KRAFTON Acquires Nautilus Mobile: A Milestone for India’s Gaming Industry
In a significant move within the gaming industry, South Korean giant KRAFTON, renowned for its popular titles such as PUBG Battlegrounds and Battlegrounds Mobile India, has acquired a controlling stake in Pune-based game development studio Nautilus Mobile. This acquisition, valued at ₹118 crores, not only marks KRAFTON’s first majority acquisition in India but also positions the Indian gaming landscape for considerable growth and innovation.
KRAFTON’s Leadership Insights
The acquisition was announced by KRAFTON’s CEO, Sean Hyunil Sohn, who expressed optimism about the potential of India as a game development powerhouse in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18. “We believe India has much bigger potential as a game development powerhouse than what we are seeing right now,” Sohn stated, emphasizing the company’s long-term commitment to cultivating a strong gaming ecosystem in India.
Nautilus Mobile’s Popular Franchise
Nautilus Mobile is best known for its popular franchise, Real Cricket, which has garnered a dedicated following among cricket fans. This acquisition solidifies the partnership that KRAFTON and Nautilus have developed since KRAFTON’s initial investment in Nautilus back in 2022. With KRAFTON now in control of over 75% of Nautilus, the studio is set to operate independently while benefiting from enhanced global support.
A Stronger Partnership
Sohn acknowledged the groundwork laid in their previous collaborations, stating, “We have worked together and built trust and a relationship with Nautilus over the last three years. That gave us conviction that we could create something bigger and greater if we worked more closely with the Nautilus team.” This sentiment reflects KRAFTON’s strategy to enhance the quality of the Real Cricket franchise.
Elevating the Real Cricket Franchise
By leveraging its global scale and technological expertise, KRAFTON aims to enhance Nautilus’s offerings, potentially positioning cricket video games alongside popular sports games like football and basketball. “We will support the Real Cricket team to absorb technological know-how and utilize our global publishing capacity,” Sohn explained, highlighting the company’s ambitions to broaden the appeal of cricket gaming.
Continued Support from JetSynthesys
In addition, JetSynthesys, the previous shareholder of Nautilus, retains a minority interest in the company and will continue to play a strategic role, particularly in the growing eSports arena. KRAFTON’s plans for India go beyond mere acquisitions; Sohn hinted at future investments aimed at building local R&D capacities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the Make in India initiative.
The Evolving Indian Gaming Landscape
The Indian gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, with increasing investments, burgeoning interest in game development careers, and shifting expectations from gamers. “Indian gamers are now demanding higher-quality content and are more willing to pay, especially if they can find value in the game as quality entertainment,” Sohn noted, indicating a shift in consumer behavior that could fuel further growth in the sector. This highlights the growing trend of premium gaming experiences, where players seek not just entertainment but engagement and quality storytelling, similar to what is seen in blockbuster films or series.
Mobile Gaming’s Prominence
Furthermore, the rise of mobile gaming in India cannot be overlooked. According to a report by Statista, the country’s gaming market is expected to reach over $3 billion by 2024, driven primarily by the mobile segment. This rapid expansion means that game studios are more important than ever, particularly those that can cater to regional tastes and preferences. By acquiring Nautilus, KRAFTON positions itself at the forefront of this booming market, opening pathways to localized content that resonates with diverse gaming communities across India.
A Broader Trend in the Gaming Industry
This strategic acquisition by KRAFTON reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where major players are looking to capitalize on the untapped potential of India’s vibrant gaming market. As KRAFTON integrates Nautilus Mobile into its operations, the industry watches closely to see how this partnership will redefine cricket video gaming in India and potentially on a global scale. The opportunity to infuse regional sports into the global gaming culture could present an exciting intersection of real-world passion and digital engagement for millions of fans.
Looking Ahead
For further insights into KRAFTON’s vision and the future of gaming in India, be sure to stay tuned for the full interview, where Sohn will delve deeper into the strategic plans that lie ahead.