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Krafton India Launches Gaming Incubator "KIGI" to Support Local Developers



Krafton India, the company behind the popular game BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), has started a new program called the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) to help grow talent in India's gaming industry.


The new initiative aims to nurture creativity and innovation by supporting promising game developers across the country. With India's gaming community expanding rapidly in recent years, KIGI plans to play a significant role in this growth by helping 6 to 10 gaming teams each year through programs lasting six months to a year.


Game developers selected for the KIGI program will receive much more than just financial backing. According to the announcement, startups will get guidance, mentorship, and access to Krafton's extensive resources. The financial support typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000, with the amount tailored to meet each project's specific needs.


Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "We are excited to nurture the next generation of gaming talent in the country and align with the government's vision of upskilling the Indian workforce and increasing employability."


The program casts a wide net for participants, welcoming early-stage startups—even those still developing their initial concepts. KIGI also considers student teams from educational institutions and independent developers as potential candidates.


What makes this opportunity particularly valuable is that participants gain access to Krafton's internal resources, including data analytics and market research tools that can help refine their projects.


It's worth noting that KIGI has established clear boundaries around eligible applications, specifically excluding organizations focused on gambling or real-money gaming.


Expert Mentorship from Gaming Veterans


One of the most valuable aspects of the KIGI program is the opportunity for participants to learn from established figures in the gaming industry.


These mentors include successful gaming executives, experienced game developers, and experts from South Korea, which is recognized globally as a gaming powerhouse. Notable mentors in the program include Dave Curd, Creative Director at PUBG Studios, and Harns Kim, Game Producer at Krafton, Inc.


The support doesn't end when the incubation period concludes. After completing the KIGI program, participants can pursue opportunities to publish their games with financial backing from external investors. Additionally, Krafton offers equity investments to these developers, ensuring their journey continues beyond the initial development phase.


This comprehensive approach reflects Krafton India's broader commitment to the Indian gaming ecosystem. Last year, the company announced plans to invest $150 million over two to three years in Indian gaming and esports, as reported in the program documentation.


UPDATES:



  • ReDimension Games: developing an action-adventure game called 'Sojourn Past'

  • Shura Games: creating a culinary puzzle adventures mobile game named 'Spice Secrets'


On September 29, 2024: Two more additions to the first cohort:


  • Arjuna Studios: developing "Gangster Carnival," a battle royale game

  • Dunali Games: working on "Tale of Honour," an Android strategy-driven stealth puzzle game



  • Kleanup Games: developing CHROMADI, a retro-inspired shoot-'em-up arcade game with color-mixing mechanics

  • Advaita Interactive: creating Inspectorium, a hidden object detective game set in steampunk Victorian-era Calcutta

  • Singular Scheme: working on Frontier Paladin, an RPG with action-tower defense elements

  • Smash Head Studio: developing Cricket Rivals, a fast-paced, real-time multiplayer mobile cricket game

  • Unwind Games: creating BaoBao's Journey, a casual puzzle game featuring a panda building a mountain lodge

  • Ginger Games: developing Monkey Mayhem, a hybrid-casual action-adventure mobile game

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