KRAFTON India selects six startups for incubation program, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian gaming ecosystem. The South Korean gaming giant’s India-specific initiative, the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), continues to nurture innovative gaming talent across the country. This second cohort was chosen from over 350 applications, with startups hailing from emerging hubs like Madurai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
The selected game development studios include Kleanup Games, Singular Scheme, Unwind Games, Advaita Interactive, Ginger Games, and Smash Head Studio. Each studio will receive up to $150,000 in grants. Beyond funding, KIGI will offer end-to-end mentorship in critical areas like game design, monetisation, marketing, and visual storytelling.
With this cohort, KRAFTON aims to expand its support to underrepresented regions while deepening its ties with India’s game development community. By identifying raw, local talent and providing them with tools to grow, KRAFTON is investing in the long-term potential of India’s creative economy. This initiative not only boosts the chances for indie game developers to scale globally but also enriches India’s standing in the international gaming arena.
As industry experts note, India’s gaming market is among the fastest-growing worldwide, with increased mobile penetration and digital consumption paving the way for innovation. KRAFTON’s initiative is timely and significant, offering structural support where it’s most needed. For startup enthusiasts, founders, and VCs tracking startup news today, this development underscores the rise of sector-specific incubators that drive niche innovation.
1. Introduction: KRAFTON India Selects Six Startups for Incubation Program
KRAFTON India selects six startups for incubation program under its flagship initiative, KIGI (KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator). The gaming major continues to empower the next generation of developers by offering a structured incubation model combined with strategic investments. The cohort reflects India’s growing passion for game development and represents emerging hotspots such as Kolkata, Madurai, and Hyderabad.
2. Understanding the KIGI Incubation Framework
2.1 A Tailored Incubation Model for Gaming Startups
KIGI focuses solely on gaming ventures, setting it apart from traditional accelerators. Startups receive financial support, but more importantly, they gain access to KRAFTON’s global gaming expertise. This includes guidance in designing user-friendly interfaces, optimizing gameplay mechanics, and creating scalable monetization strategies.
2.2 Up to $150,000 in Grants
Each studio receives funding of up to $150,000 to prototype, polish, and prepare for market entry. This monetary support bridges a crucial funding gap in the early stages of game development.
2.3 Industry Mentorship and Global Exposure
Through workshops and personalised sessions, KRAFTON ensures that founders understand both the creative and business aspects of the industry. The teams also get access to KRAFTON’s ecosystem, which opens up opportunities for global publishing and long-term partnerships.
3. Meet the Selected Startups: A Deep Dive
3.1 Kleanup Games – Madurai
Kleanup Games, an indie studio from Madurai, is working on ‘Chromadi’, a vibrant retro arcade shooter. The game introduces a unique colour-mixing mechanic designed to heighten user engagement. The studio, led by Jaiwanth Shanmugam, aims for a 2026 release across Android, iOS, and Steam Deck. This project reflects how indie developers can combine nostalgic mechanics with modern platforms.
3.2 Singular Scheme – Mumbai
While specific product details remain under wraps, Singular Scheme has gained early attention for its immersive storytelling and stylised animation. As a Mumbai-based studio, they’re leveraging the city’s creative talent pool to build narrative-driven gaming experiences.
3.3 Unwind Games – Hyderabad
Unwind Games is reportedly building a casual game that blends puzzle-solving with dynamic user progression. Hyderabad’s tech ecosystem offers the perfect backdrop for this studio’s ambitions. Their focus lies on making games accessible while still offering layered gameplay depth.
3.4 Advaita Interactive – Kolkata
Founded by Judhajit Sarkar, Advaita Interactive is creating ‘Inspectorium’, a steampunk-themed hidden object detective game. The game features AI-driven interrogations and rich world-building. Its episodic storytelling format makes it ideal for mobile, PC, and VR platforms. Launch is expected between 2025 and 2026.
3.5 Ginger Games – Delhi NCR
Ginger Games, rooted in Delhi NCR, is focusing on hyper-casual mobile titles that cater to India’s youth. The studio believes in high user retention through intuitive design and quick gameplay loops. Their upcoming portfolio includes multiple experimental titles targeting global casual gamers.
3.6 Smash Head Studio – Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s Smash Head Studio is pushing the boundaries with a strategy-based multiplayer game. The game is said to feature regional storytelling fused with advanced multiplayer mechanics. Their vision is to bring Indian narratives to the global stage through strategic gameplay.
4. India’s Gaming Boom: The Bigger Picture
4.1 A Rapidly Expanding Market
India is expected to reach over 500 million gamers by 2026. Factors such as cheap data, smartphone proliferation, and vernacular gaming content are fueling growth.
4.2 More Than Just Casual Play
The Indian market is now evolving into a serious business hub. From esports to educational games, the spectrum is widening. KRAFTON’s role becomes pivotal as it introduces studios with original IPs to a hungry market.
4.3 Strategic Regional Expansion
KRAFTON’s decision to back studios in Tier II and Tier III cities signals a deeper commitment. By decentralising innovation, the incubator promotes regional equality in startup access.
5. Unique Insights from KRAFTON’s Incubator Strategy
5.1 India-First Game Development
The incubator ensures that selected startups focus on Indian narratives, player behavior, and monetisation trends. Localisation is not just about language, but about cultural resonance.
5.2 Building Sustainable Game Studios
Beyond just game launches, KRAFTON is encouraging sustainable studio building. This includes HR practices, funding strategies, marketing, and long-term IP development.
5.3 Driving International Recognition
By offering potential publishing avenues, KRAFTON is building bridges between Indian studios and global markets.
6. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
Startups should understand the importance of niche incubators. By aligning with vertical-focused platforms like KIGI, founders receive more relevant and actionable mentorship.
Product-market fit matters, especially in creative fields like gaming. Deeply understanding the user base and local preferences can differentiate a game from the rest.
Innovation isn’t always about new tech. Sometimes, reimagining classic gameplay with modern tweaks—like Kleanup Games did—can create breakout hits.
Mentorship, access to funds, and community support are non-negotiables for early-stage success. The more structured the support, the better the outcomes.
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