KRAFTON, the developer behind popular games like PUBG and BGMI, has announced plans to set up a Research and Development (R&D) facility in India by 2026. This move aims to create games specifically tailored to the Indian market, incorporating cultural elements that resonate with local players. Sean Hyunil Sohn, KRAFTON’s India business head, shared the company’s vision to enhance its presence in the Indian gaming industry.
Focus on Indian Market Growth
KRAFTON’s decision to establish an R&D facility in India reflects the company’s commitment to developing high-quality games that align with Indian cultural preferences. Although the exact location of the facility is yet to be finalized, Bengaluru and Pune are the top choices under consideration, as reported by PTI.
Sohn emphasized that the Indian gaming market has shown rapid growth, driven by a growing demand for digital entertainment. To sustain and further expand this growth, KRAFTON aims to build a strong development team in India, ensuring that the games they create resonate with the local audience.
Challenges in Gaming Ecosystem
Despite the increasing popularity of gaming in India, Sohn highlighted several challenges that hinder the industry’s full potential. One of the primary issues is the shortage of top-quality talent in game development. Sohn attributes this to the relatively short history of the gaming industry in the country, which has led to a limited pool of skilled professionals.
Additionally, the lack of adequate IT infrastructure and education in game development has further constrained the industry’s growth. Sohn stressed the need for a shift in perception towards gaming as a legitimate career option. He also called for more informed investments in educational infrastructure to nurture future talent.
Investment and Support Initiatives
To address these challenges and support the Indian gaming ecosystem, KRAFTON has been actively investing in the country. Since 2021, the company has invested $160 million in Indian startups and plans to invest an additional $150 million over the next two to three years.
In October last year, KRAFTON launched the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) to bolster its presence in the country. This initiative aims to boost India’s growth in the game development sector by nurturing early-stage startups, including those at the conceptual or idea stage, as well as student teams and independent developers.
KRAFTON’s plans to establish an R&D facility in India represent a significant step towards creating games that cater to the unique preferences of Indian gamers. By addressing the challenges in the Indian gaming ecosystem and investing in local talent, KRAFTON aims to strengthen its foothold in the rapidly growing Indian market.
