South Korean tech giant Krafton has committed an additional 0 million to India over the next three to four years, aiming to expand its operational footprint into artificial intelligence, robotics, deep tech, and local startup investments. The new commitment brings the company's total direct investment in the country to over 0 million, reinforcing India's status as a critical strategic growth hub for the publisher. Strategic Expansion Beyond Core GamingBest known as the creator and publisher of global gaming phenomena such as PUBG and its localized Indian counterpart Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Krafton is executing a broader diversification strategy. The newly announced capital allocation is explicitly targeted at emerging technology sectors beyond interactive entertainment. Over the coming three to four years, Krafton plans to deploy funds into high-growth verticals including: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Developing localized AI models and computational solutions tailored for emerging digital platforms.Robotics & Deep Tech: Backing hardware and software ventures focusing on automation, spatial computing, and next-generation robotics applications.Digital Media & Content Creation: Accelerating investments in audio, storytelling, and creator-economy ecosystem platforms.The announcement followed a high-level meeting in New Delhi between Krafton Chairman Byung Gyu Chang and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, leadership discussed deepening bilateral tech cooperation between South Korea and India while nurturing local digital innovation. Krafton’s Total Planned Commitments in IndiaFund / Pipeline CategoryCapital AmountFocus Area & DescriptionHistorical Investment (2021–Present)~0 MillionDirect backing of 18+ Indian startups, including gaming and digital platforms.New Direct Capital Commitment0 MillionAI, robotics, deep tech, and local startup ecosystem growth.Combined Direct Investment0+ MillionCumulative corporate capital earmarked directly by Krafton.Joint Venture Growth Fund~0 Million (₹6,000 Cr)Separate fund co-launched with Naver & Mirae Asset for broader tech ventures.Backing the Indian Startup EcosystemKrafton’s new outlay builds on an established portfolio of venture investments in Indian tech companies. Rather than focusing solely on internal game development, the company has actively funded diverse digital platforms. To date, Krafton has invested in approximately 18 Indian enterprises. Notable portfolio names span live entertainment, game studios, creator platforms, and vernacular media: Esports & Gaming: Nodwin Gaming, Loco, and Pune-based Nautilus Mobile (developers of the popular Real Cricket series). Vernacular Media & Audio: Regional content and audio storytelling apps such as Pratilipi and Kuku FM. Creator Economy: Marketing platforms like One Impression. In addition to venture funding, Krafton has focused on local talent development through its KIGI Academy—an industry-academia initiative designed to train Indian students in game architecture, digital design, and software engineering. Navigating Past Setbacks to Long-Term CommitmentKrafton’s aggressive expansion comes after navigating significant regulatory hurdles in the Indian market. In 2020, PUBG Mobile was banned alongside other foreign-linked applications due to data privacy and security concerns. Krafton restructured its local operations by cutting ties with China's Tencent Games as the publisher in India, shifting data hosting to Microsoft Azure servers, and launching BGMI in 2021 as an exclusive title for the country. Despite subsequent temporary suspensions, BGMI was fully cleared and has accumulated over 260 million downloads across India. The publisher is also preparing to introduce BGMI Lite to cater to India's vast base of budget smartphone users. Future OutlookWith over 700 million smartphone users and a rapidly growing digital economy, India has transitioned from a pure content-consumption hub into a core hub for digital creation. By doubling its direct financial outlay to 0 million and diversifying into deep tech, Krafton is positioning itself not just as a global video game publisher, but as a major participant in India's expanding technology landscape.
