The gaming landscape in India is buzzing with fresh energy, and at the forefront of this vibrant growth is KRAFTON India. Demonstrating a deep commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, the South Korea-based gaming giant has just unveiled the second cohort of its India Gaming Incubator (KIGI). This significant step more than doubles down on Krafton’s investment in the Indian gaming ecosystem, expanding from four startups in its inaugural batch to an impressive six in this latest selection.
Krafton Decentralizing the Gaming Hub
What makes this announcement particularly exciting is the geographical diversity of the chosen studios. Hailing from cities like Kolkata, Madurai, and Hyderabad, alongside the more traditional tech hubs, this cohort signifies a deliberate and welcome move towards decentralizing game development across India. This geographical spread promises to tap into a wider pool of creative minds and unique regional influences, enriching the tapestry of Indian-made games.
Krafton Launchpad for Global Ambitions
The KIGI program offers these budding studios a crucial runway to transform their visions into reality. Through a comprehensive package of mentorship, invaluable technical guidance, and substantial funding of up to $150,000 per startup, Krafton is providing the essential fuel for these teams to develop globally competitive titles. The six to twelve-month incubation period offers a focused environment for these startups to refine their games, build robust foundations, and prepare for the international stage.
Meet the Game Changers
The second KIGI cohort showcases a fascinating array of genres and creative concepts:
- Kleanup Games (Madurai): Led by Jaiwanth Shanmugam, this studio is crafting CHROMADI, a high-octane shoot-’em-up that masterfully blends retro arcade aesthetics with innovative colour-mixing mechanics. With original music by Niranjan Nair and production by Nandini Nachiar, this title promises a unique sensory experience slated for a 2026 release.
- Advaita Interactive (Kolkata): Founded by Judhajit Sarkar, Inspectorium plunges players into a steampunk reimagining of Victorian-era Calcutta. This detective game features compelling episodic storytelling and cutting-edge AI-powered interrogations, targeting mobile, PC, and VR platforms between 2025 and 2026.
- Singular Scheme (Mumbai): Under Ahad Oomerbhoy’s guidance, the team is developing Frontier Paladin, a captivating role-playing game that strategically integrates tower defense mechanics. Set in a mythical battlefield steeped in divine relics, this title offers a unique blend of genres.
- Smash Head Studio (Bengaluru): With a decade of development expertise, this studio is gearing up to launch Cricket Rivals, a real-time multiplayer game designed for global audiences. Expect fast-paced, bite-sized cricket matches perfect for competitive play.
- Unwind Games (Hyderabad): Co-founded by Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, BaoBao’s Journey offers a soothing escape into a world of gentle puzzles and narrative depth, all centered around an endearing panda protagonist. The game’s cozy design promises a relaxing and engaging experience.
- Ginger Games (New Delhi): Founded in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, Sumit Batheja, and Piyush Kumar, Monkey Mayhem is a dynamic hybrid-casual action-adventure set in a stylized universe. This title blends auto-shooter mechanics with crafting, combat, and compelling storytelling, with a launch window set for early 2026.
Backed by Industry Giants
The success of the KIGI program is further amplified by the support of an expanding network of global technology powerhouses. Companies like AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff’s GameRefinery are providing crucial resources, including cloud computing infrastructure, backend tools, and expert guidance in areas like user acquisition and analytics. This backing ensures that the incubated startups have access to the same cutting-edge technologies and insights that power global gaming successes.
A Vision for India’s Gaming Future
The leadership at KRAFTON India clearly envisions a future where Indian game developers are not just participants but leaders in the global gaming arena. As Anuj Sahani, Head of the KRAFTON India Incubator Program, aptly stated, the focus is on “unlocking new opportunities for Indian developers to thrive.” Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of gaming as a vehicle for storytelling, culture, and connection. With initiatives like KIGI, Krafton is not just investing in games; they are investing in the immense potential of India’s creative spirit and its ability to shape the future of interactive entertainment.
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