South Korean gaming giant KRAFTON, Inc. is set to make a significant investment of USD 150 million in India over the next two to three years, reaffirming its commitment to the country's burgeoning gaming and technology landscape.
The company, renowned for its creation of popular game titles, has already infused approximately USD 140 million into 11 innovative Indian startups since its initial investment in March 2021.
Under the leadership of Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO at KRAFTON India, the company's India-first approach aims to not only bolster the gaming sector but also foster holistic growth across the wider content landscape. Sohn expressed his excitement about this strategic move, emphasising India's potential as a key player in the global gaming and tech industry.
"We believe in the power of Indian IPs and content in making a lasting global impact," Sohn said. "Our commitment to invest an additional USD 150 million over the next two to three years reflects our dedication to fueling this growth. We are excited to achieve new milestones in our journey to unlock the country's full potential as a global gaming powerhouse."
KRAFTON's investment philosophy goes beyond financial contributions. The company leverages its expertise and experiences to deliver strategic value in the sectors it invests in. This includes not only game development studios but also diverse and complementary fields such as esports, multimedia entertainment, content creation, and audio platforms.
The company's recent focus expansion encompasses the creator economy and deep tech, illustrating its dedication to support start-ups in emerging segments. Nihansh Bhat, Corporate Development & Venture Investing Lead - India & MENA at KRAFTON, Inc., spoke of the company's meticulous selection process for investments that align with their expertise.
"Since 2021, we have invested over USD 140 million in various start-ups and are thrilled by the progress our portfolio companies have made," Bhat mentioned. "Our investment momentum will continue as we seek to establish a dynamic and evolving portfolio across various segments in India."
In addition to its renowned battle royale game, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA, KRAFTON has unveiled three more game titles in the past year – The Callisto Protocol, Road To Valor: Empires, and the latest addition, Defense Derby. With its upcoming investments, KRAFTON aspires to redefine the gaming landscape in India, paving the way for new horizons and an enhanced gaming experience for players across the nation.