Krafton Expands Gaming Horizons with Nautilus Mobile Acquisition

In a significant strategic move, Krafton, the South Korean gaming powerhouse behind PUBG: Battlegrounds, has acquired a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, an Indian gaming studio specializing in cricket games. The $14 million all-cash deal secures Krafton over 75% ownership of the Pune-based company, marking a pivotal moment in the company's expansion into the Indian gaming market.

The Acquisition Details

Founded in 2013, Nautilus Mobile has built a reputation for its Real Cricket franchise, which has garnered millions of downloads across five popular titles, including Real Cricket 24 and Real Cricket Premier League. Despite the acquisition, Krafton has committed to maintaining Nautilus's operational independence, with the studio retaining its 45-person team.

Krafton's CEO in India, Sean Hyunil Sohn, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition. "Our development capability in Nautilus will help Krafton double down on its India gaming strategy," he explained. The move allows the company to refine existing cricket game titles while exploring new genres and market opportunities.

The Indian Gaming Landscape

The acquisition comes at a critical time for mobile gaming in India. Market intelligence firm Niko Partners reports that mobile games currently account for nearly 78% of the country's gaming revenue, with projections showing growth from $640 million in 2023 to $1.1 billion by 2028.

Krafton has already demonstrated significant success in the Indian market, with its Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) surpassing 200 million downloads last year. The Nautilus acquisition represents a strategic effort to diversify its portfolio and deepen its foothold in the rapidly expanding market.

A Calculated Investment Strategy

This isn't Krafton's first engagement with Nautilus. The company previously made a $5.4 million strategic investment in 2022. Now, with a controlling stake, Krafton plans to collaborate more closely with the studio to maximize opportunities in cricket gaming and beyond.

Nihansh Bhat, Corporate Lead of Development at Krafton India, articulated the company's vision: "We believe cricket games have significant potential, not only in India but also in other cricket-loving regions. By combining Krafton's global experience with Nautilus's expertise, we aim to maximize this opportunity."

Broader Investment Approach

Krafton's commitment to the Indian market extends beyond gaming. The company has already invested over $200 million in various Indian startups, including platforms in payments, audio, and influencer marketing. Sohn has indicated that the company remains open to further investments and collaborations in the Indian ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

With Nautilus now part of its global network of 14 game studios, Krafton is strategically positioning itself to expand its portfolio and reach a broader audience. The partnership promises to bring innovative developments to cricket gaming, leveraging the combined strengths of both companies.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, all eyes are on Krafton and Nautilus to see how they will reshape the landscape of mobile gaming in India and beyond.