The crackdown on online real-money gaming has left parts of India’s gaming market on shaky ground, but Krafton isn’t pulling back. The Korean publisher behind Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) game is preparing a fresh investment wave worth around $200 million (roughly Rs 1,800 crore) over the next three to four years.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, Krafton’s India MD, told TOI that the funds will be directed toward acquiring local digital and tech companies, scaling business operations, and building global-grade games from the company’s Bangalore development centre. Alongside its online titles, Krafton continues to run large esports tournaments that attract players from India and other regions.
Despite the Ban, Krafton Sees Opportunity
Asked about the effect of the government’s real-money gaming ban, Sohn said Krafton’s core business remains largely unaffected. He believes the esports segment will benefit as the government pushes for clearer regulation. From the regulatory point of view, it will be more structured and transparent. And since the government has said it will promote esports, it is overall positive for us. We see this as a change for good.
Krafton has already invested $200 million in India over the past few years, backing around 17 companies and funds. Its portfolio includes audio platform Kuku FM, hyperlocal app Shuru, payment provider Cashfree Payments, and game studio Nautilus Mobile. Sohn confirmed the company plans to maintain that pace, investing about $50 million per year for the next 3–4 years.
Where Krafton Plans to Put Its Money Next
The pipeline focuses on gaming, fintech and payments, and digital media. Sohn says the Indian startup ecosystem has matured significantly since 2020, with more companies scaling and experimenting with AI to accelerate growth.
On top of investments, Krafton wants to build global titles from India. Its Bangalore campus will handle development, supported by new engineering hires and external partners. It’s tough to develop games, and we will be hiring developers. We will also engage with external/outsourcing partners for this,
Sohn said.