Nazara Launches Game Publishing Division For Indian Game Developers

Nazara Technologies, a gaming and sports media platform, has launched a new game publishing division — Nazara Publishing — dedicated to launching top-quality games for both the Indian and international markets. 

The gaming giant will collaborate with various Indian and global developers to adapt and introduce these games to India’s extensive gaming community, while also facilitating the global publication of games created by Indian developers.

For each game, Nazara will invest a minimum of INR 1 Cr and aims to release up to 20 games within the next 18 months. Apart from financial support, Nazara will offer developers assistance in game design, localisation, data analytics, beta testing, quality assurance, improved monetisation strategies, and robust distribution through smart user acquisition spending and platform partnerships.

Within the Nazara Publishing platform, developers will also gain access to mentors who are industry leaders and experts. The overall idea is not only to assist game studios in successfully launching games but also in overcoming challenges, accelerating their growth, and making a lasting impact on the Indian gaming ecosystem.

Nitish Mittersain, CEO and joint MD of Nazara Technologies stated, “… We are committed to nurturing Indian and global game developers, offering resources, expertise, and a robust network to deliver top-quality gaming experiences to India’s extensive audience. With a particular emphasis on supporting Indian developers, Nazara recognises a substantial opportunity in the Make-in-India initiative. As part of this initiative, we will also actively promote Indian game developers on a global scale.”

Nazara operates as a gaming and sports media platform, and it has a footprint not only in India but also in emerging and global markets such as Africa and North America. The company’s diverse portfolio includes interactive gaming, eSports, ad-tech, and gamified early learning ecosystems.

To improve tax compliance, the government recently updated the GST law, requiring foreign online gaming companies to register in India starting from October 1. Clarifications were also issued to states about the non-retroactive nature of GST on these companies. The official approval of a 28% GST rate was announced on September 1, detailing the method for valuing online gaming platforms’ tax obligations.

Based on the GST Council’s recommendations, the Ministry of Finance amended the Central GST law to outline how the value of supply by online gaming platforms should be calculated. According to the notification, winnings earned by players will not incur additional tax, as all taxation is collected upfront.

Previously, due to uncertain regulations, online gaming platforms had to pay an 18% GST on total platform fees, while betting and gambling activities were taxed at 28%. With the new GST rate taking effect on October 1, all platforms involving real money gaming are now obliged to pay a 28% GST on the full face value of bets.

In light of these tax changes, platforms such as Quizzy, OWN, and Fantok have paused operations temporarily. Additionally, Bengaluru-based Gameskraft suspended its fantasy offering, Gamezy Fantasy, in September.

According to research by Inc42, based on conversations with various stakeholders in the gaming ecosystem, it’s estimated that 20-25% of online gaming platforms are either contemplating acquisition or have already been acquired.