India's first $150k 'gaming incubator' program is launched by BGMI Maker Krafton

The KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), founded by BGMI manufacturer Krafton, aims to boost and develop the nation's gaming industry.  With a duration of six months to a year, Krafton's KIGI program will help six to ten teams yearly by mentoring them and giving them access to internal resources like data analytics and market research. Participants will have the option to self-publish their games when the program is through, or they can accept venture capital backing from outside investors and Krafton.

Krafton says that KIGI will focus on ventures that are eager to scale, open for mentorship, passionate about game development and interested in future funding opportunities. The company notes that gambling and real money gaming centered entities will not be considered for this initiative. The participants selected for the KIGI programme will mentored by renowned gaming executives, game builders and industry experts, including creative director of PUBG Studios Dave Curd and game producer at KRAFTON Harns Kim.

The financial support offered through the KIGI program will range between $50,000 to $1,50,00, depending on the needs of the companies. Krafton says it is looking actively for early-stage startups, students, and independent developers for the new initiative. The KIGI program will be headed by former Gameloft and Electronic Arts executive Anuj Sahani. In a statement about the new initiative, Sahani said, “We are enthusiastic about witnessing the emergence of groundbreaking ideas and games from the program". “Our program is designed to provide aspiring developers, designers, and creators with the resources and mentorship they need to bring their ideas to life", Sahani added.