PUBG and BGMI maker KRAFTON will set up an R&D facility in India in 2026, according to the company’s India business director Sean Hyunil Sohn.
The facility aims to create games specifically tailored to the Indian market, incorporating cultural elements that resonate with local players.
Focus on Indian culture and market growth
Sohn said the details of the facility are still being finalized, but the best location options are Bangalore and Pune, PTI reported.
KRAFTON aims to develop high-quality games that reflect Indian culture, thereby catering to the unique preferences of Indian gamers.
The company has already seen rapid growth in the Indian market, driven by a growing demand for digital entertainment. Sohn stressed the importance of building a strong development team in India to sustain and expand this growth.
Challenges in the Indian gaming ecosystem
Despite the growing popularity of video games in India, Sohn pointed to several challenges that prevent the industry from realizing its full potential. One of the main problems is the shortage of top-quality talent in game development, which Sohn attributes to the relatively short history of the video game industry in the country.
Furthermore, the lack of adequate IT infrastructure and education in game development has limited the pool of trained professionals.
Sohn stressed the need for a shift in perception towards gaming as a legitimate career option and called for more informed investments in educational infrastructure.
KRAFTON Investment and Support Initiatives
To address these challenges, KRAFTON has been actively investing in the Indian gaming ecosystem. Since 2021, the company has invested $160 million in Indian startups and plans to inject an additional $150 million in the next two to three years.
In October last year, Krafton’s Indian subsidiary launched the KRAFTON Gaming Incubator India (KIGI) to strengthen its presence in the country and drive India’s growth in the game development sector.
According to Krafton, the program focuses on supporting early-stage startups, including those in the concept or idea stage, as well as student teams and independent developers.
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