Moin Khot
May, 19.2023
In a significant development for Indian gamers, Krafton, Inc., the renowned South Korean game developer, has officially announced the imminent resumption of operations for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). The eagerly awaited return of the popular mobile game comes after obtaining permission from the Indian authorities, as confirmed by Krafton CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn through announcements on BGMI’s social media handles.
Krafton Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to Indian Gaming and Esports With BGMI’s Return
Expressing deep appreciation for the support and patience shown by the Indian gaming community during the game's absence, Krafton's CEO extended gratitude to the Indian authorities for granting permission to resume BGMI operations. With compliance at the forefront, he added that Krafton emphasizes its commitment to upholding Indian laws and ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for players.
The CEO explained that at the heart of Krafton's strategy lies an "India-first" approach, focusing on the development and growth of the Indian gaming ecosystem. The company firmly believes in investing in the Indian gaming industry and contributing to the fostering of a vibrant environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. To achieve this, Krafton plans to collaborate with local developers and promote cutting-edge technologies, thereby boosting technological advancements in the Indian gaming landscape. Moreover, the company recognizes the significance of providing skilling and employment opportunities to Indian talent, enabling them to excel in the industry.
The announcement from Krafton comes on the heels of the company's substantial investments in the Indian gaming market. In 2020, Krafton revealed its plans to invest $100 million USD in India, supporting various sectors including video games, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. Several investments have already been made, including minority investments in NODWIN Gaming and a seed funding round for the gaming live streaming platform Loco. These investments demonstrate Krafton's dedication to the growth and development of the Indian gaming ecosystem.
Battlegrounds Mobile India has enjoyed immense popularity in the country since its launch less than two years ago. The game achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 100 million cumulative users in just over a year, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the esports ecosystem in India. Notably, BGMI became the first esports event to be televised on mainstream channels, attracting an impressive 24 million concurrent viewers and an overall viewership of 200 million.