The Indian gaming industry has enormous potential, but it needs the right support to compete globally, according to the head of a major international game developer. Krafton India’s CEO has urged policymakers to further strengthen the country’s eGaming ecosystem, arguing that targeted government support could help India take a bigger slice of the rapidly growing global market.
Krafton — the South Korean gaming giant behind popular titles like PUBG: Battlegrounds Mobile India — has been expanding its footprint in India through local operations, development partners, and investments. But despite rapid growth at home, industry leaders say structural reforms and clearer policies are needed to unlock the sector’s full potential.
India’s eGaming Market: Rising Fast but Facing Challenges
Over the past few years, gaming in India has transformed from a niche hobby to a mainstream form of entertainment. With affordable smartphones, widespread internet access and a young population, India has become one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing gaming markets. However, the ecosystem still has hurdles — from fragmented regulations to gaps in infrastructure and talent development.
According to the CEO, clearer policy frameworks around game publishing, monetisation and data management could help both domestic studios and international investors feel more confident about building long-term businesses in India. At the same time, strategic incentives — such as R&D support, skill development programmes, and infrastructure initiatives — could accelerate growth and innovation.
Why Government Support Matters
Speaking to reporters, the Krafton India CEO highlighted that government backing could not only help existing players scale but also attract global development talent and funding into the country. Countries with strong gaming industries often have coordinated public-private programmes that nurture startups, offer tax incentives, and invest in specialised training. Bringing such models to India could elevate its position as a hub for game development, esports, animation, and related technologies.
He also emphasised that supportive policies could encourage the growth of esports — competitive video gaming — which has seen rising participation and viewership but lacks uniform regulation and official recognition. With structured support, India could host larger tournaments, develop professional leagues, and build a pipeline of competitive talent recognized at global platforms.
Innovation, Jobs, and the Future
Beyond entertainment, gaming is increasingly seen as a driver of economic activity. From creative content production and technical development to community engagement and competitive events, the industry has created jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities across multiple segments. Optimising the business environment, the CEO argued, could multiply these gains while positioning India as an export centre for gaming content and technologies.
Indian policymakers have taken some steps in recent years, including the launch of dedicated gaming portals, hackathons, and funding schemes to spur innovation. However, industry leaders believe more comprehensive measures — such as formal industry status, tax relief for developers, and streamlined digital content guidelines — could help the sector accelerate even faster.
Looking Ahead
As the global gaming market continues to expand — driven by mobile gaming, cloud platforms, esports, and immersive technologies such as AR/VR — India’s potential growth trajectory remains strong. With coordinated government support and industry collaboration, the CEO of Krafton India believes the country could emerge not just as one of the largest consumer markets, but as a major contributor to global game creation and competitive gaming culture.
