Krafton Invests $14M to Acquire Majority Stake in Indian Gaming Studio Nautilus Mobile
Krafton, the renowned gaming powerhouse from South Korea, has made headlines by acquiring a controlling stake in the Indian gaming studio Nautilus Mobile for an impressive $14 million. This strategic move aims to bolster Krafton’s presence in the lucrative mobile gaming sector, particularly in cricket-focused titles that resonate with the Indian audience.
Krafton Acquires Nautilus Mobile: What You Need to Know
On Friday, Krafton confirmed its acquisition of a “north of 75% stake” in Nautilus Mobile, a studio well-known for its popular Real Cricket franchise. This deal will allow Nautilus to maintain its operational independence while enhancing its capabilities and offerings in the mobile gaming landscape.
Nautilus Mobile: A Brief Overview
Founded in 2013 and based in Pune, Nautilus Mobile has carved a niche in the gaming industry with its Real Cricket series, which includes five titles such as Real Cricket 24 and Real Cricket Premier League. The studio has achieved millions of downloads, showcasing its appeal among cricket enthusiasts.
Strategic Goals Post-Acquisition
According to Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO at Krafton India, the acquisition is aimed at enhancing Nautilus’s “core competence” in mobile cricket games. Key objectives include:
- Refining existing titles to meet player expectations.
- Exploring new gaming genres in the long term.
- Expanding Nautilus’s reach into new geographical markets.
Nautilus CEO Anuj Mankar expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Our development capability in Nautilus will help Krafton double down on its India gaming strategy.”
The Growing Mobile Gaming Market in India
India’s mobile gaming market is on a rapid upward trajectory, largely driven by a young population of smartphone users. As per insights from Niko Partners, mobile games account for a staggering 77.9% of total gaming revenue in the country. The market is projected to grow from $640 million in 2023 to $1.1 billion by 2028.
With its flagship title, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), achieving over 200 million downloads and record sales, Krafton recognizes India as a vital market for future growth.
Future Prospects and Collaborations
The acquisition of Nautilus Mobile is seen as a pivotal step for Krafton to diversify its offerings beyond BGMI. By venturing into cricket and other sports games, Krafton aims to attract a broader gamer demographic.
Interestingly, JetSynthesys, which previously held a 100% stake in Nautilus, will continue as a significant minority investor, collaborating on various projects, including eSports initiatives.
Measuring Success Post-Acquisition
As Krafton integrates Nautilus into its portfolio, it aims to focus on:
- Increased revenue streams.
- Expanding user bases.
- Improving player retention.
With over $200 million already invested in India, Krafton is keen on further acquisitions and collaborations within the country’s dynamic gaming ecosystem. “We are looking at the opportunity for acquisitions, moderate investments, and even business collaboration with notable players in the country,” Sohn stated.
This acquisition sets the stage for Nautilus to join Krafton’s expanding network of 14 game studios worldwide, reinforcing the company’s commitment to becoming a leader in the global gaming industry.
