Manoj Jangir
In a bold move within the gaming industry, Krafton, the South Korean company behind the wildly popular PUBG and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has acquired a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, an Indian game development studio renowned for its Real Cricket franchise. This acquisition, valued at $14 million, marks Krafton’s first significant control deal in India and signals its ambition to expand its influence in one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile gaming markets.
The Acquisition Deal
Krafton has secured over 75% of Nautilus Mobile in an all-cash transaction, expected to finalize by the end of the month. Based in Pune, India, Nautilus Mobile was founded in 2013 and has since built a strong reputation with its Real Cricket series, a mobile gaming franchise that has attracted millions of downloads and a loyal following, especially in cricket-crazy nations like India. Despite the acquisition, Nautilus Mobile will continue to operate independently, retaining its 45-member team and its focus on cricket-based games.
Strategic Importance for Krafton
This acquisition is a key step in Krafton’s strategy to deepen its foothold in India, a market projected to grow from $640 million in 2023 to $1.1 billion by 2028, according to Niko Partners. India’s massive mobile gaming audience and its passion for cricket make it an ideal target for Krafton, which has primarily been known for battle royale titles like PUBG and BGMI. By acquiring Nautilus Mobile, Krafton diversifies its portfolio beyond its flagship genre, tapping into the lucrative sports gaming sector.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, Krafton’s CEO of India, highlighted the deal’s alignment with the company’s vision of transforming India into a global hub for game development. This move also reduces Krafton’s reliance on BGMI, which, while a major revenue source in India, has faced regulatory hurdles in the past. With Nautilus Mobile’s expertise, Krafton can explore new opportunities and broaden its appeal to Indian gamers.
What It Means for Nautilus Mobile
For Nautilus Mobile, partnering with Krafton opens doors to significant growth. The studio gains access to Krafton’s global resources, advanced technology, and industry know-how, which could elevate the Real Cricket franchise to new heights. Anuj Mankar, CEO of Nautilus Mobile, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that it will allow the studio to enhance its existing titles and pursue innovative projects. This could mean improved gameplay, better monetization, and even expansion into other cricket-loving markets worldwide.
A Bigger Picture in Gaming
Krafton’s investment in Nautilus Mobile fits into a larger pattern of its commitment to India. Since 2021, the company has poured over $200 million into Indian startups across gaming, esports, and tech sectors. This acquisition underscores India’s rising prominence in the global gaming landscape and the confidence major players like Krafton have in its developers and market potential.
Looking Ahead
The Krafton-Nautilus Mobile deal is a win-win for both companies and a milestone for the Indian gaming industry. For Krafton, it’s a chance to solidify its presence in a high-growth market and diversify its offerings. For Nautilus Mobile, it’s an opportunity to scale up with the backing of a global gaming giant. As the partnership takes shape, gamers can anticipate exciting developments, potentially redefining mobile gaming experiences in India and beyond. The gaming world will be watching closely as this collaboration unfolds.
