• Zupee to launch immersive, AI-driven story experiences using Nucanon’s adaptive narrative technology.
• Nucanon team relocates to India to lead product development.
• Zupee to expand its platform with creator tools for immersive, choice-based narratives.

Social gaming platform Zupee has acquired Australian AI startup Nucanon as part of its strategy to enter the interactive storytelling space. The deal value was not disclosed, but the move marks a major pivot for Zupee, which has been shifting away from real-money gaming following regulatory actions in India.

With this acquisition, Nucanon's founding team will join Zupee’s India headquarters and take the lead on building narrative-driven content. Zupee plans to launch interactive story experiences powered by Nucanon’s technology in both Indian and global markets.

Nucanon’s storytelling engine enables dynamic narratives where storylines evolve based on player choices, characters remember interactions, and plotlines adapt in real time. Zupee intends to integrate this technology into its platform, offering creators powerful tools to develop immersive, personalized experiences for users.

Founded in 2018, Zupee earlier dominated the real-money gaming sector with over 150 million users. However, after the government banned RMG platforms, the company shifted focus to casual gaming and subscription-based offerings like Zupee Plus and Zupee Studio.

Also Read: Why NFT Driven Startups Are Resurrecting Gamer Funding

Despite recent layoffs affecting 30% of its staff, Zupee remains financially strong. It recorded a 35% revenue increase in FY24, reaching Rs 1,123 crore, and posted a net profit of Rs 146 crore.

With Nucanon now in its fold, Zupee aims to lead the growing space of interactive entertainment through storytelling powered by AI.