KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator Unveils Second Cohort: Six Promising Startups Join the Fray
In a significant boost to the Indian gaming ecosystem, KRAFTON India has announced the second cohort of its India Gaming Incubator (KIGI). This move underscores KRAFTON’s dedication to nurturing homegrown game development talent. The incubator’s latest cohort features six emerging studios from diverse cities across India, each selected for their potential to create globally competitive games.
Decentralizing Game Development in India
The new cohort of startups is not just about numbers; it’s about expanding the geographical footprint of game development in India. By selecting studios from cities like Kolkata, Madurai, and Hyderabad, KIGI is making a deliberate effort to decentralize game development from traditional tech hubs. This approach aims to tap into the vast reservoir of untapped talent scattered across the country.
The Six Studios and Their Games
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Kleanup Games (Madurai): Headed by Jaiwanth Shanmugam, this studio is developing CHROMADI, a high-intensity shoot-’em-up game that combines retro arcade aesthetics with color-mixing mechanics. The game, supported by original music from Niranjan Nair and produced by Nandini Nachiar, is set for a 2026 release.
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Advaita Interactive (Kolkata): Founded by Judhajit Sarkar, Inspectorium is a detective game set in a steampunk vision of Victorian-era Calcutta. It features episodic storytelling and AI-powered interrogations, targeting mobile, PC, and VR platforms between 2025 and 2026.
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Singular Scheme (Mumbai): Under the leadership of Ahad Oomerbhoy, the team is creating Frontier Paladin, a role-playing game with tower defense mechanics, set in a mythical battlefield filled with divine relics.
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Smash Head Studio (Bengaluru): With a decade of development experience, this studio is gearing up to launch Cricket Rivals, a real-time multiplayer game offering fast-paced cricket matches designed for a global audience.
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Unwind Games (Hyderabad): Co-founded by Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, BaoBao’s Journey is a soothing puzzle game featuring a panda protagonist, offering gentle puzzles, narrative depth, and cozy design.
- Ginger Games (New Delhi): Founded in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, Sumit Batheja, and Piyush Kumar, Monkey Mayhem is a hybrid-casual action-adventure game set in a stylized universe. It combines auto-shooter mechanics, crafting, combat, and storytelling, with a launch window set for early 2026.
Empowering Developers with Global Partnerships
KIGI’s second cohort is supported by an expanded network of global technology companies, including AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff’s GameRefinery. These partnerships provide the startups with essential resources like cloud computing, backend infrastructure, and expert guidance. This support ensures that these startups have the tools they need to develop and scale competitive gaming experiences globally.
Leadership Insights
Anuj Sahani, Head of the KRAFTON India Incubator Program, emphasized the program’s focus on unlocking new opportunities for Indian developers. "By expanding our regional reach and strengthening partnerships with major global technology providers, we’re equipping game creators to build experiences that resonate globally," he said.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, highlighted the broader vision: "Gaming today is a vehicle for storytelling, culture, and connection. Our second cohort embodies that spirit—diverse in voice and bold in vision. We’re investing in a future where Indian game developers don’t just participate, but lead."
Rob Schoeppe, Chief Commercial Officer at AccelByte, stressed the importance of scalability. "We’re providing backend tools to remove friction from development. Through KIGI, we aim to help Indian studios focus on what matters most—making great games."
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Indian Gaming
The gaming industry in India is on the cusp of a major transformation. With initiatives like KIGI, the country is poised to become a significant player in the global gaming market. As these startups develop their games, they not only contribute to the industry but also pave the way for future developers.
The journey of these startups is a testament to the potential of Indian talent. As you follow their progress, consider the broader implications: How will these games shape the future of gaming? And what role will you play in this evolving landscape?
For more insights into KRAFTON India’s initiatives, visit KRAFTON’s official website.
