mn to $200mn additionally, to bring momentum to the country’s gaming industry investment.
Moreover, the company’s head Sean Hyunil Sohn had said in August 2024 that the Company will also establish a Research and Development (R&D) facility in India by 2026.
Future of India’s Gaming Market.
As per reports, India emerged as the biggest gaming market globally by 2023. Where 568 million gamers emerged and a record-breaking 9.5 billion gaming apps were downloaded. In 2025, India’s gaming market is estimated to be around $4.04 billion.
The reports say, by 2030, India’s gaming market will be an empire of $8.36 billion, at a CAGR of 15.68% throughout the period of 5 years (2025-2030).
According to an Inc42 report, the Indian gaming landscape exploded in the past year, with a 20% surge in revenue. In-app purchases, the industry’s fastest-growing segment, skyrocketed by 41%. By FY29, the sector is projected to cross $9.2 Bn, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%.
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