Krafton Commits Another $250 Million to Expand India Push Beyond Gaming

South Korean gaming company Krafton plans to invest an additional $250 million in India over the next three to four years as it expands its focus beyond gaming into areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep technology.

The new commitment will bring Krafton’s total planned investment in India to more than $500 million. The company said this includes more than $250 million already invested in the country since 2021, while the latest investment is separate from a previously announced India-focused growth fund backed by South Korean internet company Naver and investor Mirae Asset.

Krafton’s latest investment follows its growing focus on India as a major market. The company entered the country’s gaming sector through Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), a localised version of PUBG Mobile that has surpassed 260 million downloads.

Krafton Expands Beyond Gaming Investments

While gaming remains central to Krafton’s India operations, the company has increasingly invested in Indian startups across multiple technology sectors. The company has backed around 18 Indian companies, including several gaming studios.

Krafton’s investments in India include companies such as Nodwin Gaming, Loco, Pratilipi, Kuku FM, and One Impression. The company has also expanded its local presence through acquisitions and talent development initiatives.

Last year, Krafton acquired Pune-based Nautilus Mobile, the studio behind the Real Cricket franchise. The company also launched KIGI Academy, a program designed to support training in game development and digital creation.

India Growth Comes After Gaming Challenges

Krafton’s expansion in India follows a difficult period for its gaming business. Indian authorities banned PUBG Mobile in 2020 along with hundreds of Chinese-linked applications amid rising tensions between India and China.

Krafton later introduced BGMI in 2021 after removing Tencent Games as the publisher in India and moving local game servers to Microsoft Azure. However, BGMI was temporarily banned again in 2022 before returning the following year under a three-month trial period.

The company has continued to build around the franchise since its return and plans to launch BGMI Lite in India by the end of 2026.

New Investment Follows Meeting With Indian Leadership

The new investment announcement came after Krafton chairman Chang Byung-gyu met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Krafton said the discussion focused on opportunities for India and South Korea to collaborate across gaming, technology, and emerging sectors.

India remains a key market for Krafton due to its large internet user base and smartphone market. The company said its long-term strategy includes supporting technology businesses beyond traditional gaming.