KRAFTON India

#KIGIMentorInsights Today we have Srinjoy Das sharing interesting insights in the challenges of Mentoring Modern Day Start-ups. With over a decade of experience in marketing and a strong background in working with the Gen Z, Srinjoy possesses deep insights into how the current generation thinks, operates, and what truly inspires them. In this piece, Srinjoy delves into the core of mentorship—its significance, the challenges it entails, and how the right guidance can empower young entrepreneurs to establish their footing and carve a clear pathway to success Srinjoy opines, "Mentorship is a two-way street. It cannot be manufactured as a course, or a material. Most of the biggest entrepreneur turned to their mentors when things were super rough, and that makes it difficult to understand what common topics should be discussed in mentoring sessions. I was myself an ex-founder, and I always turned to mentors when I had a specific problem to which they might have ideas, because at that role you do not have any mental bandwidth to listen to everything a mentor (or worse a list of mentors) have to say. On Understanding Scale, I have worked in a $500 billion company, a $50 million company, and a $50 billion company apart from running a startup and currently in a company which is about $20 billion. At every scale level of companies, the ambitions are different, and every product level, the challenges are different. Founders can kickstart a mentorship with their problem list/pain points/self-doubt arenas to have more meaningful conversations on the scale of their problems." Being a marketer himself, he adds, "Marketing gaming startups is supremely difficult to mentor, since if you don’t fail brutally you'd rarely feel the need to set up processes. Most gaming startups are Product first, Engineering second and rest later. Add to that, the 3 layers of complexity: **Marketing project outputs only become apparent 3-6months out, whereas product/LiveOps is real time **Marketing projects are financially draining while product is a resource drain. So it emotionally stings more. **Marketing projects forces you to talk to externals (agencies/vendors) who have far less stake in your projects than your product managers Once you add these three layers, to the inherent itch to fail first and then market, you realise why growth teams are formed much later in the product evolution cycle, and hence mentor comes much later, when there's trouble on the horizon." Stay tuned to hear more insights from our expert mentors, and don’t forget to connect with us through our website! https://krafton.in/kigi/ #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #KIGI #mentorship #incubation #gamingincubator #techtalent #gamedevelopment #MakeInIndia #marketing #gamemarketing #IndiaKiHeartbeat Anuj Sahani Nidhi G. Shubham Sood Biswarup Gooptu Manva Hunswadkar

#LeadersSpeak We’re thrilled to share that two of our leaders have been featured in top gaming publications, highlighting the incredible work happening at KRAFTON India! Anuj Sahani during a conversation with AFK Gaming delves into the success of the first cohort of KIGI and outlines how our initiative is not just about nurturing startups but about creating a unique ecosystem for gaming innovation. From mentoring visionary teams to providing tailored resources, KIGI stands apart in how it empowers the next generation of game creators. In another conversation, SEDDHARTH MERROTRA spoke to GamingonPhone where he emphasized the pivotal role partnerships play in the success of #BGMI and our other games. From fostering collaborations that elevate gameplay to crafting strategies that are distinctly different and innovative, partnerships at KRAFTON India are more than just alliances—they’re catalysts for transformative experiences. These stories reflect our commitment to pushing boundaries, whether it’s nurturing new talent or building meaningful collaborations. A big shoutout to the entire KRAFTON India family for making these achievements possible and to our gaming community for their continued support! Check out the articles here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g74UJ_wr 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gHGiEfUt Here’s to more innovation, collaboration, and gaming excellence! Biswarup Gooptu Manva Hunswadkar Nidhi G. Shubham Sood Kunzang Namgyal Harsha Panigrahi Aditya P. AUDIP GHOSH

Earlier this month, students from IIT Mumbai and Delhi, currently studying at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) as part of an exchange program, visited our Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. KAIST, a leading university in South Korea, is renowned for nurturing science and technology talent through rigorous theoretical and applied research, as well as its focus on convergence research and industry-academia collaboration. During their visit, the students gained valuable insights into the gaming industry and KRAFTON's operations. They expressed great satisfaction with the program, showing keen interest in understanding the nuances of the real-world gaming ecosystem. To further support their academic pursuits, KRAFTON also sponsored electronic devices, empowering them to excel in their studies. This initiative reflects our commitment to fosterinoration and strengthening ties between KRAFTON and emerging talent from prestigious institutions like IIT and KAIST. At KRAFTON, we remain committed to identifying and nurturing talent, focusing on building a stronger foundation for innovation and collaboration that drives future growth. #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #techtalent #development #gamedevelopment #gamingtalent #AI #innovation #IIT #IndiaKorea Harns (Nak-Hyoung) Kim Kunzang Namgyal

#Awards KRAFTON India Celebrates Double Victory at Google Play Best of 2024 Awards in India. BGMI Bags the ‘Best Ongoing Game’ award for BGMI and the Bullet Echo India receives the ‘Best Pick Up & Play’ title. 2024 has been a groundbreaking year for KRAFTON India and these awards are a testimony of our commitment to providing players with high-quality content, localised events, and innovative improvements, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience tailored to Indian audiences. BGMI made waves with its collaboration with global icon Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador. This year-long partnership seamlessly blended gaming with entertainment, introducing a playable Deepika character, themed items, and exclusive in-game events, allowing players to immerse themselves in a unique fusion of cinema and gaming. Simultaneously, Bullet Echo India continued its stellar run, exciting fans with Indian-hero themes, including Maharani Sparkle and Raja Slayer and frequent game updates like Custom Lobby Mode and Summer Battle Pass. We will continue to elevate the gaming landscape in India, continually setting new standards and delighting our ever-growing community of players. #KRAFTONforIndian #gamingforIndia #awards #GooglePlay #Google #gamers #fans #BGMI #BulletEchoIndia Minu Lee Anuj Sahani Karan Rajiv Gaikwad Komal Gupta Aditya P. Aaruni Khare Sarabjeet Singh

The Blue Blood Of Gaming! 🎮 Signing off from IGDC 2024 with immense pride and gratitude! Over the past few days, every member of Team KRAFTON India has put in incredible effort to make our presence here a success—from showcasing our games and connecting with the gaming community to celebrating the talent that’s shaping the next wave of gaming through KIGI and achieving key milestones. It’s been inspiring to see our hard work pay off and to witness the excitement of gamers, developers, and fans alike. Thank you to everyone who visited, shared their passion, and contributed to this unforgettable event. Here’s to more milestones, meaningful connections, and an exciting future for Indian gaming! Big Shoutout to team IGDC Machaiah Kalengada 🔜 IGDC Nitish Poojita Ashwan and all the unsung heroes! Until next time!!! #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #KIGI #techtalent #MakeInIndia #IndianGaming #Teamwork #GamingInnovation #IGDC2024 Manva Hunswadkar Anuj Sahani Shubham Sood Ashish Panwar Avi Sainay Komal Gupta Nihansh Bhat 🔜 IGDC SEDDHARTH MERROTRA Lazar George Piyush Agarwal Chandan Jagadeesha Nikita Makhija Ishant Bhutani Parth Chhabra Biswarup Gooptu Saurabh Zunke Karan Pathak Harsha Panigrahi Pranshu Gaur Yashwant Singh Deepak Mallic Kumar Karan Rajiv Gaikwad 🔜 IGDC

#KRAFTONIndiaatIGDC2024 Day 2 at IGDC was a landmark moment for KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator- KIGI! The day kicked off with KIGI Cohort Conversations, an inspiring panel discussion where members of our first cohort shared their journeys, challenges, and the significant milestones they've achieved. It was amazing to hear how KIGI’s mentorship and resources have empowered them to turn their game ideas into reality. Through KIGI, these creators are accelerating their goals, pushing boundaries, and bringing fresh perspectives to the gaming world. Following the panel, we hosted the KIGI Pitch Fest, where seven talented teams presented their incredible game concepts, competing for a spot in our 2nd cohort. Each team brought unique ideas and creative passion to the table, and it was truly inspiring to see their dedication and innovation. The energy in the room was electric as these developers shared their visions for the future of gaming. We’re excited about what lies ahead for these promising creators and look forward to welcoming new talent into the KIGI family! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting these emerging voices in Indian gaming. Together, we’re building the future of gaming in India! #KRAFTONIndia #gamingforIndia #KIGIPitchFest #IGDC2024 #KIGI #IndianGaming #GamingJourney #MakeInIndia #gamedevelopment #cohort Anuj Sahani Shubham Sood Nidhi G. ashish panwar Avi Sainay Manva Hunswadkar Biswarup Gooptu Nihansh Bhat 🔜 IGDC Saurabh Zunke Karan Rajiv Gaikwad 🔜 IGDC Srinjoy Das SEDDHARTH MERROTRA Komal Gupta Dave Curd

#KIGIMentorInsights Presenting the second insightful feature of our KIGI Mentor Insights Series, featuring Dave Curd, one of our distinguished mentors at KIGI. In this piece, Dave, Vice President and Creative Director delves into the unique challenges of mentoring gaming startups in India. Drawing on his extensive expertise and global perspective, he highlights the remarkable potential and resilience of the Indian gaming market and shares insights into nurturing talent within this rapidly evolving landscape. Dave outlines: At KIGI, my primary goal as a mentor is to guide our teams in finding their unique voice early on, setting them apart from their inspirations. One of the most valuable lessons for new developers is understanding what efforts pay the highest dividends. That means identifying the project’s distinct value proposition and cutting through the “messy middle” of game development to focus on what truly resonates. Mentoring gaming startups in India has its unique challenges, particularly because the gaming economy here is still in its early stages. Unlike more established markets, where infrastructure and resources for gaming development are readily accessible, Indian startups are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where resources, player expectations, and market insights are still emerging. This means helping teams balance their creativity with strategic thinking—understanding where to invest their time and how to make the most impact. Navigating questions like, What should we refine versus discard? Do we polish existing elements, or sharpen the core loop? are essential for creating an experience that feels authentic and engaging while allowing players the freedom to explore. In this market, understanding consumer demands in India and blending those with global trends is critical. Yet, I encourage our teams to create for themselves first—to look inward and develop something that genuinely excites them. Despite the challenges, working with Indian startups has been incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to see the resilience and ambition of young developers, as they push boundaries and build games that speak to both local and global audiences. At the end of the day, creators worldwide are all just trying to find the fun, and I'm here to support that journey. Looking forward to seeing how these talented creators help shape the future of gaming in India and beyond! #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #KIGI #Incubationprogram #gamedevelopment #gamingtalent #technology #mentorship Anuj Sahani Nidhi G. Shubham Sood Biswarup Gooptu Manva Hunswadkar

Day 1 at India Game Developer Conference 2024 has been an absolute whirlwind of energy and excitement! Our booth was buzzing with gamers from all corners, eager to experience our latest games, meet with our incredible leadership team, and dive into the thrilling activities we have lined up. From hands-on game trials to inspiring conversations with KRAFTON’s top minds, the response has been overwhelming. Adding to the excitement, young developers from KIGI’s first cohort are showcasing their games, gaining valuable insights from real gamers, and refining their creations for the future. It’s been amazing to see the enthusiasm and passion of the gaming community up close. We’re here all for the next two days—so if you’re at IGDC, swing by Booth D1 and E1 to be part of the action and see what we have in store for you. Let’s keep the energy going! #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #IGDC #gamedevelopment #gamingtalent #incubation #Leadership #gamers Avi Sainay Lazar George Nikita Makhija Komal Gupta Anuj Sahani Shubham Sood Chandan Jagadeesha ashish panwar Manva Hunswadkar

KRAFTON India's Most Awaited Game for the Year is Here! Pre-Registrations for CookieRun India, the first casual runner game from KRAFTON are NOW OPEN. CookieRun India brings a unique blend of India-specific content, including Cookie characters inspired by Indian sweets and localized in-game events. Players can embark on thrilling cookie adventures while enjoying with stunning art style and engaging game modes, making it an exciting journey. You can now pre-register for CookieRun India on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store to be among the first to experience this special edition. By pre-registering, users will get exclusive rewards including unlocking the Knight Cookie, an A-grade Cookie with special abilities, and 2 lakh coins To Download the game on: Apple App Store, click on: https://lnkd.in/gRiDBsAZ To Download the game on Google Play, click on: https://lnkd.in/g7wHTBYU #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #gaming #CookieRunIndia #Cookies #gaming #IndianTheme #RunnerGame #gamers #players Johnny Jonghwan Kim Nikita Makhija

#KRAFTONIndiaatIGDC2024 Excited to Announce Our Leader Sessions at IGDC 2024! We're thrilled to share that KRAFTON's top voices, including our CEO and other leaders, will be taking the stage at this year's IGDC for some truly insightful speaker sessions. They'll be diving into topics like Vision and Predictions for 2025, discussing emerging investment opportunities in the gaming landscape, explore the vital role of incubation in nurturing innovative ideas and dwell on how Esports is Redefining the Gaming Landscape of India This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the minds shaping the future of gaming in India. Whether you're a budding game developer or a seasoned professional, these sessions are set to offer valuable insights and inspiration straight from the industry's leaders. Don’t miss out on these conversations that promise to spark new ideas and discussions for the future of gaming! #KRAFTONforIndia #gamingforIndia #speakersessions #leadersSpeak #knowledgesharing #leadership #incubation #esports #gamingincubator Sean (Hyunil) Sohn Anuj Sahani Nihansh Bhat 🔜 IGDC Karan Pathak Manva Hunswadkar