KRAFTON, the company behind PUBG and BGMI, plans to establish a research and development (R&D) facility in India by next year. Sean Hyunil Sohn, KRAFTON’s India business head, announced this initiative at the IDGS Gaming Conclave, stating that the new facility aims to create games tailored to Indian cultural preferences.
The specifics of the R&D unit’s location are still under consideration, with Bangalore and Pune being the top choices. Sohn emphasized that KRAFTON will continue to introduce new games to the Indian market, either by sourcing them from abroad or developing them locally. “Our goal is to build a high-quality development team in India to create games that resonate with Indian culture,” he said.
India is a significant market for KRAFTON, ranking among the top three in terms of user base. Sohn noted that while there is substantial demand for digital entertainment and gaming in India, there is a notable gap in top-quality talent and infrastructure. He highlighted the need for improved educational support and IT infrastructure to nurture game development talent.
Sohn expressed concerns about the lack of infrastructure and support for students interested in coding and game development. He suggested that increased government and corporate support could address these challenges. “Educational support from the government and investment in basic IT infrastructure are crucial for the growth of the gaming industry,” Sohn added.
KRAFTON has already invested $160 million in Indian startups since 2021 and plans to invest an additional $150 million over the next 2-3 years. The company also launched the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator program earlier this year to support game developers by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources.
Regarding the issue of violent content in online games, Sohn stressed the importance of moderation and balance. KRAFTON has implemented a playtime limit policy, restricting minors to three hours of play per day and adults to six hours.
Currently, KRAFTON operates the popular Battleground Mobile India (BGMI), a successor to PUBG, which was banned in India in September 2020.
