INDIA: South Korean video game developer Krafton, known for its popular title Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is gearing up for a significant expansion in the Indian gaming market, with a focus on launching new games and increasing strategic investments in the country.
CEO of Krafton India, Sean Hyunil Sohn, announced exciting developments, including potential game releases shortly. Sohn stated, “We have a few games in our publishing pipeline. I think there could be one or two games we could even launch within this year.”
These forthcoming releases align with the company’s dedication to creating mobile gaming experiences tailored specifically for the Indian audience.
Since March 2021, Krafton has invested $140 million in 11 Indian startups, including NODWIN Gaming, Loco, Pratilipi, and Kuku FM. Additionally, they have recently committed to investing an additional $150 million over the next 2-3 years in India’s gaming ecosystem.
Sohn emphasized that BGMI is more than just a game; it’s a cultural and social experience, and Krafton is committed to building a fan-centric community.
To strengthen their ties with India, Krafton is hosting a friendly India-Korea invitational match, where 8 winning teams from BGIS will compete against 8 Esports teams from South Korea. Furthermore, the company plans to release a documentary chronicling the development of the ‘Indian Faction in Road To Valor: Empires.’
This expansion comes two years after the Indian government banned PUBG, Krafton’s flagship game, citing national security concerns. BGMI was introduced as an exclusive Indian version of PUBG Mobile, developed and published by Krafton.
Following server location and data security compliance, BGMI was granted a three-month trial approval and returned to both Android and iOS platforms on May 30, marking a significant milestone in the business’ commitment to the Indian gaming community.
Krafton’s continued investment in India’s gaming landscape and its dedication to creating culturally relevant gaming experiences are expected to further cement its presence in the Indian market. Players and fans can anticipate exciting announcements from the company in the lead-up to the Diwali festival.
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