Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), the country’s most comprehensive and ambitious gaming-focused incubation programme, has announced the launch of its second cohort, which will see six exciting game development startups, spread across Kolkata to Madurai, receive a mix of best-in-class mentorship, access to top-tier technology tools and financial assistance, among others, as the South Korean gaming giant continues to reinforce its mission to nurture a nationwide ecosystem of world-class game developers.
Anuj Sahani, Head of KRAFTON India Incubator Program and India Publishing Advisor, said,“India’s game development talent is brimming with potential, and at KIGI, we are dedicated to unlocking new opportunities for them to thrive. With an expanded cohort, a wider regional focus, and strengthened partnerships with some of the biggest names in technology, we are equipping game developers with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build games that can stand out globally. We look forward to seeing how these talented teams push creative and technical boundaries in the coming months.”
The six startups, up from four in KIGI’s inaugural cohort, include Madurai-based indie studio Kleanup Games that is building Chromadi, a retro arcade shoot-’em-up video game centered on colour-mixing mechanics and high-score action, Advaita Interactive is developing Inspectorium, a hidden object detective game set in a steampunk-inspired version of Victorian-era Kolkata.
Singular Scheme, a Mumbai-founded indie studio led by Ahad Oomerbhoy, along with a team of eight, is developing Frontier Paladin, an RPG with action-tower defense elements set in a cursed battlefield filled with divine relics and ancient foes, while Smash Head Studio, a Bangalore-based developer with over a decade of experience, is gearing up to launch Cricket Rivals, a fast-paced, real-time multiplayer mobile game that reimagines the spirit of cricket with quick, competitive matches designed for global appeal.
Unwind Games, a mobile studio based in Hyderabad and founded by industry veterans Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, is developing BaoBao’s Journey, a heartfelt casual puzzle game starring a lovable panda on a quest to build his dream mountain lodge. Lastly, Ginger Games, a studio from new Delhi founded in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, Sumit Batheja, and Piyush Kumar, is developing Monkey Mayhem, a vibrant hybrid-casual action-adventure mobile game set in the quirky “Monkey Universe.”
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India said, “At KRAFTON India, we see the future of gaming as a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse ideas and bold creativity. Gaming is more than just a form of entertainment, it’s a tool for connection, expression, and cultural influence. By empowering diverse voices and championing innovation, with our second cohort, we’re setting the stage for a future where Indian game developers are defining trends, telling new stories, and pushing the boundaries of what gaming can be.”
The second cohort is supported by an expanded network of global technology leaders like AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic and Liftoff’s GameRefinery. With the support of these industry-leading partners, incubated startups will receive crucial cloud computing resources, backend infrastructure, and expert guidance ensuring they have the necessary tools to develop and scale competitive gaming experiences globally.
Rob Schoeppe, Chief Commercial Officer, AccelByte said, “Partnering with KRAFTON India’s KIGI program is a natural extension of our mission at AccelByte to empower developers with the tools they need to stay focused on making great and exceptional games. India’s gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and we see immense potential in the talent and innovation emerging from this market. Through KIGI, we’re excited to support the next wave of Indian game studios by providing them with scalable, developer-friendly backend solutions that remove technical hurdles and accelerate their path to success.”
KRAFTON is on a mission to help ambitious young Indian game entrepreneurs to turn ideas into reality and beyond. KRAFTON will establish a mature gaming ecosystem where unique creations are born infinitely and enjoyed by everyone.
Take your concept to new heights with industry veterans, KRAFTON resources vault, workshops, and expert guidance, ensuring your game shines in the spotlight.
If you have an innovative game plan, we’ll help, guide, mentor, fund, and steer you toward future gaming glory.
Our mentorship program, ranging from 6 months to 1 year, is meticulously designed to identify, support, and nurture talented Indian individuals and teams, accelerating their journey into the world of game development.
Any passionate Indian Individual or Team that fulfills the following criteria are open to apply:
Please refer to the Eligibility Criteria before you apply:
If you have any further questions about the program, please get in touch with us at infoindiaincubator@krafton.com
