Krafton India, the Indian arm of the South Korean gaming giant Krafton, has launched a gaming incubator to support and boost local gaming startups. The incubator, dubbed the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), will provide selected startups with guidance, mentorship, access to Krafton’s resources, and financial backing of up to Rs 1.24 crore (US$150,000).
KIGI is open to early-stage Indian startups, those in the conceptualisation phase, student teams, and independent developers. The incubator will focus on a wide range of gaming genres, including mobile, PC, and console games. However, it will not consider developers or startups working on real-money gaming (RMG) or gambling content.
The KIGI program will last for six to twelve months, depending on the needs of the selected startups. During this time, startups will receive mentorship from experienced industry professionals, access to Krafton’s resources and technologies, and support in developing and launching their games.
Krafton India’s launch of KIGI is a significant development for the Indian gaming industry. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting and growing the local gaming ecosystem. KIGI is expected to play a key role in identifying and nurturing India’s next generation of gaming talent.
Why is KIGI important for the Indian gaming industry?
The Indian gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world. According to market intelligence firm Niko Partners, India’s video game revenue is expected to reach $868 million in 2023, growing at a year-on-year rate of 21.2%.
However, the Indian gaming industry still faces some challenges, such as a lack of funding and mentorship opportunities for startups. KIGI addresses these challenges by providing startups with access to resources, mentorship, and financial support.
KIGI is also expected to help in boosting the quality of Indian-made games. By providing startups with access to Krafton’s resources and technologies, KIGI can help them develop games that meet international standards.
What are the benefits of participating in KIGI?
Selected startups will receive a number of benefits from participating in KIGI, including:
- Mentorship from experienced industry professionals: KIGI startups will be mentored by experienced professionals from Krafton and other leading gaming companies. This mentorship will be invaluable in helping startups develop and launch their games.
- Access to Krafton’s resources and technologies: KIGI startups will have access to Krafton’s resources and technologies, including its game engine, development tools, and publishing expertise. This access will help startups develop and launch their games more efficiently and effectively.
- Financial support: KIGI startups will receive financial support of up to Rs 1.24 crore (US$150,000). This financial support will help startups cover the costs of game development, marketing, and publishing.
How to apply for KIGI?
To apply for KIGI, startups can visit the Krafton India website and fill out the application form. The application form asks for basic information about the startup, its team, and its game idea.
The Krafton India team will review all applications and select the most promising startups to participate in KIGI. The selection process will be based on a number of factors, including the quality of the startup’s game idea, the experience and skills of its team, and the startup’s potential for growth.
Krafton India’s launch of KIGI is a significant development for the Indian gaming industry. KIGI is expected to play a key role in identifying and nurturing India’s next generation of gaming talent.
If you are an Indian gaming startup, I encourage you to apply for KIGI. KIGI can provide you with the resources, mentorship, and financial support you need to develop and launch your game.
Additional thoughts
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, KIGI can also help startups in the following ways:
- Networking opportunities: KIGI startups will have the opportunity to network with other startups, investors, and industry professionals. This networking can help startups find new partners, investors, and customers.
- Market exposure: KIGI startups will have the opportunity to showcase their games to a wider audience. Krafton India can help startups get their games featured in gaming events and publications.
- Brand recognition: Being associated with Krafton India can help startups build brand recognition and credibility. This can be helpful when raising funds or partnering with other companies.
Overall, KIGI is a valuable program that can help Indian gaming startups succeed. I encourage all eligible startups to apply for KIGI.
Morningglobe
Nitin Jain
