Krafton, the South Korean gaming giant behind PUBG and Battlegrounds Mobile India, is making major moves to foster India's gaming ecosystem.
The company recently announced the first batch of game developers selected under Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) out of over 200 applicants.
What is the Krafton Incubator?
Last year when BGMI returned to Indian soil after a year of ban Krafton announced a brand new program KIGI that aimed at accelerating game development within India.
The selected startups will receive funding ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, along with extensive mentorship and access to Krafton's resources over the next 6-12 months.
The incubator is being spearheaded by industry veteran Anuj Sahani, who previously held senior roles at Gameloft and Glu Mobile.
According to Sahani:
"The launch of KIGI's first cohort marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering the gaming ecosystem in India...The selected startups stand out not only for their innovative gaming concepts but also for their determination to redefine the gaming landscape."
First Batch of KIGI Startups
Here are two startups selected for Krafton's KIGI incubator program:
ReDimension Games
Based in Nagaland's capital city of Kohima, ReDimension Games was formed in 2018 and helmed by CEO Pekrukhrietuo Pienyu. This up-and-coming studio caught Krafton's eye with their action-adventure game Sojourn Past.
Sojourn Past is a pixel art action-adventure set in an enchanting and mysterious world.
Sojourn Past promises a compelling mix of exploration, combat, and puzzles as players unravel mysteries.
The team is hard at work polishing the title for its expected PC launch later in 2024. With Krafton's support, ReDimension has a prime opportunity to put Naga gaming on the global map!
Shura Games
Our second KIGI inductee is Bengaluru-based Shura Games, founded by CEO Shubham Bengale in 2024. This eclectic studio is cooking up an ambitious mobile title called Spice Secrets.
In Shura's own words, Spice Secrets aims to "blend the culinary arts with puzzle mechanics" for a truly novel experience.
The core concept sees players tackling culinary-themed puzzles and mini-games as they progress through an immersive, spice-laden world. From mastering recipes to managing restaurants, Spice Secrets promises a delectable challenge.
Moreover, the vibrant art style and Indian cultural influences could make this mobile puzzler a treat for foodies and gamers alike. Krafton's backing gives Shura Games a prime opportunity to serve up a hit title.
Why Is Krafton Investing So Heavily in Indian Gaming?
Krafton recognizes India's immense potential as an emerging gaming market. The country's massive youth population and rapid smartphone/internet adoption make it an enormously lucrative market.
Krafton has already committed nearly $150 million to Indian gaming startups over the 3 years. This includes the hit India-themed title Garuda Saga, launched just last month.
With initiatives like KIGI, Krafton aims to foster top-notch Indian game dev talent while expanding its footprint in the region.
It will also save it from government restrictions as they faced in recent years and recent banned rumors.
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