Highlights
- Krafton will invest $50 million yearly in India, focusing on game development and strategic acquisitions to deepen its local footprint.
- India is now one of Krafton’s top five global markets, contributing 10% of its revenue.
- Krafton aims to replicate BGMI’s success with new titles, despite hurdles like cautious spending and past bans.
Caption – Krafton to invest $50 million yearly in India. (Image credit – Krafton)
South Korean gaming powerhouse behind PUBG and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Krafton is preparing a major expansion in India. According to reports, the company aims to invest $50 million every year in the Indian market, alongside pursuing new acquisitions to strengthen its local presence. Before we get to the details, let’s start by understanding India’s current gaming market.
India’s Gaming Boom
India’s gaming sector is witnessing explosive growth. Reports suggest that the country had over 444 million gamers in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. While the industry is still smaller than South Korea’s, its growth trajectory is massive.
New government regulations supporting esports and non-wagering online games are also expected to accelerate the sector’s expansion. This will also provide Krafton with more opportunities to scale its gaming ecosystem in the country.
Krafton’s Investment Strategy in India
This isn’t Krafton’s first big push in the region. The company has already invested nearly $200 million in various Indian digital platforms, making India one of its fastest-growing and most important markets outside South Korea.
Earlier this year, Krafton acquired a cricket game developer named Nautilus Mobile for $14 million. It also backed the fintech firm CashFree Payments with a $53 million funding round, showing the brand’s diversified investment strategy in India beyond just gaming.
Krafton’s Long-Term Vision
India is already among Krafton’s top five global markets, contributing nearly 10% of its overall revenue. With BGMI at the core of its success, Krafton is now focused on replicating that impact with new titles and strategic acquisitions.
By committing $50 million annually, Krafton has made it clear that India is not just another growth market but a key pillar of its global strategy. The company aims to use its financial muscle, innovative game development, and strong local partnerships to shape the future of gaming in India.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Caption – Krafton’s BGMI has over 200 million users in India. (Image credit – Krafton)
Krafton’s BGMI has been a massive hit in India with over 200 million registered users, but the company acknowledges that creating another blockbuster won’t be easy. PUBG Mobile, which launched in India in 2018 and was banned in 2020 over national security concerns, forced Krafton to rethink how it launches and operates games in the country.
The company believes Indian gamers present a unique challenge, while they are often cautious about spending money and also demonstrate strong loyalty to games they connect with.
FAQs
Q1. How much is Krafton planning to invest in India?
Answer. Krafton will invest $50 million annually in India to support game development, strategic acquisitions, and expansion of its gaming ecosystem.
Q2. Why is India important to Krafton’s global strategy?
Answer. India is one of Krafton’s top five global markets, contributing nearly 10% of its revenue. With 444M+ gamers and a young population, it offers massive growth potential.
Q3. What challenges does Krafton face in India?
Answer. While BGMI has over 200M users, Krafton faces hurdles like cautious spending habits and past bans. Still, it sees strong loyalty and long-term opportunity among young gamers.