Krafton, the developer of the popular game PUBG: Battlegrounds, has made a significant move in the Indian gaming market by acquiring Pune-based developer Nautilus Mobile. The deal, worth Rs. 118 crore, was announced by the company on Friday. This acquisition marks Krafton’s first step towards expanding its presence in India and tapping into its flourishing gaming industry.
Founded in 2014, Nautilus Mobile is best known for its highly successful Real Cricket franchise. The franchise has garnered a massive fan following in India, with over 100 million downloads and 10 million monthly active users. This acquisition will bring together the expertise of both companies, creating new opportunities for the Indian gaming market.
Krafton’s decision to acquire Nautilus Mobile is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the Indian market. The gaming industry in India has been growing at a rapid pace, with an estimated market size of $1.2 billion in 2021. With the rise in smartphone usage and internet penetration, India has become one of the top five mobile gaming markets in the world. And with the popularity of PUBG: Battlegrounds among Indian gamers, this acquisition is a natural fit for Krafton.
In a statement, Krafton’s CEO, CH Kim, said, “We are thrilled to have Nautilus join the Krafton family. Real Cricket is one of the most popular mobile games in India, and we see a lot of potential in the team and the franchise. As Krafton’s first acquisition in India, we are committed to supporting Nautilus in their journey and creating new and exciting experiences for Indian gamers.”
The acquisition of Nautilus Mobile is a testament to Krafton’s commitment to the Indian market. The company has been actively working towards localizing PUBG: Battlegrounds for Indian players, including the launch of a new version of the game called ‘PUBG Mobile India.’ This version will have customized in-game content and a new user interface to cater to the Indian audience.
The acquisition of Nautilus Mobile also aligns with Krafton’s mission to foster a robust gaming ecosystem in India. With this partnership, the company aims to support and nurture the local gaming talent and create opportunities for them to showcase their skills on a global platform. Nautilus Mobile’s team of experienced developers and designers will bring their expertise to Krafton, helping the company create more localized and culturally relevant content for Indian gamers.
This acquisition has also been welcomed by the Indian gaming community, with many expressing their excitement and support for the collaboration. The Real Cricket franchise has been a fan-favorite in the Indian market, and gamers are eager to see how Krafton will further enhance the gaming experience.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Nautilus Mobile by Krafton is a significant move that has the potential to revolutionize the Indian gaming industry. With the combined strengths of both companies, we can expect to see more innovative and culturally relevant games for Indian players. This deal not only highlights the growth potential of the Indian gaming market but also showcases the country’s talent and potential in the global gaming industry. We can only wait and see what exciting developments this partnership will bring for the Indian gaming community.
