Krafton India’s Expansion Plans
South Korean video game developer Krafton, known for its popular game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is gearing up for significant expansion in the Indian gaming market. Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, recently revealed the company’s strategic initiatives, which include launching new games and investing in India.
Exciting BGMI Updates
According to Sean Hyunil Sohn, BGMI fans in India have much to look forward to, with several announcements planned before the Diwali festival. Sohn mentioned, “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.”
Adapting to the Indian Market
Krafton’s primary focus has been on developing mobile gaming titles tailored specifically for the Indian audience. Since March 2021, the company has invested a substantial $140 million across 11 Indian startups, including NODWIN Gaming, Loco, Pratilipi, Kuku FM, One Impression, and more.
Commitment to Investment
Highlighting Krafton’s commitment to the Indian gaming ecosystem, Sohn mentioned that the company is prepared to invest an additional $150 million over the next 2-3 years. He emphasized that BGMI is not just a game but also a cultural and social experience.
India-Korea Gaming Showdown
In an exciting development, Krafton is hosting a friendly India-Korea invitational match. This event will feature BGMI battles between 8 winning teams from BGIS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series) and 8 Esports teams from South Korea. It promises to be a thrilling showdown between Indian and Korean gaming talents.
Documenting Indian Gaming
Krafton is also set to release a documentary that chronicles the story and development of the ‘Indian Faction in Road To Valor: Empires.’ This documentary aims to shed light on the journey and contributions of Indian gamers to the global gaming landscape.
From PUBG to BGMI
The announcement of Krafton’s expansion plans comes two years after the Indian government banned Krafton’s marquee offering, PUBG, in the country due to national security concerns. BGMI emerged as the Indian version of PUBG Mobile, exclusively designed for Indian players and published by Krafton.
Temporary Removal and Return
Subsequently, the Indian government directed Google and Apple to remove the BGMI gaming app from their respective online stores under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This move followed concerns about server locations and data security in India.
BGMI’s Comeback
However, on May 30 this year, the South Korean video game developer announced that BGMI was once again available for play for all users in India, both on Android and iOS platforms. This return was made possible after Krafton addressed the issues raised by the Indian government.
In Conclusion
Krafton’s expansion plans and investments in India demonstrate the company’s commitment to the Indian gaming community. With new game releases, events like the India-Korea invitational match, and a documentary celebrating Indian gamers, Krafton aims to strengthen its bond with the Indian gaming ecosystem.