Global gaming giants are betting big on Indian gaming studios! Krafton’s acquisition of Pune-based Nautilus Mobile signals a new era where Indian IP isn’t just serving the local market but is poised for global export. This is exactly the cross-border innovation journey we champion at GIA.
What is the news?
- South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton (maker of BGMI) has acquired a controlling stake (75%) in Pune-based Nautilus Mobile for ₹118 crore ($14 million), marking its first direct acquisition in India.
- Founded by Anuj Mankar in 2013, Nautilus is best known for its Real Cricket franchise, which has amassed over 350 million downloads, making it India’s most successful homegrown sports game.
Why is it interesting?
- This acquisition transcends the typical ‘global company using India for talent’ story; it’s about recognizing Indian-built IP with global potential. As Anuj Mankar puts it, “Real Cricket, a product made in India for Indians, has the potential to become the first Indian sports game exported globally.”
- With India’s gaming market projected to surpass $1 billion in 2025 and reach $1.4 billion by 2028 (11.1% CAGR), Krafton’s deeper investment signals the growing recognition of India as not just a market but a global development hub.
- The partnership creates a powerful combination of Nautilus’ deep understanding of cricket gaming (with official partnerships with the World Cricketers’ Association and five IPL teams) and Krafton’s global publishing expertise and esports capabilities.
Read more: BGMI maker Krafton acquires controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile for Rs 118 crore