Krafton Breaks Silence On BGMI Franchise Delay

The buzz around the BGMI Franchise system has been intense ever since Krafton India hinted at its introduction earlier this year. However, with no official rollout in sight, speculation began to rise about whether the plan had been shelved altogether. Putting those rumors to rest, Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at Krafton India, clarified during the third episode of OnPoint with DPK that the system is only delayed, not cancelled.

Addressing fans and stakeholders directly, Karan shared, “The franchise system didn’t do as well as we expected, but that doesn’t mean it’s shutting down. We have learned from this experience, and we are going to come back stronger.”

Why The BGMI Franchise Didn’t Launch As Planned

Karan shed light on the core reason behind the delay, pointing to the performance of the BGMI Champions League (BCL) and the lower-than-expected volume of franchise bids. “BCL was a success for us in terms of execution and engagement, but unfortunately, the number of bids we aimed for wasn’t achieved,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Karan made it clear that the project remains a priority for Krafton India. The team intends to refine the model, build stronger partnerships, and relaunch the system in a more sustainable way. “This is not the end. We are upgrading, improving, and preparing to relaunch when the timing is right,” he added.

How The Franchise Idea Took Shape

Karan also revisited the origins of the franchise idea, tracing it back to the PMWC 2025 event when Team Aryan was competing internationally. “I remember a conversation from July 28, just before Team Aryan’s matches at PMWC. There was a lot of excitement, and we felt confident about the bids we had secured. We even laughed about how the campaign was coming together. But the reality was, we still had a lot to learn about timing and market readiness,” he recalled.

Learning, Adapting, And Coming Back Stronger

While the BGMI community was expecting an official franchise announcement this November, Karan confirmed that Krafton is pushing back the timeline to fine-tune the system. “The announcement will not happen on November 2 as initially planned. We are taking a bit longer to ensure we do it right,” he stated.

He reassured existing investors and future partners that their involvement is valued and that the opportunity to participate will return soon. “To all our potential investors and sponsors, your game round might come next year. And to those who already came on board, we will always look out for you and keep you updated,” Karan said.

What This Means For The Indian Esports Scene

The delay may have disappointed some fans, but the underlying message from Krafton India is one of patience and preparation. Rather than rushing to launch an incomplete model, the company appears to be taking the time to create a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem for Indian esports.

With the BGMI transfer season also beginning soon, Krafton is clearly focused on long-term growth, balancing new opportunities with structural improvements.

The Road Ahead

The BGMI Franchise system represents more than just a business model — it’s a chance to professionalise Indian esports and provide stability for players, teams, and investors. While the delay may slow things down temporarily, Krafton’s commitment to rebuilding the framework shows a strong vision for the future.

The wait continues, but if Karan Pathak’s words are anything to go by, the BGMI Franchise system will return with better planning, stronger partnerships, and a sharper focus on the competitive integrity that fans have been waiting for.


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