India as the Future of Global Gaming

Since 2021, Krafton has invested over 200 million dollars in India, and from 2025 the company has pledged 50 million dollars annually. Minu Lee, VP and Head of the India Publishing Department at Krafton, believes India is not just an emerging market but the future of global gaming. With its young population, affordable internet, and strong community culture, India is uniquely positioned to lead the mobile first gaming revolution.

The Framework for Games in India

When it comes to choosing which games to launch, Krafton follows three pillars: fun, fit, and accessibility. Fun means gameplay must be strong enough to engage users across global benchmarks. Fit means the art style, monetization, and user journey must align with Indian preferences. Accessibility ensures games are optimized for low spec devices and limited networks, making them easy to play for everyone.

Cookie Run India Blends Local Culture With Global Appeal

Krafton is experimenting with localization at a new level through Cookie Run India. With Hindi voiceovers, Indian festival themes, and new culturally inspired characters like Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli, the game creates an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. To achieve authenticity, Krafton collaborated directly with DevSisters and immersed them in Indian culture during development.

Market Surprises and Opportunities

India continues to surprise Krafton with its rapid growth in tier two and tier three cities, the passionate love for esports, and the unique way people consume games. Unlike in Korea where players focus solely on victory, Indian gamers often treat gaming as a social activity. They use games like BGMI to relax, chat, and spend time with friends, making the experience more about community than competition.

Challenges Krafton Faces

The biggest hurdles in India are device limitations and network issues. BGMI runs on Unreal Engine, which requires powerful hardware, but many young gamers play on budget phones. Similarly, the network infrastructure still struggles to handle the growing demand, affecting gameplay quality. These remain key challenges Krafton aims to solve.

A Diverse Gaming Portfolio

Krafton is not limiting itself to BGMI. Its portfolio in India also includes Cookie Run India and Road to Valor Empires. Each game targets a different audience, giving Krafton valuable insight into player behavior across genres. Minu Lee emphasizes that the company’s long term vision is to be recognized not just as a publisher of BGMI but as a leading gaming company in India with a variety of titles.

Supporting Indian Developers Through KIGI

The Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) is a major step toward empowering local developers. By supporting startups with funding, mentorship, and publishing opportunities, Krafton hopes to produce globally successful games made in India. Minu Lee sees Indian developers as a source of fresh ideas and unique cultural perspectives.

Community Feedback at the Core

Krafton values the feedback of Indian gamers, even when it is harsh. For every BGMI update, more than 200,000 users respond to surveys, offering detailed insights that directly shape development. Krafton also runs focus groups to better understand the underlying needs of players. For the company, the community is not just an audience but a key development partner.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Krafton aims to create multiplayer focused titles that strengthen social play and community engagement. The company’s strategy includes building strong partnerships, supporting Indian talent, and adapting quickly to changing market trends. For aspiring publishers, Minu Lee stresses the importance of understanding India’s diversity, being flexible to evolving tastes, and building strong local networks.

 

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