KRAFTON, the renowned South Korean gaming powerhouse, has made a significant stride in nurturing India’s burgeoning gaming landscape. Under the banner of its Indian subsidiary, KRAFTON India, the company has meticulously handpicked the inaugural cohort for its recently inaugurated KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) programme.
Elevating Indian Gaming: The Vision of KIGI
Launched last year, the primary objective of the KIGI programme is to catalyze the growth and development of the gaming industry in India. Anuj Sahani, the head of the Krafton Incubator Program, emphasised that despite the substantial user base and high download rates in India, the quality of locally developed games often falls short of global standards. With this in mind, KIGI aims to provide aspiring gaming startups with the necessary resources, including financial support, mentorship, access to tools, and expert guidance, to foster the creation of high-quality games that can rival global counterparts.
Inclusive Approach to Gaming Innovation
One notable aspect of KRAFTON’s incubation initiative is its inclusive approach to game selection. While the programme welcomes a diverse range of gaming concepts and ideas, it explicitly excludes real money gaming and any forms of gambling. This strategic decision underscores KRAFTON’s commitment to fostering responsible gaming practices and ensuring the ethical development of gaming content.
Rigorous Selection Process and Supportive Framework
The selection process for the KIGI programme is meticulously designed to identify promising teams with innovative ideas and growth potential. Prospective participants submit detailed applications through an online portal, which undergo rigorous evaluation by KRAFTON’s internal team of experts. Successful applicants are then onboarded into the incubation programme, which typically spans a duration of 6 to 12 months. Financial support is disbursed based on predefined milestones, ensuring that teams remain accountable and focused on achieving tangible progress.
Strategic Investment in India’s Gaming Landscape
KRAFTON’s commitment to fostering India’s gaming ecosystem extends beyond the KIGI programme. Last year, the company announced plans to invest $150 million over the next two to three years in Indian gaming and entertainment startups. This substantial investment underscores KRAFTON’s confidence in the potential of the Indian market and its dedication to nurturing homegrown talent.
Noteworthy Investments and Initiatives
Over the past year, KRAFTON has made significant strides in bolstering its presence in the Indian gaming landscape. With investments totalling $140 million in 11 Indian startups, the company has demonstrated its commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Notable investments include One Impression, Kuku FM, Nautilus, and FRND, among others.
Continued Innovation Amid Challenges
Despite facing regulatory challenges, such as the temporary ban on its flagship game PUBG Mobile in India, KRAFTON has remained resilient and adaptive. After severing ties with Tencent, the company successfully relaunched the game as “BGMI (BattleGrounds Mobile India)”. Despite setbacks, KRAFTON’s unwavering dedication to the Indian market underscores its long-term commitment to driving innovation and growth in the region.
In conclusion, KRAFTON’s KIGI programme and broader initiatives reflect a concerted effort to empower India’s gaming industry, nurture local talent, and elevate the country’s stature on the global gaming stage. Through strategic investments, mentorship, and collaborative partnerships, KRAFTON is poised to shape the future of gaming in India and beyond.
-Prisha Jaiswal