“Krafton’s Big Bet on India: BGMI’s Future, Game-Changing Investments & What’s Next!”
India is fast becoming a gaming powerhouse, and no one understands this better than Krafton, the South Korean gaming giant behind PUBG and its Indian avatar, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). As BGMI continues to dominate the charts, Krafton is doubling down on India, expanding beyond battle royale games and tapping into the country’s rapidly growing casual gaming audience.
But what’s next? How does Krafton see India’s role in the global gaming industry? IGN India had the chance to sit down with Krafton CEO Changhan “CH” Kim at the company’s headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, to get the inside scoop on India’s gaming evolution, investments, and the exciting road ahead.
India’s Gaming Evolution: A Unique Journey
Kim, a gaming veteran with a PhD in programming, has been at the forefront of the gaming boom since the early 2000s. As someone who still plays every game Krafton develops, his insights into India’s gaming growth are eye-opening.
“When you look at the history of games, there was first the console boom, followed by PC gaming, and then online gaming,” Kim explained. “Today, mobile gaming has taken over, but interestingly, instead of replacing previous platforms, it has simply added another layer to the ecosystem.”
This is where India stands out. Unlike South Korea, where gaming evolved from PCs to mobile, India’s gaming journey started directly with smartphones. “For many Indian gamers, their phone is their first and only gaming device,” Kim pointed out. “That first gaming experience shapes how the market grows.”
Why Krafton is Betting Big on India
India’s gaming market is on fire. With one of the world’s largest young populations and smartphone penetration skyrocketing, the country presents an enormous opportunity for game developers. And Krafton is making sure it stays ahead of the curve.
BGMI’s success is just the beginning. Krafton is actively looking beyond battle royale games, eyeing casual and narrative-driven experiences tailored for Indian audiences. Investments in local gaming studios and collaborations with Indian developers are part of the company’s broader strategy to make India a global gaming hub.
Kim emphasized that Krafton is not just here to publish games but to contribute to India’s gaming ecosystem. “We’re exploring partnerships, talent development, and even investments in Indian startups that align with our vision of pushing gaming forward.”
India’s Role in the Global Gaming Market
With the rise of esports, game development, and a passionate player base, India is slowly carving out its place in the global gaming landscape. According to Kim, the country has all the right ingredients to become a major player in the industry.
“The potential is enormous. The question now is, how do we nurture and scale it? That’s where we, as a company, want to step in—by supporting developers, investing in technology, and bringing high-quality gaming experiences to Indian players.”
Kim also hinted at Krafton’s long-term vision for India, which includes fostering homegrown talent, supporting esports initiatives, and ensuring Indian gamers have access to world-class gaming experiences.
What’s Next for BGMI and Krafton in India?
For BGMI fans, there’s good news—Krafton remains committed to keeping the game fresh with regular updates, new features, and esports opportunities. But beyond BGMI, the company is working on bringing new titles tailored specifically for Indian audiences.
“We are always looking at what players love and how they engage with games. India’s gaming culture is evolving rapidly, and we want to be at the forefront of that transformation,” Kim said.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Indian Gaming
Krafton’s deep-rooted interest in India’s gaming sector is a clear indicator that the country is set to become a major force in the global gaming industry. With investments, innovation, and a rapidly expanding player base, India’s gaming future looks incredibly bright.
For Indian gamers, this means more exciting titles, better esports opportunities, and a gaming ecosystem that’s only going to get bigger and better. Whether you’re a BGMI pro or a casual player, one thing is certain—the best is yet to come.
