In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in India, Krafton, the maker of the globally popular PUBG: Battlegrounds and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has acquired Nautilus Mobile, the Pune-based developer behind the Real Cricket franchise. The deal, valued at $14.5 million USD, marks Krafton’s first acquisition in India and reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its influence in one of the fastest-growing mobile gaming markets in the world.
The Significance of the Acquisition
Krafton’s acquisition of Nautilus Mobile is a major milestone in its long-term vision of establishing India as a global hub for game development. As part of this strategy, Krafton aims to further strengthen its portfolio of mobile gaming titles and develop new, engaging experiences for both Indian and global players. This move comes after Krafton made an initial strategic investment of $5 million USD in Nautilus in 2022, signaling the company’s growing interest in the Indian gaming ecosystem.
With this acquisition, Krafton has taken a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, taking over the company from JetSynthesys, which had acquired a 100% stake in Nautilus in 2020. Despite Krafton’s takeover, JetSynthesys will continue to play an important role in Nautilus, remaining as a significant minority investor and collaborating with the studio on key areas, particularly in Esports.
Krafton’s Vision for the Indian Gaming Market
Krafton India’s CEO, Sean Hyunil Sohn, emphasized that the acquisition is a testament to the company’s vision of fostering India’s gaming potential and becoming a key player in the Indian market. He stated, “This acquisition is a testament to our long-term vision of making India a global hub for game development. We are excited to deepen this partnership and work together to create world-class gaming experiences that resonate with Indian and global players.”
The partnership between Krafton and Nautilus Mobile is expected to drive innovation in the mobile gaming industry and contribute to the growth of the Esports ecosystem in India. Nautilus has built a strong reputation with its Real Cricket series, which has become one of the most popular mobile cricket simulation franchises in India and beyond.
Nautilus Mobile’s CEO on the Acquisition
Nautilus Mobile’s CEO, Anuj Mankar, expressed excitement about joining Krafton and taking the company’s vision to the next level. He stated, “We are thrilled to join Krafton and embark on our next phase. This partnership will allow us to push the boundaries of innovation and expand our reach, while continuing to deliver engaging and high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide.”
Mankar also highlighted that Krafton’s industry expertise and global network would significantly enhance Nautilus Mobile’s ability to take the Real Cricket franchise to new heights. The partnership is expected to expand the franchise’s global reach, allowing it to attract a more extensive player base and explore new opportunities in the mobile gaming space.
Nautilus Mobile and Its Real Cricket Franchise
Nautilus Mobile is best known for its highly successful Real Cricket series, which includes popular titles such as Real Cricket 24 and Real Cricket 22. The franchise has garnered a massive following, especially in cricket-loving countries like India, where cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
The success of the Real Cricket series has positioned Nautilus Mobile as one of the leading developers of sports simulation games in India. By joining forces with Krafton, Nautilus will have access to enhanced resources and expertise, helping it further innovate and improve its offerings.
BGMI and the Indian Mobile Gaming Market
Krafton’s flagship title, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is one of the most popular mobile games in India, with over 200 million downloads since its launch. BGMI is a localized version of PUBG Mobile, and it has become a phenomenon in the country, particularly in the Esports space. The game has contributed significantly to the growth of mobile gaming in India and helped elevate the profile of Esports in the country.
With BGMI’s success and the acquisition of Nautilus Mobile, Krafton aims to further solidify its position as a leader in the Indian gaming industry. The company is now poised to leverage Nautilus Mobile’s expertise in mobile game development and its knowledge of the Indian market to expand its portfolio of mobile titles and create new gaming experiences for local and global audiences.
Krafton’s Focus on Esports and Innovation
The acquisition of Nautilus Mobile comes at a time when Krafton is heavily investing in the Esports ecosystem. Esports has witnessed significant growth in India in recent years, with numerous tournaments, teams, and influencers driving its popularity. By collaborating with Nautilus, Krafton aims to tap into the Esports potential in India and globally, fostering a competitive and innovative gaming environment.
Krafton has also expressed its commitment to supporting game development and Esports across multiple regions, ensuring that the company stays at the forefront of the gaming industry. The partnership with Nautilus will allow both companies to explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of what mobile games can offer.
Future Prospects of the Partnership
The acquisition is expected to bring substantial growth to both companies, as Nautilus Mobile gains access to Krafton’s resources, industry expertise, and global network. The Real Cricket franchise will benefit from Krafton’s infrastructure, and it could be positioned to compete on a global scale, with potential expansions into new regions and markets.
Additionally, Krafton’s investment in Nautilus Mobile will enable the Indian developer to continue innovating and delivering high-quality gaming experiences for its users. The partnership’s focus on Esports could also pave the way for competitive tournaments and collaborations with major Esports organizations, expanding the reach of Nautilus and Krafton in the global gaming community.