Highlights
- Krafton is expressing gratitude to the Indian gaming community for their support and patience during the game’s absence, assuring them that BGMI will soon be available for download again.
- Krafton emphasizes its “India-first” approach and commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the Indian gaming ecosystem.
- BGMI has achieved significant milestones, surpassing 100 million cumulative users in just over a year and playing a crucial role in developing the esports ecosystem in India.
Krafton, the developer of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has exciting news for Indian gamers as the highly anticipated return of the game to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store is just around the corner.
CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn expressed his gratitude to the Indian gaming community for their unwavering support and patience throughout the game’s absence, assuring them that BGMI will soon be available for download once again.
In a recent statement issued to the Press, Sohn extended his heartfelt thanks to the Indian authorities for granting permission to resume operations for BGMI.
He emphasized the belief in the unifying power of gaming, stating that it has the ability to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.
Sohn reaffirmed Krafton’s commitment to delivering exceptional products and services to users in India and beyond, expressing eagerness to continue their journey together.
The announcement from Krafton has sparked enthusiasm among Indian gamers who have been eagerly awaiting the return of BGMI. The battle royale game’s popularity had surged in India before its temporary absence, making its reintroduction a highly anticipated event.
With Krafton’s commitment to meeting the expectations of the gaming community, players can look forward to immersing themselves once again in the thrilling world of BGMI.
BGMI Returns to India
The company’s CEO, Mr. Changhan Kim, known as CH Kim, emphasized their “India-first” approach as the foundation of their endeavors, underlining their dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the Indian gaming ecosystem.
KRAFTON is determined to make substantial investments in the Indian gaming industry, aiming to contribute to a thriving ecosystem while collaborating with local developers to advance technological progress.
The company recognizes the significance of augmenting technology development in India through partnerships with local developers and the promotion of cutting-edge technologies.
Moreover, KRAFTON acknowledges the importance of creating employment opportunities and providing the necessary skills for Indian talent to thrive in the industry.
In 2020, KRAFTON initially revealed its plans to invest a substantial sum of $100 million USD in India, with a specific focus on supporting local video games, esports, entertainment, and IT industries.
Notably, the company has already invested approximately $86 million in various Indian companies, showcasing its commitment to this strategic initiative.
The investment journey began in March 2022 when KRAFTON made a minority investment of $22.5 million in NODWIN Gaming. Building on this momentum, in June 2022, the company participated in a seed funding round of $9 million for Loco, a gaming live-streaming platform, alongside other investors.
KRAFTON further extended its investment efforts in July 2022 by contributing to a Series D funding round of $48 million for Pratilipi, a Bengaluru-based storytelling platform. Lastly, in December 2022, KRAFTON invested $6.5 million in Series A funding for FRND, a startup specializing in audio romance and friend discovery.
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Through these strategic investments, KRAFTON aims to nurture the Indian gaming industry by fueling its growth, supporting innovative startups, and leveraging the vast potential of the Indian market.
The company’s steadfast commitment to the Indian gaming ecosystem solidifies its position as a key player in shaping the future of the industry while also providing exciting opportunities for local talent to excel and thrive in this dynamic field.
Sohn, a representative from the game’s development team, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received by BGMI. The game has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 100 million cumulative users in just over a year, showcasing its immense popularity among gamers in the country.
Beyond its impressive user base, BGMI has played a pivotal role in fostering a thriving esports ecosystem in India. The game has been instrumental in organizing India-centric events and providing tailored content to cater to the preferences of Indian players.
BGMI has made history by becoming the first esports event to be televised on mainstream channels, a groundbreaking achievement for the gaming industry. The televised event attracted a staggering 24 million viewers watching concurrently, with an overall viewership reaching an astonishing 200 million.
The success of BGMI demonstrates the growing prominence of esports in India and the game’s ability to captivate a massive audience. With its continuous efforts to engage and entertain gamers, BGMI has solidified its position as a leading force in the Indian gaming landscape.
KRAFTON’s Head of Government Affairs, Vibhor Kukreti, expressed gratitude towards the authorities for granting permission to resume operations of BGMI (BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA). Kukreti reiterated KRAFTON’s dedication to adhering to relevant regulations and emphasized the responsible approach maintained by the South Korean entity.
He further emphasized the organization’s relentless efforts to position India as a frontrunner in the gaming industry through collaborative initiatives and innovative practices aimed at fostering growth and sustainability.
Kukreti highlighted the significance of responsible gaming practices and prioritizing the well-being of players. KRAFTON remains fully committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable gaming experience while encouraging users to focus on their overall welfare.
He expressed sincere appreciation to all the loyal fans for their unwavering support, assuring them that BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA would be brought back to them in the near future. KRAFTON values the continuous backing of its fans and promises to persistently strive towards providing the best gaming experience possible.
