The South Korean gaming company plans to put fresh capital into AI, robotics, deep tech, and Indian startups over the next three to four years.
South Korean gaming company Krafton is increasing its investment in India with a fresh commitment of $250 million over the next three to four years. The move marks a broader shift in the company’s India strategy, with investments expected to extend beyond gaming into AI, robotics, and deep tech.
The latest commitment takes Krafton’s planned investment in India to more than $500 million, including the over $250 million it has already invested in the country since 2021. The new allocation is separate from a larger India-focused growth fund that Krafton is backing alongside Naver and Mirae Asset.
From BGMI to a wider technology focus.
Krafton entered India primarily through gaming, with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) becoming the centrepiece of its local operations. The title has crossed 260 million downloads, giving the company a substantial user base in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
However, the company has increasingly used investments and partnerships to build a presence outside traditional gaming. Krafton has backed around 18 Indian companies, including gaming studios and businesses operating in areas such as digital content and consumer technology. Its portfolio includes companies such as Nodwin Gaming, Loco, Pratilipi, Kuku FM and One Impression, reflecting the wider range of sectors attracting the company’s attention.
India becomes a strategic technology market.
Krafton’s latest move comes as international technology companies continue to look at India for startup opportunities, digital consumers and emerging technology talent. The company has also strengthened its local operations through acquisitions and industry initiatives. In 2025, it acquired Pune-based Nautilus Mobile, the developer behind the Real Cricket franchise. It has also launched the KIGI Academy to help develop talent in game development and digital creation.
In March 2026, Krafton signed an agreement with India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to support startups working across gaming, esports, interactive media and AI. Krafton’s India journey has included significant regulatory challenges. PUBG Mobile was banned in India in 2020, following broader government action against several Chinese-linked applications. Krafton subsequently launched BGMI in 2021 after making changes to its publishing and data infrastructure.
BGMI faced another suspension in 2022 before returning to the Indian market the following year under a temporary approval arrangement. Despite these setbacks, Krafton has continued to expand its India operations. The latest $250 million commitment suggests that Krafton increasingly views India as more than a market for mobile games. Its focus on AI, robotics, deep tech and startups places the company within the wider technology investment ecosystem.
