In a significant development for the Indian gaming industry, South Korean video game developer Krafton has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat and TransStadia Technologies, aimed at stimulating the technology, gaming and esports ecosystem in Gujarat.
The vibrant state of Gujarat, known for its rapid economic growth and burgeoning status as a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is now poised to become a pivotal centre for the esports and gaming industry. The state’s commitment to technological innovation and digital infrastructure makes it an ideal partner for KRAFTON, aiming to propel the local and national gaming scenes to new heights.
Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said that with this MoU, it plans to create opportunities for talent development, infrastructure enhancement and community engagement. “We firmly believe that this collaboration will have a profound and positive impact, fostering innovation, and inspiring a new generation of gamers and developers.”
The state’s Home, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities minister Harsh Sanghavi said that this collaboration will catalyse the government’s efforts to transform the state into an esports hub. “We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our youth and the broader esports gaming community,” he remarked.
Krafton has invested US$160 million in Indian startups since 2021 and plans to invest an additional US$ 150 million over the next two to three years. The company recently launched its India Gaming Incubator program to nurture game development talent in the country by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources to promising developers.
The company also hosted BMPS 2023 (Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series) in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, a collaborative effort by Krafton and the city.