Krafton's Strategic Bet on the Indian Market

The introduction of Battlegrounds Mobile India marked a significant turning point for the nation's gaming industry. As one of the country's most popular games, BGMI continues to drive Krafton's strategy in the region. In an interview, Krafton India CEO Sean Sohn shared insights into the company's approach to the Indian market, the opportunities that lie ahead, and how India fits into Krafton's global strategy. Sohn noted that India accounts for roughly 10% of Krafton's global revenues, with the market growing at double digits. The company has invested approximately $170 million in India's startup ecosystem, including gaming, esports, and digital content platforms. Sohn emphasized the importance of understanding local tastes and preferences, citing the popularity of shooter games, card games, and board games in India. He also highlighted the need for a local team to develop games that cater to the Indian market. The company's approach to BGMI differed from PUBG Mobile, with the introduction of safeguards and localized features to address concerns around gaming in India. Sohn credited BGMI with driving a shift towards midcore titles in India, with Indian gamers seeking high-quality gaming content. Krafton's investment in India is part of its strategy to build a model for emerging markets, with the company seeking to apply a localized approach that appeals to local tastes. The acquisition of studios like Tango Gameworks is expected to benefit regional operations like Krafton India, with the potential to generate new IPs and convert PC and console games to mobile. Sohn expressed optimism about the prospects for Palworld Mobile in India, citing the universal appeal of virtual pets and the popularity of anime and Japanese media in the country.