For years, India has been celebrated as one of the world’s biggest gaming markets. Now, a new wave of homegrown studios wants the country to be known for something bigger: creating games the whole world plays.
Enter LVL Zero, India’s first dedicated gaming incubator, backed by MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and Chimera VC. From over 240 applications, the incubator handpicked 10 standout startups for its inaugural cohort — and the range of ideas on display is genuinely exciting.
LVL Zero: Meet the Cohort
| Studio | Game | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Kyrel Games | PHi: The Broken Strings | 3D Narrative Puzzle Platformer |
| Trojan Productions | Trox: The Reversal | Psychological Horror |
| Wrought Studios | Last Day Lockdown | 3D Narrative Escape-Room |
| Impulse Mechanics | Mech It Happen! | Physics-Based Sandbox |
| YK Game Studio | Chicklet’s Human Products | Reverse-Farming Satire |
| Arckon Arts | Stickman Infinite Kingdom | Action-Strategy |
| Xigma Games | Metal Haven | Sci-fi Strategy / Multiplayer |
| Prescription Studios | The Misadventures of Spaceman Biff | 2D Rage Platformer |
| Rudrac Games | Twin Flames | Cooperative Puzzle Adventure |
| KALP Studio | Raahi | Cozy Narrative Game |
Stories Worth Talking About
What stands out most isn’t just the variety of genres, but the emotional depth behind many of these projects. Kyrel Games’ PHi: The Broken Strings places players inside a puppet universe exploring grief and acceptance, while Trojan Productions’ Trox: The Reversal leans into atmospheric horror born out of a game jam collaboration.
On the lighter side, YK Game Studio’s reverse-farming concept flips genre conventions on their head, and Prescription Studios’ solo-developed rage platformer brings dark humor to a stranded space-trucker’s journey home.
Meanwhile, KALP Studio’s Raahi takes a quieter, more reflective approach — letting players experience 1990s Goa through the eyes of an auto-rickshaw driver, prioritizing emotional connection over traditional objectives.
The Veterans of the Group
Not every studio in the cohort is starting from scratch. Xigma Games, known for The Bonfire series with over 10 million downloads globally, is now building Metal Haven, a sci-fi strategy title aimed at the competitive live-service space. Similarly, Arckon Arts, a family-run studio of three brothers, is following up their hit Sarkar Infinite with the more ambitious Stickman Infinite Kingdom.
These studios show how some of India’s most experienced indie teams are scaling up into long-term, globally competitive game companies.
What’s Next: Demo Day in Bengaluru
As the cohort moves toward its final showcase, LVL Zero is gearing up to host its first-ever Demo Day in Bengaluru during the third week of July 2026. The event will bring together investors, publishers, platforms, and industry leaders to experience these projects firsthand — marking a major milestone for India’s growing presence in the global video game industry.
Together, these 10 startups represent more than just a list of games — they reflect a larger shift in how India is positioning itself: not just as a market that plays, but as a country that creates.
For more updates on gaming, esports, and tech innovation from India, check out TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1. How many startups were selected for LVL Zero’s first cohort? LVL Zero selected 10 startups out of more than 240 applications for its inaugural cohort.
Q2. When and where is LVL Zero’s Demo Day happening? The Demo Day will be held in Bengaluru during the third week of July 2026.
