Indian Game Developers Get a Boost from KRAFTON Incubator Program

A leading game development company from South Korea, renowned for their popular title PUBG, has initiated its first group of participants for a program designed to cultivate promising Indian game creators. The KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) aims to nurture domestic talent by providing mentorship, guidance, and financial backing to assist in the development of top-quality video games.

Fueling the Indian Gaming Industry

“The launch of KIGI’s inaugural cohort signifies a significant step forward in our dedication to fostering India’s gaming landscape,” said Anuj Sahani, head of the KRAFTON Incubator Program and advisor for the India Publishing Department. “Some of India’s most potential gaming developers are represented in this category. The chosen startups impress not only with their innovative game concepts but also with their unwavering determination to reshape the gaming industry. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with them, offering them customized support and resources to amplify their achievements.”

Sahani highlighted the selection of two companies thus far: ReDimmension Games, hailing from Nagaland, and Shura Games, located in Bengaluru. With ambitions for expansion, KRAFTON is currently reviewing applications for a larger second cohort.

Standing Out from the Crowd

In a market increasingly saturated with incubator programs, KIGI sets itself apart through KRAFTON’s global expertise and unwavering commitment to India’s gaming industry.

Sahani emphasized KRAFTON’s unique position, bolstered by their successful global products and a robust pool of mentors from their international studios. The program’s objective goes beyond mere incubation; it aims to elevate the entire Indian gaming ecosystem, ensuring the creation of games that meet international standards.

Supportive Framework

KIGI offers a comprehensive support system for its chosen participants, including a mentorship period ranging from six to twelve months and grants between $50,000 and $150,000.

The program is open to a wide variety of game genres, with the exception of real-money gaming and betting, and is focused on companies registered in India. With nearly 200 applications received, KIGI reflects a growing interest among Indian developers in venturing beyond mobile games and exploring PC and console titles, signifying a maturing landscape for game development in India.

A Glimpse into Upcoming Games

The incubator has already selected two startups: ReDimension Games, working on an action-adventure title called “Sojourn Past” slated for release in 2024, and Shura Games, which introduced “Spice Secrets,” a smartphone game that combines puzzle challenges with gastronomic exploration.

KRAFTON’s commitment to India extends beyond the gaming industry, with investments totaling $140 million in 11 Indian startups, including One Impression, Kuku FM, Nautilus, and FRND.