TheBadGamer

In a move that stands to further position India as a burgeoning gaming hub, Krafton, the powerhouse behind the renowned Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has unveiled plans to foster game development startups in the country. This initiative, aptly named the Krafton India Gaming Incubator, underscores Krafton's commitment to the Indian gaming landscape, offering not only financial backing but also mentorship and strategic guidance. What the Incubator Brings to the Table For startups, the potential benefits are multi-fold: Tailored Financial Support: Depending on the requirements and potential of the startups, Krafton will provide financial assistance ranging from $50,000 to a substantial $150,000. Mentorship and Guidance: Beyond mere monetary aid, the incubator promises a holistic growth environment, where startups can receive invaluable advice and direction. Wide-Ranging Focus: Krafton's incubator will not restrict itself to established startups. It's broadening its horizons to encompass early-stage startups, including ones still in the conceptual phase, student-led teams, and individual developers. Leadership and Direction Guiding the virtual incubator program will be Anuj Sahani, a seasoned player in the gaming world with stints at big names like Gameloft and Glu Mobile. Under Sahani's leadership and with Krafton's backing, the incubator aims to extend support to 6-10 promising teams each year. An Altered Investment Focus While Krafton has previously shown interest in the Indian market by investing in digital entertainment and creator economy sectors, this new initiative represents a tangible shift. Krafton India's CEO, Sean Hyunil Sohn, emphasized the need to solidify the core of the gaming ecosystem: game development itself. In his words, building a robust ecosystem necessitates a strong core, and game development is undeniably that core. The Scope of Game Development and Exclusions Krafton's incubator is open-minded regarding the genres and platforms of games it will support, ensuring a diversity of ideas and innovation. Whether it's different themes, business models, or gaming platforms, the incubator is poised to cater to a wide array. However, it's worth noting that the incubator will steer clear of supporting entities focused on gambling or real-money gaming. Final Thoughts: Krafton's latest initiative is not just a testament to the potential they see in the Indian gaming scene, but also a significant step in nurturing and refining this potential. With the right guidance, mentorship, and financial support, this could be the catalyst that propels many Indian gaming startups onto the global stage. As the landscape of gaming evolves, incubators like these could be pivotal in shaping the future of the industry. Also Read:

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Anuj Sahani

Krafton’s New Play: Financial Boost for Indian Game Dev Startups