KRAFTON Expands Gaming Incubator to Empower India’s Indie Game Developers

KRAFTON India is strengthening its commitment to India’s gaming ecosystem with the launch of the second batch of the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI).

After the success of the first cohort, the new lineup includes six ambitious startups hailing from emerging gaming hubs like Madurai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and more.

Financial and Strategic Support for Indie Developers

KIGI provides selected studios with up to USD 150,000 in funding along with six to twelve months of mentorship. This support aims to help developers build games with global appeal.

The incubator also offers access to essential tools and infrastructure through strategic partnerships with tech leaders such as AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff’s GameRefinery.

The Six Game Studios Powering India’s Gaming Future

Kleanup Games – CHROMADI

Madurai-based Kleanup Games is working on CHROMADI, a fast-paced shoot-’em-up inspired by classic retro arcade games.

Studio director Jaiwanth Shanmugam leads the development, incorporating color-mixing mechanics and an original soundtrack by Niranjan Nair. The game is scheduled for a full release in 2026.

Advaita Interactive – Inspectorium

From Kolkata, Advaita Interactive is building Inspectorium, a hidden object detective game set in a steampunk version of Victorian Calcutta.

Judhajit Sarkar heads the project, which features AI-driven interrogations and immersive puzzles. It will be released on mobile, PC, and VR platforms between 2025 and 2026.

Singular Scheme – Frontier Paladin

Mumbai’s Singular Scheme, led by Ahad Oomerbhoy, is creating Frontier Paladin, an RPG that merges action and tower-defense gameplay.

Set in a mystical battlefield, the game promises a strategic experience and compelling narrative. A public demo is currently available on Steam.

Smash Head Studio – Cricket Rivals

Bengaluru’s Smash Head Studio is developing Cricket Rivals, a real-time multiplayer mobile cricket game.

With a focus on fast-paced, competitive matches, the game reimagines traditional cricket for the mobile generation. The studio is helmed by Surendran Ramachandran and Pawan Sandhar, known for Gravity Shooter.

Unwind Games – BaoBao’s Journey

Hyderabad-based Unwind Games, co-founded by Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, is crafting BaoBao’s Journey.

This soothing puzzle game follows a panda protagonist on a heartfelt quest to build his dream mountain lodge. The game blends calming gameplay with emotional storytelling.

Ginger Games – Monkey Mayhem

New Delhi’s Ginger Games, established in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, Sumit Batheja, and Piyush Kumar, is behind Monkey Mayhem. A hybrid casual action-adventure title, it follows the adventurous monkey Piklu as he navigates chaotic biomes in an auto-shooter adventure. The game is set to release in February 2026.

Success Stories from the First KIGI Cohort

The first batch of KIGI has already made notable progress, with studios such as ReDimension Games, Shura Games, and Dunali Games seeing their titles launched or entering soft launch stages.

Another participant, Arjuna Studios, is also approaching its release date, signaling a strong trajectory for indie game development in India.

Driving Global Standards in Indian Game Development

Anuj Sahani, Head of the KIGI program, emphasized the incubator’s vision: “We are equipping developers with the resources to build globally resonant games.”

Echoing this, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, remarked, “We’re championing a future where Indian developers are setting global trends.”

A Broader Ecosystem with Global Potential

The launch of KIGI’s second cohort highlights KRAFTON’s broader vision to position India as a leader in global game development.

With strategic partnerships, diverse studio locations, and a variety of game genres, the incubator is fostering an ecosystem rich in creativity, cultural storytelling, and innovation.

Through continued investment in local talent and infrastructure, KIGI is not only empowering indie developers but also shaping the future of gaming in India—one cohort at a time.