KRAFTON plans to invest over $140 mn in Indian startups in coming years: Minu Lee

As India’s gaming industry enters an exciting phase of growth and innovation, KRAFTON India continues to lead the charge in shaping its future. With initiatives like the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) and investments in local talent and studios, the company is empowering Indian developers to create immersive, culturally relevant gaming experiences.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Minu Lee, Head of Publishing, KRAFTON India, highlights the key trends, opportunities, and challenges that will define the gaming sector in 2025. From fostering local game development to expanding the Esports ecosystem and launching new titles like CookieRun India, Minu Lee sheds light on KRAFTON’s vision for driving growth, innovation, and collaboration in the Indian gaming market.

Key trends, developments, innovations in 2025.

After a year of remarkable success in 2024, Indie game development studios are set to carry their momentum into 2025 by delivering high-quality games. Studios such as ReDimension Games are working on innovating game designs that will be reaching the audience in 2025. These studios will focus on creating culturally relevant content, enhancing the gaming experience while raising the bar for Indian game developers. Their achievements have spotlighted their creativity, and the coming year promises to further solidify their place in the gaming industry.

We are committed to support emerging game developers in India through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator program (KIGI). By offering structured mentorship, resources and financial assistance, we aim to empower them to bring their creative visions to life and contribute to the growth of the gaming industry.

In addition, the expanding Esports ecosystem will provide more opportunities for players, tournaments, and collaborations, further boosting the popularity and mainstream appeal of gaming in India. As these trends evolve, the gaming industry will continue to innovate, driving growth and opening new avenues for talent, investment, and collaboration in the Indian gaming market.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?

In 2025, we will continue to foster the growth of local studios through KIGI and elevate Indian game development talent. Applications for KIGI’s second cohort are already open, marking another step toward nurturing and expanding the Indian gaming ecosystem.

Additionally, building on the success of our newly launched casual game, CookieRun India, we plan to release 3-4 games every year. We aim to incorporate Indian elements such as regional themes and cultural references, not only catering to local preferences, but also celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of Indian culture. Through these efforts, we aim to create immersive gaming experiences while driving the growth of India’s gaming industry.

What are the headwinds and tailwinds that you foresee in the year ahead?

In the coming year, one of the key headwinds that the industry will face is the need for continued efforts to highlight the various career opportunities within the gaming industry, from game development and design to becoming an Esports athlete. While gaming is increasingly recognized as a viable profession, there remains a need to emphasize these opportunities to inspire the next generation of talent.

On the positive side, tailwinds are forming up to drive significant growth in the industry. Investor confidence is rising, with increasing investments in the Indian gaming ecosystem, which will fuel innovation and infrastructure development.

Since 2021, KRAFTON has invested over $170 million in Indian startups across gaming, Esports, technology, and interactive entertainment, further solidifying our commitment to this growing ecosystem and plans to invest over $140 million in the coming years.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for culturally relevant games, with Indian-themed content resonating more with audiences, offering a unique opportunity for developers to tap into this market. The gaming industry is steadily gaining recognition, with support from policymakers and industry leaders, making gaming a mainstream career and boosting innovation, economic growth, and ecosystem development in India.

Also Read: KRAFTON India unveils Esports roadmap for 2025 with major tournaments