ITV

Category: Gaming

  • Krafton India levels up with new batch of gaming startups

    Krafton India levels up with new batch of gaming startups

    MUMBAI: Krafton  India is doubling down on its mission to shape the future of gaming in the subcontinent, welcoming a cracking cohort of six new startups into the second round of its Krafton  India Gaming Incubator (Kigi). Building on the roaring success of its first batch, Kigi has upped its intake from four to six, casting its net wider to exciting new gaming hotspots like Kolkata and Madurai, among others. This move reinforces their grand plan to cultivate a nationwide ecosystem of top-tier game developers.

    Kigi is throwing its weight behind emerging game development talent in India with mentorship programmes lasting from six months to a year, and a financial boost of up to $150,000. This aims to give these studios the firepower they need to craft best-in-class games and inject some serious innovation into the industry.
    So, who are these bright sparks joining the fray?

    * Kleanup Games from Madurai, led by studio director Jaiwanth Shanmugam, is cooking up ChromadiI, a rapid, retro-inspired shoot-’em-up with a rather clever colour-mixing mechanic and a focus on bagging those high scores. With original tunes from audio director Niranjan Nair and production by Nandini Nachiar, this game looks set to blend old-school arcade thrills with a modern twist, slated for a 2026 release.

    * Advaita Interactive, hailing from Kolkata and founded by Judhajit Sarkar, is brewing Inspectorium, a hidden object detective game set in a steampunk-infused version of Victorian-era Calcutta. Expect episodic cases, real-time AI interrogations, and some proper immersive puzzle-solving. This one’s aiming for mobile, PC, and VR platforms between 2025 and 2026.

    * Singular Scheme, a Mumbai-founded indie outfit led by Ahad Oomerbhoy and a team of eight, is crafting Frontier Paladin, an RPG with action-tower defence bits set on a cursed battlefield brimming with divine relics and ancient baddies. Sounds like a proper rumble!

    * Smash Head Studio, a Bangalore-based crew with over a decade in the game, is gearing up to unleash Cricket Rivals, a fast-paced, real-time multiplayer mobile game that’s reimagining the spirit of cricket with quick, competitive matches designed to appeal to a global audience. That’s not cricket… it’s better!

    * Unwind Games, a mobile studio from Hyderabad founded by industry veterans Jayant Shukla and Khozema Abuwala, is developing BaoBao’s Journey, a heartwarming casual puzzle game starring a lovable panda on a quest to build his dream mountain lodge. Expect soothing puzzles and cozy customization for a relaxing and emotionally engaging experience. Aww, bless!

    * Ginger Games, a Delhi-based studio founded in 2024 by Shrey Mishra, Sumit Batheja, and Piyush Kumar, is conjuring up Monkey Mayhem, a vibrant hybrid-casual action-adventure mobile game set in the bonkers “Monkey Universe.” Featuring fast-paced auto-shooter gameplay, dynamic environments, crafting, combat, and a rich story following a brave monkey named Piklu on a chaotic mission to rescue his mates. Keep your bananas peeled for its February 2026 release.

    This new batch of Kigi hopefuls follows the successful completion of its first incubation cycle, where several gaming startups, spanning the length and breadth of India, wrapped up their development phases and are now prepping to officially launch their KIGI-built games.

    The first Kigi cohort is already making waves. ReDimension Games is live on Steam, while Shura Games and Dunali Games have successfully soft-launched their titles on the Play Store. Arjuna Studios is also gearing up for its own release. Their progress is a proper testament to Kigi’s mission to empower India’s next generation of game developers, giving them the tools, guidance, and support needed to bring world-class games to the market.

    Krafton India incubator program and India publishing advisor Anuj Sahani said, “India’s game development talent is brimming with potential, and at Kigi we are dedicated to unlocking new opportunities for them to thrive. With an expanded cohort, a wider regional focus, and strengthened partnerships with some of the biggest names in technology, we are equipping game developers with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build games that can stand out globally. We look forward to seeing how these talented teams push creative and technical boundaries in the coming months.”

    Krafton India chief executive officer Sean Hyunil Sohn added, “At Krafton India, we see the future of gaming as a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse ideas and bold creativity. Gaming is more than just a form of entertainment, it’s a tool for connection, expression, and cultural influence. By empowering diverse voices and championing innovation, with our second cohort, we’re setting the stage for a future where Indian game developers are defining trends, telling new stories, and pushing the boundaries of what gaming can be.”

    AccelByte  chief commercial officer Rob Schoeppe chipped in, “Partnering with Krafton India’s Kigi program is a natural extension of our mission at AccelByte to empower developers with the tools they need to stay focused on making great and exceptional games. India’s gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and we see immense potential in the talent and innovation emerging from this market. Through Kigi, we’re excited to support the next wave of Indian game studios by providing them with scalable, developer-friendly backend solutions that remove technical hurdles and accelerate their path to success.”

    By strategically spotting and nurturing these high-potential studios, Kigi is well on its way to shaping India’s growth as a proper powerhouse in the global game development and innovation scene. The second cohort is getting a leg up from an expanded network of global tech giants like AWS, AccelByte, AppMagic, and Liftoff’s GameRefinery, ensuring these incubated startups get crucial cloud computing power, backend infrastructure, and expert guidance to develop and scale cracking gaming experiences for the world stage. Game on, India!

  • S8ul signs grandmasters Nihal and Aravindh for Esports World Cup 2025

    S8ul signs grandmasters Nihal and Aravindh for Esports World Cup 2025

    MUMBAI: S8ul has signed grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram to represent the organisation at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, where chess will make its official debut.

    With a massive prize pool of dollar 1.5 million, the EWC marks a historic entry for chess into the esports ecosystem—and S8ul becomes the first Indian esports organisation to compete in this format on the global stage.

    Chithambaram, a 25-year-old grandmaster from Madurai, brings an impressive resume. He first gained national attention at age 12 by winning the Indian Under-19 title and later earned his grandmaster title in 2015. He is a two-time National Premier Champion and the only Indian to have clinched the Indian Open across classical, rapid, and blitz formats. Most recently, Chithambaram won the 2025 Prague Chess Festival Masters and currently ranks fourth in India and 11 globally, with a FIDE rating of 2749.

    “This moment is special not just for me personally, but for Indian chess as a whole. Being part of S8ul’s lineup for the Esports World Cup reflects how far the game has come and how it continues to evolve. The fact that a mainstream esports organisation is investing in chess players shows the growing recognition of chess as both a competitive and spectator sport in the digital space. It feels great to be part of this new wave, and I hope to make my country proud on the global stage,” stated Chithambaram.

    Joining him is Sarin, the 20-year-old prodigy from Thrissur, Kerala. Nihal became a household name after winning the World Youth Chess Championship in the Under-10 category. Since then, he has earned multiple accolades including a runner-up finish at the Chess.com Global Championship 2022, and recent victories at the President’s Cup 2024 and Tashkent Open. He currently ranks 8 in India and 40 in the world, with a FIDE rating of 2687.

    Sarin said, “Being part of the Esports World Cup is a new and exciting experience for me. Chess has traditionally lived in a very classical space, but the way it is now being embraced as part of the esports world opens up a whole new dimension for players and audiences alike. Representing India and S8ul on this global stage is an honour, and I look forward to this opportunity of taking the game I love to a much broader audience and inspire more young minds to pick it up.”

    The addition of chess to the EWC will follow a 10+0 rapid time control format. Players will qualify through events on the Champions Chess Tour in February and May, with the final four slots determined by a Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh. Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has also joined as Global Ambassador for the event.

    S8ul co-founder & CEO Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug remarked, “We are incredibly proud to be the first Indian team to step into the global esports chess arena. Sarin and Chithambaram are not just two of India’s best, but among the top minds in the world. Their addition reflects our commitment to representing India in every genre of competitive gaming, and our belief that esports is about excellence, whether it’s aim or intellect. This is a historic moment for both S8ul and Indian chess.”

    S8ul, already a decorated name in the esports space with three consecutive ‘Content Group of the Year’ wins at the Esports Awards, continues to build on its global presence. Aside from chess, the team will also participate in titles including Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Call of Duty Warzone, and Tekken 8 at EWC 2025.

  • Mumbai Comic Con 2025 blasts off with cosplay, games and girl power

    Mumbai Comic Con 2025 blasts off with cosplay, games and girl power

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just another Saturday at Jio World Convention Centre. It was the Saturday—where pop culture pulsed through every aisle, comic panels came alive, and Mumbai felt like the center of the multiverse.

    Day one of Mumbai Comic Con 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion, with thousands of fans dressed head-to-toe in everything from anime classics to MCU icons. You could spot a Spider-Man grooving to DJ beats next to a perfectly hand-crafted Princess Mononoke—it was a wild, wonderful celebration of fandom.

    But it wasn’t just about costumes. Indie Game Utsav, a buzzing zone that stole the show. With over 40 made-in-India PC and console games, this section became the heartbeat of the con. Imagine test-playing raw, brilliant game ideas while casually bumping into reps from Epic Games and Xbox. Yeah, it was that cool.

    The comic zone was a nostalgia-packed haven. Lined with vintage treasures, indie releases, and new-age graphic novels, it was more than a shopping stop—it was a sacred space for storytellers. OG fans clutched their prized first editions while curious newcomers flipped through Indian-origin comics with wide-eyed wonder. Creators were on hand, signing covers, sharing origin stories, and soaking in the love. The energy was pure, geeky bliss.

    The Comic Book Store co-founder Hamza Sayed, Superhero Toy Store founder Devesh Chhabria, Marvel super fan and cosplayer Medha Shrivastava, and influencer Arya Kothari engaged in a dynamic panel discussion on the future of superhero films and their influence on pop culture.

    Moderated by influencer Arya Kothari, the conversation explored the growing fascination with anti-heroes and shifting audience preferences. A key highlight was the discussion around Marvel Studios’ upcoming release Thunderbolts, which focuses on reformed villains navigating complex moral choices.

    And then came a twist of empowerment.

    Hidden behind the colorful chaos was a stage glowing with quiet power—the IAGT (It’s A Girl Thing) Salon. Think sisterhood meets sass, with real stories, raw laughs, and radical confidence.

    The vibe? Electric. The crowd? Madly in love. Cosplayers posed like pros, merch stalls were swamped, and panel discussions had fans leaning forward in excitement. You could feel the joy, the nostalgia, and the pure thrill of being around people who just get what it means to be a fan.

    And guess what? This was just day one.

    Whether you were hunting exclusive collectibles, demoing the next big Indian game, or finding a little feminist fire at IAGT—Comic Con Mumbai proved once again that fandom isn’t just for fun. It’s a feeling.

  • Match made in mayhem as BGMI hosts India’s biggest in-game wedding

    Match made in mayhem as BGMI hosts India’s biggest in-game wedding

    MUMBAI: Love is in the (digital) air as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) pulls off the unthinkable, hosting India’s Biggest In-Game Wedding, turning virtual battlegrounds into a full-blown mandap. The three-day celebration wasn’t just a stunt, it was an emotion, a testament to how gaming isn’t just about wins and losses, but bonds forged between players.

    At the heart of this heartwarming saga is Tanupreet and Jaspreet, a couple from Meerut who met over grenades and giggles inside BGMI’s multiplayer world. What began as casual team-ups soon turned into connection requests, Synergy milestones, and eventually, a virtual ‘Love Connection’ culminating in a grand digital wedding that redefined matchmaking.

    From mehendi on April 8 to a sangeet on April 9 and the final shaadi ceremony on 11 April , BGMI spared no pixel. Legendary fashion designer Ritu Beri designed custom BGMI-themed wedding avatars, while singer Benny Dayal performed live in-game during the Sangeet, marking his virtual concert debut. Meanwhile, celebrity guests like Karan Johar and Neeraj Chopra played the ultimate FOMO card online: “Mera invite kahan hai?”

    “BGMI today is not just about playing, it’s about belonging” said Krafton India associate director and lead of marketing Srinjoy Das. He added  “This is one of our most emotional and culturally rich campaigns yet that brings together fashion, music, relationships, and storytelling all inside a game. It’s a wedding but also a powerful metaphor for how BGMI brings people together.”

    “BGMI gave us more than just a game it gave us each other,” shared Tanupreet and Jaspreet. “From random team-ups to a real bond, we never imagined it would lead to this. To be married inside the game that introduced us is beyond special.”

    But the celebrations don’t stop there. BGMI is inviting its 200-million-strong community to join the Shaadi Duo event from 20 May to 1 June. Players can team up in Duo Mode, take on challenges, and earn the limited-edition Space Gift Box, a reward symbolising in-game connections.

    Here’s how to join the festivities:

    1    Pair up with your bestie, bae, or battle buddy

    2    Play Classic Mode in Duo

    3    Complete challenges to unlock the exclusive gift

    Importantly, this isn’t just for couples, it’s for everyone who’s found friendship, rivalry, or romance in-game. Features like Synergy, Connection Requests, and Love Connection were central to Tanupreet and Jaspreet’s journey from teammates to soulmates. BGMI wants more players to explore and experience those social layers.

    The campaign, crafted by DDB Mudra Group, didn’t just stop at gameplay. Influencer wedding invitation unboxings, meme-worthy celebrity posts, and emotional fan reactions turned this into a full-fledged cultural moment. BGMI successfully blurred the line between reality and digital, redefining what a game can truly mean.

    So, while others play for the chicken dinner, Tanupreet and Jaspreet played for forever.

    And in a world where love can blossom in a lobby and end at a mandap, BGMI proves that sometimes your plus one is just one headshot away.

  • Indian indie games get their big boss moment in global Steam sale spotlight

    Indian indie games get their big boss moment in global Steam sale spotlight

    MUMBAI: Gamers, ready your wallets—and your wishlists. The great Indian gaming uprising has officially begun. No dragons to slay here (unless one’s coded in a pixel dungeon), but there’s fire nonetheless. Indie Game Utsav and Comic Con India have teamed together to drop the largest-ever sale of Indian-made and Indian-origin PC games on Steam. This is not a drill. It’s up to 80 per cent off, and it’s live.

    The Comic Con X Indie Game Utsav Steam Sale kicked off on 10 April at 11 pm IST and will run until 20 April. But here’s the real power-up: from 18-20 April, this curated sale of over 110 desi games will grace Steam’s global front page—a first for Indian games. That’s like walking into a LAN party and finding you are the main event.

    “This Steam Sale is our way of giving Indian games a wider audience,” said Nodding Heads Games co-founder & game director and Indie Game Utsav project director Avichal Singh. “I’m grateful for Nodwin’s and Valve’s support to surface Indian games to the world.”

    And it’s not just online. Indie Game Utsav will make its on-ground debut at Mumbai Comic Con 2025 on 12–13 April at the Jio World Convention Centre. Over 40 high-quality indie titles will be showcased to thousands of fans at Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Mumbai Comic Con powered by Crunchyroll. Because who says you can’t cosplay and code?

    The Utsav has major backing too—from Intel, Xbox, Xsolla, Specter, and Nodwin Gaming. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) India joins as community partner, ensuring this isn’t just a flash in the digital pan.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee didn’t mince words, “We’ve always believed that Indian indie game creators have something truly special to offer, and their games deserve to be in the hands of more players. This is just one step in a larger effort to support that ecosystem.”

    Sale highlights include solo-developed sleeper hits like Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat, the cult-favourite episodic series Fears to Fathom, strategy-heavy Kurukshetra, the acclaimed Raji: An Ancient Epic, slice-of-life gem The Palace on the Hill, and horror surprise Kamla. These titles are more than just games—they’re passion projects from local devs putting India on the global map, one pixel at a time.

    And it’s not just the usual suspects. Upcoming games like Abashed, Appa, Cosmic Race Galactic Showdown, Detective Dotson, Fishbowl, Frontier Paladin, Mukti, Sojourn Past, and Spook-A-Boo are also elbowing their way onto international wishlists.

    You can browse the full lineup at Steam’s event page or dive into the complete catalogue via this spreadsheet. Don’t forget to wishlist your favourites – every click counts.

    For now, India’s indie developers are levelling up hard. From chai-sipping code sprints to standing proud on Steam’s global stage, it’s a journey worth celebrating. And judging by the excitement, it’s only the beginning of a glorious, glitch-free era.

  • Hello Eloelo bags Rs 114 crore as gamified livestreams go prime time

    Hello Eloelo bags Rs 114 crore as gamified livestreams go prime time

    MUMBAI: If India’s social media scene were a dancefloor, Eloelo just dropped the bass. The interactive livestreaming platform has raised Rs 114.3 crore (13.5 million dollars) in Series B funding led by Play Ventures, with participation from Kalaari Capital, MIXI Investments, Gameskraft Technologies, Griffin Gaming Partners, Waterbridge Ventures, Courtside Ventures, and Rocket Capital.

    Eloelo, which describes itself as the “digital third place for Bharat,” is blending gamified livestreams, vernacular creator tools, and AI-led community-building into a potent entertainment cocktail and the party’s just getting started. This latest round takes the platform’s total funding to over 50 million dollars, following a 22 million dollars raise just last year.

    Eloelo founder & CEO Saurabh Pandey says, “Eloelo is bringing the ‘Social’ back in consumer social platforms at a time when most platforms are built for passive content viewing. We believe that feeling connected to others is a primary human need of belongingness, and we are solving that across 8 languages by connecting Indians over interactive livestreams with games, chat & virtual gifting to express their emotions. With close to 400 Million aspirational middle India consumers, we believe this is a massive underserved market which needs India-first solutions. Extremely proud of our team that has built a platform that handles large scale concurrency in live streams in 8+ languages along with building gen-AI tools to empower creators. The Series B round shows us the belief that our existing and new investors place on our vision and execution ability”

    And engage they have. With over 1.5 million paying users, the platform has already hit an annual revenue run rate of Rs 200 crore (23M dollars) within a year of switching on monetisation in May 2024.

    What makes Eloelo stand out is its zero-ad, no-paywall strategy. The platform thrives entirely on microtransactions, virtual gifts, fan support, and gamified features allowing creators to directly monetise their audiences. Over 20,000 creators are already earning through the platform, streaming in over eight Indian languages.

    Speaking on Eloelo’s revenue, Saurabh added, “We switched on monetization in May 2024 after 2-3 years of building the platform capabilities and scaling rapidly to hit PMF. In less than a year of launch, we are now hitting a 200 crore Annual revenue run rate ($23M ARR) with 1.5 Million paying users and are one of the fastest growing platforms in India at this scale. Consumer Tech in India is going through a massive shift away from ad-first models to micro payments, and we are happy to be powering this shift. Gone are the days when India was the MAU farm of the world – we are here to prove that the Bharat-first models have massive monetization potential as we track towards a 60M dollars run rate by end of this year. Beyond just numbers, the impact I am truly proud of at Eloelo is that more than 20,000 creators are now earning a livelihood by streaming and building their own digital communities”

    With India’s interactive entertainment and gaming space now worth 12 billion dollars (out of a 25 billion dollars total M&E market), and growing at a 16 per cent CAGR according to Lumikai, Eloelo is positioning itself as a frontrunner in a post-advertising digital world.

    The fresh capital will fuel the company’s next leg of growth: deeper generative AI use cases, further monetisation innovation, and international expansion targeting the Indian diaspora.

    As Eloelo scales, it’s not just playing to win, it’s rewriting the rules of how India’s social entertainment is consumed, created, and cashed in.

  • SportsBaazi recruits Uthappa, pitches sports trading as data-driven skill

    SportsBaazi recruits Uthappa, pitches sports trading as data-driven skill

    MUMBAI: Online fantasy sports platform SportsBaazi has launched a campaign fronted by Robin Uthappa, promoting sports trading as a skill-based activity. The initiative, timed with IPL 2025, aims to shift fan engagement from passive viewing to active participation via live match moments trading. Uthappa, highlighting the role of data and discipline, features in the campaign films demonstrating strategic decision-making in real-time trading scenarios.

    The campaign emphasises trading as a blend of intellect and analysis, not chance. SportsBaazi, chief marketing officer Puneet Dua asserts the platform seeks to legitimise sports trading as a mainstream skill format.

    Says he: “This campaign is not just about awareness—it’s about sparking a movement. We’re building a space for serious sports fans—those who bring intellect, preparation, and strategy to their gameplay. Robin Uthappa’s evolution from cricketer to life coach to sports trader perfectly aligns with the mindset we want to cultivate — composed, thoughtful, and data driven. With IPL 2025 energising the nation, we’re excited to amplify this narrative across India’s sports-loving heartland.”

    Adds Robin Uthappa:  “What attracted me to this campaign was the philosophy behind it. I’ve always believed that great performance on the field or in life comes down to clarity, preparation, and discipline. Sports trading is a game of insight, pattern recognition, and strategic timing. I see it as a natural evolution for the serious sports fan. If my journey can inspire even a few to explore it with the right mindset, I’ll consider it a win.”

    But Uthappa’s role goes far deeper than screen presence. In creative workshops with the SportsBaazi team, he also reimagined the platform’s core slogan. “While we began with ‘Dil. Dimag. Data,’ Robin added a fourth ‘D’: Discipline. That struck a chord. So much so, it became the name of our flagship podcast — Dimag. Data. Discipline — hosted in collaboration with him,” adds Dua.

    Uthappa’s involvement underscores the campaign’s focus on strategic play.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4_ORCgcvNA
     

    Digital platforms, including JioHotstar, YouTube, and Instagram, will distribute the campaign content, targeting India’s expanding digital user base in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. SportsBaazi aims to convert cricket viewership into active trading, advocating for a data-centric approach to sports engagement.

  • Gotta snatch ’em all S8ul books third trip to Pokémon Worlds

    Gotta snatch ’em all S8ul books third trip to Pokémon Worlds

    MUMBAI: When the going got tough, S8ul got going and how! In a run that could rival any anime redemption arc, the Indian esports juggernaut clawed its way back from early defeat to punch its ticket to the Pokémon World Championship 2025 in Anaheim, USA. This marks a hat-trick of national triumphs for S8ul, reinforcing their stranglehold on the Indian Pokémon Unite scene.

    After a bumpy start in the India qualifiers a 0-2 stumble to True Rippers in the Upper Bracket S8ul fell into the dreaded Lower Bracket. But instead of crumbling, the squad dug deep, unleashing a four-match knockout blitz. They swept past Team Dynamis, crushed Autobotz, and settled scores with True Rippers in an emotionally charged rematch before toppling QML to make the Grand Finals.

    With the momentum firmly in their Pokéballs, they faced off against Revenant Xspark in the finals, clinching the crown with a 2-0, 2-1 victory combo. The win not only earned them a cool Rs 12.85 lakh in prize money but, more importantly, secured their slot among the top 32 teams heading to Worlds.

    The S8ul roster is stacked with talent: Manmohan ‘AllMight’ Singh (captain), Rahul “Kyurem” Lavhate, Deep “Snowyy” Patel, Adnan “Badshahh” Badshah, Rudra “ReX” Nayak, and Aditya “Reapy” Bhujbal, a squad known for sharp strats, ice-cold nerves, and synergy that rivals any evolution chain.

    Speaking on the achievement, team captain Manmohan ‘AllMight’ Singh said, “Representing India at the World Championship is a fantastic feeling. We knew we had the potential, it was about staying composed and focused after the initial round loss. This victory is a testament to our hard work, dedication, team strategy and communication. We’re honored to represent the nation and will give it everything we’ve got in Anaheim.”

    S8ul, founder & CEO Animesh Agarwal added, “Winning the Indian qualifiers for the third time in a row is a proud moment for all of us at S8ul. This team has consistently raised the bar for Indian esports and their resilience in this campaign was nothing short of inspiring. Representing India on a global stage again is not just an achievement, it’s a responsibility and we’re ready to make the country proud.”

    The Pokémon World Championship 2025 will unfold from 15–17 August in Anaheim, featuring top global squads fighting for a slice of the Rs 4.28 crore prize pool. As an official club partner at the Esports World Cup (EWC), S8ul is already a flagbearer for Indian gaming on the world stage and with their Anaheim adventure looming, they’re ready to evolve once again.

  • Pokémon Unite WCS India Qualifier 2025 kicks off with a $37.5K prize bait

    Pokémon Unite WCS India Qualifier 2025 kicks off with a $37.5K prize bait

    MUMBAI: This April, India’s Pokémon pros have one mission: catch that ticket to Anaheim. The Pokémon Company and Skyesports have officially unleashed the Pokémon Unite World Championship Series (WCS) 2025 India Qualifier—with a juicy prize pool of $37,500 up for grabs and a chance to fight for glory on the world stage.

    The winner of the India Qualifier will represent the nation at the Pokémon Unite World Championship 2025 in Anaheim, USA. There, teams from around the world will battle for their share of a $500,000 prize pool and the coveted global title.

    Registrations close on 4 April, so if you’ve got the reflexes of Pikachu and the brains of an Alakazam, you’d better move fast. The qualifiers begin 5 April in a single-elimination format, with the top eight teams advancing to Playoffs on 6 April. The Playoffs will follow a double-elimination bracket, and every match will run best-of-three (BO3), ensuring enough drama to keep trainers on the edge of their Poké Balls.

    Skyesports will livestream the entire playoff action on its official Youtube channel, giving fans a front-row seat to the adrenaline-pumped spectacle.

    “After the immense success of the ACL India League 2025, which garnered more than 1.3 million views, we are proud to bring the Pokémon Unite WCS 2025 India Qualifier to our players. This tournament reaffirms our commitment to nurturing grassroots esports talent and providing a clear path to international glory. I wish the best of luck to all the participants,” said Skyesports founder & CEO Shiva Nandy.

    With Pokémon Unite now announced as a medal event at the Asian Games 2026, India’s esports scene is levelling up—fast. WCS 2025 becomes the second major international route for Indian players after the ACL, which already sent Revenant XSpark and GodLike Esports to Japan earlier this year.

    This April, only one team will evolve into India’s Pokémon Unite elite. Will yours be the one?

     

  • Startup Mahakumbh panel unravels growth of Indian gaming

    Startup Mahakumbh panel unravels growth of Indian gaming

    New Delhi: India’s gaming industry has hit the jackpot while the rest of the world seems to be playing on easy mode. At this week’s Startup Mahakumbh, the crème de la crème of India’s digital entertainment world gathered to spill the beans on what’s turning the country into a gaming colossus.

    The star-studded panel—featuring Bookmyshow fonder & CEO Ashish Hemrajani,  Games24/7,  founder & CEO Bhavin Pandya, Dream11 cofounder & CEO Harsh Jain and Bitkraft partner Anuj Tandon—didn’t mince words about the sector’s explosive trajectory. The discussion, masterfully refereed by JetSynthesys founder & CEO  Rajan Navani, revealed that while global gaming revenues have hit pause, India’s gaming scene is charging ahead at a blistering 20 per cent annual clip.

    “The gaming and digital entertainment industry in India is at an inflection point,” declared Navani. “With the right mix of innovation, investment, and responsible regulation, India can become a global powerhouse.” No small talk there.

    The once-questioned spending power of Indian gamers has been dramatically upended by UPI and one-click payment solutions. In-app purchases alone are projected to rake in a whopping $4.3 billion within four years—enough to make even the most hardened venture capitalist’s mouth water.

    The gold rush hasn’t gone unnoticed across borders. Executives from gaming giants Sega and Tencent were spotted prowling the event, eyeing up the burgeoning market with barely disguised avarice.

    A separate session on investment strategies laid bare the brutal realities facing founders. Investors confessed to maintaining watchlists of 200-300 promising entrepreneurs, tracking them well before products even see the light of day. Common pitfalls for startups include the seductive but dangerous trap of over-raising at sky-high valuations and the cardinal sin of delaying monetisation.

    “Early revenue generation isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential,” one panelist quipped, cutting through the typical startup waffle like a hot knife through butter.

    Government initiatives like Startup India are  hailed as crucial catalysts, while investors stressed that the days of chasing unicorn status at all costs are well and truly over. The new mantra? Sustainable business models that actually turn a profit—revolutionary concept, that.

    The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh follows last year’s blinding success, which saw over 48,581 visitors and 1,306 exhibitors descend upon the event like bees to honey.

    As India’s gaming ecosystem continues its meteoric rise, one thing is crystal clear: in the digital playground of entertainment, India is no longer merely a player—it’s becoming the house. And as any gambler worth their salt knows, the house always wins.