KRAFTON India Picks Six Startups For Second Cohort

SUMMARY

KRAFTON India has reportedly picked six studios, selected from around 350 applications

KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), will offer up to $150,000 in grants to each game studio

KIGI is looking to expand its footprint to emerging gaming hubs like Kolkata and Madurai, among others in India

South Korean gaming major KRAFTON’s India arm has reportedly picked six game studios across the country for its second cohort of incubation programme.

The studios, selected from around 350 applications, include Madurai-based Kleanup Games, Mumbai-based Singular Scheme, Hyderabad-based Unwind Games, Kolkata-based Advaita Interactive, Delhi NCR-based Ginger Games and Bengaluru-based Smash Head Studio.

A Business Standard report said that the programme, KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), will offer up to $150,000 in grants to each game studio while offering guidance across categories such as game design, product monetisation, performance marketing and art and visuals, among others.

Anuj Sahani, head of KRAFTON India Incubator Programme said that the programme would continue to look for more partners to support its participant teams.

Inc42 has reached out to KRAFTON India for comments on the development. The story will be updated based on the response.

Further, with the new additions in place, KIGI is looking to expand its footprint to emerging gaming hubs like Kolkata and Madurai, among others in India.

In 2024, KRAFTON India’s first cohort of the incubation programme also had six startups.

The development comes days after investing undisclosed capital into Pune-based digital entertainment and technology company JetSynthesys.

The PUBG maker has been consistent with its investment strategy in the Indian gaming industry, where it has already invested nearly $200 Mn in the country.

Notably, looking to pour an additional $150 Mn to $200 Mn to accelerate its investment momentum in the country’s gaming industry.

Furthermore, in August 2024, KRAFTON’s India head Sean Hyunil Sohn said that the company plans to establish a research and development (R&D) facility in India by 2026.

The Indian gaming landscape exploded in the past year, with a 20% surge in revenue, based on reports. In-app purchases, the industry’s fastest-growing segment, skyrocketed by 41%.

According to a report by New Delhi-based venture capital firm Lumikai, India’s online gaming market is expected to cross $9.2 Bn by FY29, averaging a 20% annual growth rate.