Global gaming venture capital firm BITKRAFT Ventures announced plans to significantly expand investments in India’s gaming sector following recent regulatory clarity on online gaming. The $1B+ fund sees massive opportunities in studios, infrastructure, and AI-powered gaming platforms.
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Regulatory Clarity Drives Investment Confidence
India’s new online gaming framework has created a stable environment for institutional investors. The ban on online money gaming, while eliminating certain sectors, has enhanced focus on esports, mobile-first casual games, and infrastructure development—areas where India excels globally.
According to Anuj Tandon, Partner India & UAE at BITKRAFT, the regulatory framework “enhances investor confidence” and positions India alongside mature gaming markets like South Korea and China.
India’s Gaming Market Transformation
| Metric | 2025 Projection | Market Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile games >$100M revenue | 5-6 titles | Ad-monetization to IAP model |
| Market status | Innovation hub | Beyond growth market |
| Focus areas | Original IP, AI-native content | Global competitive advantage |
India’s gaming ecosystem is experiencing fundamental monetization changes. The traditional ad-dominated model is shifting toward in-app purchases and subscription revenues, indicating market maturation and higher user lifetime values.
Investment Focus Areas
BITKRAFT’s India thesis centers on three core areas:
- Original IP Creation: Supporting studios building intellectual property for both domestic and international markets, leveraging India’s storytelling strengths and mobile-first development expertise.
- Gaming Infrastructure: Backing companies that provide tools, platforms, and services supporting the broader gaming ecosystem, including AI-powered solutions.
- Interactive Media Platforms: Investing in consumer-facing platforms that serve Indian and global audiences through innovative technology integration.
Recent Portfolio Highlights
The fund recently led GameRamp’s $5.4M pre-seed round—one of the largest in the category. GameRamp operates as an AI publishing platform for mobile games and consumer apps. Other Indian investments include Stockgro, Mythik, Lila Games, and Gamezop.
Strategic Market Position
Founding General Partner Jens Hilgers emphasized India’s unique timing, stating the regulatory clarity creates conditions “where globally competitive companies are born.” BITKRAFT’s approach combines funding with operational support and global network access.
The firm’s confidence reflects broader industry sentiment that India represents not just a consumption market, but an innovation center capable of producing globally competitive gaming companies and intellectual property.
FAQs
Which gaming sectors benefit most from India’s new regulations?
Esports, mobile-first casual games, and gaming infrastructure see enhanced investment opportunities.
How does BITKRAFT support portfolio companies beyond funding?
Through operational expertise, global network access, and institutional-grade infrastructure support.
