South Korean gaming company KRAFTON has announced plans to invest an additional $250 million in India over the next three to four years. The announcement was made after chairman Byung Gyu Chang met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. The fresh capital builds on the company's existing investments and expands its focus beyond gaming into emerging technology sectors.
High Level Engagement in New Delhi
The announcement followed a meeting between KRAFTON chairman Byung Gyu Chang and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. The two discussed opportunities for India and South Korea to cooperate more closely in gaming, innovation, and emerging technologies. The engagement aligns with India's ambition to build globally competitive digital experiences and strengthen locally developed intellectual property.
Expanded Investment Commitment
KRAFTON has already invested $250 million in India since 2021, bringing its total planned investment in the country to approximately $500 million. The new corpus will target startups and opportunities across artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep technology, alongside the gaming ecosystem. This pledge is distinct from a separate $670 million India-focused venture growth fund launched with Mirae Asset Global Investments and NAVER.
Strategic Shift Toward Emerging Technologies
The investment focus arrives as KRAFTON broadens its India strategy beyond gaming into artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep technology. This shift responds to evolving market conditions, including the impact of regulatory changes on real money gaming. The company is positioning itself in a market where AI startups raised $676 million in the first half of 2026, and the AI economy is projected to reach $126 billion by 2030.
Existing Portfolio and Market Presence
Since March 2021, KRAFTON has backed around 18 Indian companies, including esports platform NODWIN, streaming service Loco, and self publishing platform Pratilipi. It has also invested in companies such as Kuku FM and One Impression as part of its broader startup portfolio. Its flagship game Battlegrounds Mobile India has surpassed 260 million downloads, underscoring India's importance as a key market with high smartphone penetration and growing digital payment adoption.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
KRAFTON's journey in India has included regulatory hurdles, including the ban on PUBG Mobile in 2020 and a later suspension of Battlegrounds Mobile India in 2022. The company responded by localizing its operations, moving servers to Microsoft Azure, and dropping Tencent Games as its Indian publisher. Battlegrounds Mobile India returned on a trial basis, and the company plans to launch BGMI Lite by the end of 2026.
Talent Development and Local Operations
KRAFTON is also investing in talent and local content development across India as part of its long term commitment to the ecosystem. The company recently launched KIGI Academy, an industry academia program aimed at training people in game development, digital creation, and future ready skills. Its acquisition of Nautilus Mobile, the Pune based studio behind the Real Cricket franchise, further supports homegrown gaming talent and the development of original intellectual property.
KRAFTON's additional $250 million commitment signals deepening confidence in India's digital economy and startup ecosystem. The company is moving beyond gaming to support innovation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep technology while continuing to strengthen local talent. With total planned investment now reaching $500 million, KRAFTON aims to contribute to India's emergence as a global hub for gaming and technology led innovation.