KRAFTON India has introduced six new game development studios to the second round of its India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), broadening its outreach to include cities like Madurai and Kolkata. After launching the program with four startups last year, this expansion reflects the company’s commitment to supporting a broader range of developers across the country.
The KIGI program offers selected teams mentorship for up to a year and grants of up to $150,000. The goal is to help studios create high-quality games and bring fresh ideas to the Indian and global gaming markets.
The Indian indie gaming scene continues to grow with the emergence of a new wave of studios across the country, each bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the table. Leading the charge in Madurai is Cleanup Games, helmed by JaiwanthShanmugam. The studio is developing CHROMADI, a high-speed retro-style shooter that stands out with its color-based mechanics and arcade-inspired flair. Fans can look forward to its official release in 2026, which promises to deliver an exciting and nostalgic gaming experience.
In Kolkata, Advaita Interactive, founded by Judhajit Sarkar, is making waves with its unique game Inspectorium. Set in a steampunk version of colonial Calcutta, the hidden-object detective game is set to feature episodic storytelling and AI-driven gameplay. Advaita plans to launch Inspectorium across multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and VR, starting in 2025, offering an immersive experience steeped in mystery and historical intrigue.
Mumbai’s Singular Scheme, led by AhadOomerbhoy, is working on Frontier Paladin, a game that combines RPG elements with action-packed tower defense mechanics. Set in a mythical warzone, the game will take players through a world filled with relics and supernatural threats. As an action-heavy title with deep RPG components, Frontier Paladin promises to offer players a rich and dynamic experience when it launches.
In Bangalore, Smash Head Studio is preparing to release Cricket Rivals, a fast-paced multiplayer cricket game. With over ten years of industry experience, the studio aims to create a title that appeals to global mobile audiences. The game promises to bring competitive cricket action to mobile platforms, and it’s shaping up to be a hit for fans of both cricket and multiplayer gaming.
Unwind Games, founded by Jayant Shukla and KhozemaAbuwala in Hyderabad, is working on BaoBao’s Journey. This relaxing puzzle game follows the adventures of a panda protagonist as it navigates various gentle puzzles and home-building elements. The game is designed to create a soothing, meditative experience for players, offering a welcome respite from high-intensity titles.
Lastly, Ginger Games, a studio formed in New Delhi in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, SumitBatheja, and Piyush Kumar, is putting together Monkey Mayhem, a hybrid casual mobile game. Combining auto-shooter action with crafting and storytelling, Monkey Mayhem takes place in a whimsical universe. The game is set to launch in February 2026, offering a unique blend of action and creativity in a charming, light-hearted package.
This new batch of developers follows in the footsteps of the first wave of studios from cities like Gurgaon, New Delhi, Kohima, and Bangalore, many of which are gearing up to launch their debut titles. Notably, ReDimension Games is now live on Steam, while Shura Games and Dunali Games have soft-launched their games on the Play Store. Additionally, Arjuna Studios is preparing for its upcoming launch, further contributing to the growth and diversity of India’s indie game development scene.
Their progress reflects the incubator’s aim: to give Indian developers the support they need to bring competitive games to market.
Anuj Sahani, who leads the KIGI program, said the expansion reflects a strategy to tap into regional talent and connect teams with experienced mentors and tech support from global partners. KRAFTON India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn added that gaming is becoming a key platform for cultural storytelling and innovation, and the incubator is designed to help Indian studios shape the future of the industry.
Rob Schoeppe, CCO of AccelByte, emphasized the importance of reducing technical roadblocks for developers. Through its partnership with KIGI, AccelByte is offering backend tools to help new studios scale quickly.
The incubator is supported by companies including AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff’s GameRefinery, providing cloud services, analytics, and backend systems to help studios build and grow their games effectively.
Launched in 2023, the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator supports up-and-coming Indian developers with mentorship, funding (between $50,000 and $150,000), and access to international game development expertise. In addition to production support, the incubator connects teams with publishing and investment opportunities.
KRAFTON, headquartered in South Korea, is known globally for titles like PUBG. In India, it has launched Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and several other games. Since 2021, the company has invested over $170 million in Indian startups across gaming, esports, and technology, and continues to back local talent through programs like KIGI and events such as BGIS and BMPS.
