Krafton Launches Gaming Incubator in India to Propel Local Talent and Industry Growth

To actively contribute to the thriving gaming scene, in India, Krafton, the Korean gaming powerhouse behind the popular mobile game BGMI has introduced the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI). This groundbreaking initiative aims to nurture and support emerging talents within the gaming industry including startups, student teams and independent developers.

The KIGI program provides support to around six to ten early stage teams every year with durations ranging from six months to one year. Selected participants in this incubation program will not receive assistance tailored to their project requirements (ranging from $50,000 to $150,000) but also gain access to invaluable mentorship from experts in the gaming industry.

Krafton Indias primary focus is on identifying promising startups during their conceptualization phase. This aligns with the companys commitment to fostering talent and driving innovation in the gaming ecosystem. The program follows a platform approach that allows participating teams to develop games using their technologies for various platforms such as PC and consoles. This grants them flexibility and creative freedom.

It’s worth mentioning that developers or startups involved in real money gaming (RMG) or gambling content are explicitly excluded from this program. This exclusion is a response to government guidelines and state level restrictions that have impacted ventures, in India.
After completing the incubation process participants will have the chance to secure funding, from institutional investors. Krafton as a supporter of the gaming industry may also provide funding through its investments specifically aimed at the market.

Kraftons venture into gaming incubation aligns with its investments of around $50 million in the gaming sector. These investments have supported companies, including Nodwin Gaming, Loco Interactive, Nautilus Mobile (the developer behind the Real Cricket game series) Lila Games and the gaming focused VC fund Lumikai Fund. However it’s important to note that the funding for the KIGI incubator is separate from these commitments.

Krafton Indias strategic move comes at a time when there is growth in the gaming market. According to Niko Partners, a market intelligence firm, Indias video game revenue is projected to experience a year on year growth of 21.2% reaching an estimated $868 million by 2023. With gaming dominating this market there is also a 12.1% year on year increase, in gamers to reach 444 million gamers by 2023.

To ensure that the incubator program achieves success and makes an impact Krafton has enlisted industry experts who will serve as mentors.
Notable individuals, like Dave Curd, who serves as the director at PUBG Studios and Harns Kim, a game producer at Krafton will be. Sharing their valuable insights with the participants. The program will be conducted virtually. Will encompass seminars and community events. It aims to provide networking opportunities for individuals and teams working on their game development projects.

According to Tracxn, a startup market tracker there has been an increase of 70% in equity funding for Indian gaming startups. The funding amount has reached $647.9 million in 2022 up from $381.8 million in 2020. Despite a market slowdown in 2023 Indian gaming startups have already managed to secure a $94.3 million.

Krafton India is currently accepting applications, for its incubator program. They are welcoming aspiring gaming enthusiasts and developers to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that seeks to shape the future of the gaming industry.

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