ITV

Tag: BGMI

  • BGMI drops the mic on Ads with a satirical spin

    BGMI drops the mic on Ads with a satirical spin

    MUMBAI: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has taken aim at one of India’s cheekiest advertising tricks, the surrogate ad, and flipped it into a cultural spectacle. Teaming up with creative agency Talented, the brand has launched BGMI Drops, a tongue-in-cheek campaign that turns parody into performance art for the meme generation.

    Instead of hiding behind substitutes, BGMI proudly parodies them. The campaign transforms the game’s most iconic elements into fictional FMCG products, BGMI energy drink, BGMI helmet, and BGMI only pans, each with its own delightfully over-the-top commercial.

    Directed by Akimbo (Mandakini Menon & Bopanna MG) and produced by Potli Baba Mediahouse, the three short films blend nostalgia, satire, and absurdist humour, paying tribute to India’s golden era of ad jingles and glossy TV spots. The first film alone clocked 4 million organic views in just 24 hours.

    The fun doesn’t stop there. Fans can head to trybgmi.com, a parody storefront where they can “shop” for the spoof products, discover hidden easter eggs, and unlock digital experiences, all part of the campaign’s interactive storytelling.

    “BGMI has always set the tone for pop culture in India,” said Krafton India associate director – marketing and product Srinjoy Das. “With BGMI Drops, we wanted to speak in the native tongue of our players, referential, meme-driven, and self-aware.”

    According to Talented’s Ritika Shriram and Aaliya Sheikh, “Surrogate ads were about hiding intent. We turned that inside out. These films wear their disguise proudly and invite viewers to join the inside joke.”

    By remixing nostalgia with internet irony, BGMI Drops turns everyday scrolls into satire. In true 2025 style, it’s not just an ad campaign, it’s a wink, a nudge, and a meme waiting to happen.

  • Gamingcon Bharat 2025 set to level up India’s gaming scene

    Gamingcon Bharat 2025 set to level up India’s gaming scene

    MUMBAI: India’s gaming revolution is about to hit a new high score. The Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA) has announced Gamingcon Bharat 2025, taking place at the NESCO Bombay exhibition centre on 29–30 November. Billed as India’s largest gaming festival and industry conference, the event promises to unite gamers, developers, publishers, investors, and policymakers under one roof.

    With over 10,000 attendees expected, Gamingcon Bharat will feature epic esports showdowns including FAU-G: Domination, Indus Battle Royale, BGMI, and Valorant, alongside the Indieverse Showcase highlighting Made-in-India IPs such as Mukti, Age of Bhaarat, and Ludo King. Fans can also catch the Cosplay Grand Finale, explore 100 plus tech and gaming brands in the Expo zone, and enjoy eight action-packed fan zones and stages.

    For creators and industry leaders, the IGPDA India Gaming Conference will run alongside, offering insights on AI, cloud gaming, global IPs, and policy frameworks. Senior government officials and policymakers will engage directly with the gaming ecosystem.

    Nazara Technologies CEO Nitesh Mittersain said, “For the first time, India has a platform of this magnitude to showcase its own IPs to the world. Gamingcon Bharat is the launchpad for India’s next gaming success stories.”

    Tara Gaming co-founder and best-selling author Amish Tripathi added, “Video gaming is the biggest creative industry, and it’s about time India had a rallying point for gamers and the industry to call its own. Gamingcon Bharat 2025 is that rallying point.”

    Gametion CEO Vikash Jaiswal summed it up, “For culturally-rich Indian games to succeed globally, they first need to succeed at home. Gamingcon Bharat 2025 is the home for Indian gaming. The world has Gamescom, we have Gamingcon.”

    From indie developers to global investors, Gamingcon Bharat 2025 aims to level up India’s gaming industry, creating a home-grown stage where local talent can shine globally.
     

  • Battle royale gets a cash boost as BMPS 2025 ups prize pool to Rs 4 crore

    Battle royale gets a cash boost as BMPS 2025 ups prize pool to Rs 4 crore

    MUMBAI: Drop in, level up and cash out Krofton India has gone all in with Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025, announcing a blockbuster Rs 4 crore prize pool, the highest in the tournament’s history. The mega bump in winnings signals a big moment for Indian Esports, putting the spotlight firmly on mobile gaming’s rise from hobby to headline act.

    The top 16 BGMI teams have locked in their slots for the Grand Finals, set to light up New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre from July 4 to 6. With the crowd roaring and the stakes sky-high, fans can expect three days of edge-of-the-seat action, tactical brilliance and adrenaline-fuelled eliminations.

    The elite contenders include heavyweights like iqoo 8Bit (led by Saumraj), Oneplus Gods Reign (featuring Destro), and rising stars like 2oP Official, TWOB and Team Eggy. All 16 teams have battled their way through a gruelling qualifying gauntlet, showing off the kind of skill that’s fuelling the BGMI frenzy across India.

    The Final 16 Squads:

    ●    Nonx eSports

    ●    Aryan x TMG Gaming

    ●    Genesis Esports

    ●    Los Hermanos

    ●    Team Eggy

    ●    Team Forever

    ●    TWOB

    ●    Oneplus K9 Esports

    ●    Gods Omen

    ●    Oneplus Gods Reign

    ●    iqoo 8Bit

    ●    Team Insane Esports

    ●    Rising Inferno Esports

    ●    4TR Official

    ●    4Merical Esports

    ●    2oP Official

    “The Rs 4 crore prize pool is not just a number, it’s a message,” said Krofton India associate director of esports Karan Pathak. “It tells every aspiring gamer that this is a career path with passion, prizes and potential. The BMPS Grand Finals will be a celebration of everything Indian Esports has grown into and where it’s going next.”

    Even if you’re not on the Yashobhoomi stage, you can still win big. 1 Until July , players can rack up Discovery Island (DI) points in Classic Mode for exclusive BGMI Esports outfits and up to 50 in-game rewards. Hit 3000 Exploration Points and unlock all six DI rewards because who says the audience can’t be in the game too?

    With a record prize pool, premium venue, fan-first features and big-brand partnerships, BMPS 2025 isn’t just the grand finale, it’s a new beginning for Indian mobile Esports. And as the top 16 prepare to drop in, the rest of India is getting ready to watch history being made one clutch play at a time.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

    Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

     MUMBAI: The queens are charged, the knights are digital, and India’s chessboard is now esports-ready. In a game-changing move for Indian chess, Nodwin Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and Chessbase India, marking a historic convergence of esports, content, and competitive chess. Together, the trio will co-create original IPs, power pro-level broadcasts, and elevate India’s growing chess ecosystem into a global force.

    From school tournaments to creator streams, chess has undergone a stunning revival. Once the preserve of silent halls and grandmasters, it’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India trailing only cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. This new-age boom has been fuelled by the digital-first youth, and the stats are as sharp as a Sicilian Defence, 7.6 billion games played globally on Chess.com in 2024, 200 million plus registered users, including over 9 million monthly active players from India, 550,000 plus new Indian sign-ups every month, 925 million organic views, with viewership up 640 per cent year-on-year

    The tipping point? The Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship final, streamed in India exclusively by this trio, which racked up 24 million views and a peak concurrency of 200,000.

    “Chess has now become more than a game, it’s content, culture, and community,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “With this partnership, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem to take Indian chess from heritage to hype.”

    And it’s not just the numbers. The chess revolution is reshaping Indian cities and screens alike, Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-viewing zones. 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership is on smartphones. Core audience? Ages 18–34, a Gen Z and millennial-driven wave of tactical fandom

    Chessbase India CEO Sagar Shah sees this as more than a business arrangement, “This is a vision to take Indian chess from grassroots to global. With NODWIN and Chess.com, we now have the firepower to truly scale it.”

    Chess.com India, country director Avadh Shah added, “The excitement around chess is at an all-time high, and this collaboration ensures India plays a defining role in shaping its future.”

    That future arrives fast. At the Esports World Cup 2025, chess will debut with a 1.5 million dollars prize pool. Representing India will be S8ul’s Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram the country’s first-ever esports team to compete in global chess.

    From mobile-first blitz battles to stadium-sized finals, chess is no longer just about black-and-white strategy, it’s a full-spectrum spectacle. And with Nodwin Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India now playing as one, India might just checkmate the world.

  • Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    MUMBAI: In what appears to be a strategic masterstroke in the Indian esports game, Infinix has pressed play on its latest endeavour, aiming to capture the hearts and thumbs of competitive players. The new-age smartphone brand isn’t just launching a new device; it’s making a bold statement, seeking to redefine its presence within India’s burgeoning gaming ecosystem.

    To truly resonate with the gaming demographic, Infinix has forged alliances with some heavyweight figures. Comedian and digital creator Tanmay Bhat, alongside top-tier gaming influencers Total Gaming, Mizo, and Shreeman Legend, are now part of the Infinix team. This collaborative move highlights a significant cultural shift: gaming is no longer just a pastime, but a passion-driven space where skill, community, and competitive spirit converge for today’s youth. Modern gamers aren’t merely in the market for a phone; they demand performance that keeps pace with their rigorous “grind,” bold designs that unmistakably scream “gaming,” and cutting-edge technology that facilitates their seamless entry into the thrilling world of Esports.

    Enter the Infinix GT 30 Pro, a device meticulously crafted with “gaming-first” features to address the escalating demand for high-octane mobile competition. Designed with flagship-grade precision, this smartphone boasts the world’s first Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor, ensuring unparalleled processing power. For battle royale enthusiasts, it offers Krafton-certified 120FPS BGMI support, promising buttery-smooth gameplay. Further enhancing the tactile experience are the integrated GT Shoulder Triggers, while its bold Cyber Mecha Design, complete with customizable RGB lighting, ensures it looks every bit the part. To elevate the overall gaming experience, a suite of AI-powered features has been integrated, including Esports Mode, Xboost, AI audio enhancement, and haptics, all painstakingly optimised to deliver more immersive and responsive gameplay.

    Ultimately, through these calculated collaborations, Infinix is not simply unveiling a product. It’s actively championing a mindset shift within India’s dynamic gaming culture, reinforcing its long-term commitment to cultivating talent by empowering grassroots Esports athletes, a dedication exemplified by its existing partnership with the professional team True Rippers.
     

  • How Maitri and BGMI made a scam ad to expose scam ads

    How Maitri and BGMI made a scam ad to expose scam ads

    MUMBAI: KRAFTON India’s BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) has once again tapped into its strong community culture by turning April Fools’ Day into an opportunity for education. This year’s campaign took a humorous yet impactful approach to warn players about the risks of purchasing in-game currency (UC) from untrustworthy sources.

    BGMI partnered with Maitri to launch a bold and innovative scam campaign to raise awareness about scam ads. The campaign hinged on a fake promise: free UC (in-game currency) for BGMI players. To sell the deception, the team collaborated with George Thokkumootil, the iconic character from Akkara Kazhchakal, a beloved Malayalam sitcom.

    Film:

    Through a mockumentary-style video, the team crafted a relatable and engaging story, seamlessly integrating a key message—if players buy UC from unauthorized sources, they risk losing their accounts. The film centers around a quirky salesman who promises players the ultimate BGMI experience, offering everything from UC top-ups and elite passes to exclusive skins and premium vehicles. His pitch is simple: all he needs is the player’s “Money and Account” in return for guaranteed Chicken Dinners, all delivered through his questionable company that claims to cater to every gamer’s needs.

    The video was shot in the US with the original Akkara Kazhchakal team, using their signature humor to create authenticity. The footage was then edited in Kerala by Maitri Advertising. This collaboration ensured that the campaign resonated deeply with the audience, tapping into nostalgia to convey an important message.

    Watch the short film on Battlegrounds Mobile India official Instagram channel. 

    “Akkara Kazhchakal, a beloved Malayalam sitcom from the late 2000s, humorously portrayed the struggles of a Malayali family in the US. Originally airing on TV and YouTube, its popularity soared on Instagram and TikTok through nostalgic clips, memes, and fan edits. The show’s iconic dialogues and scenes, especially those featuring George Thekkumootil, an insurance agent, continue to resonate in pop culture, making it the perfect nostalgic touch for BGMI’s anti-scam prank.” – Francis Thomas, Group Creative Director, Maitri Advertising.

    Website: 

    To add credibility, the campaign also featured a dedicated landing page, reinforcing the importance of making purchases only through official channels. A fully functional website was created. The site mimicked real scam websites, luring players with the promise of free UC. Upon entering their BGMI ID, they were immediately informed that the entire setup was a scam designed to warn them against falling for actual fraudsters.

    Visit: https://tafreeuc.com/

    The results?

    Within hours, the campaign garnered over 2.5 lakh shares and more than 3 million views. Malayalees were thrilled by the unexpected reunion, while non-Malayalees were hooked by the clever execution. The video spread like wildfire.

    ●    3.6M+ views
    ●    182K+ likes
    ●    265K+ shares
    ●    4.2K+ comments
    ●    135K+ website clicks

    The viral nature of the campaign is a testament to how well the message resonated with players, turning an inside joke into a widely shared learning moment.

    Why it worked:

    The campaign stood out because of its mockumentary storytelling that helped in enhancing credibility and engagement. The multi-platform execution—using video, a fake website, and in-game hoardings—ensured that the message reached players through multiple touchpoints. Additionally, the cultural relevance of featuring a nostalgic Malayalam sitcom character deepened the connection with the audience, making the campaign not just informative but also deeply engaging.

    “April Fools’ has always been a great time to unveil inside jokes, and the community gets in on it. This year, we thought we should use the occasion for a little bit of education as well, so that our fans don’t click on untrustworthy sources to buy in-game currency. Looking at the 2L shares already, I’d say it’s been widely accepted and shared. We will look to create some more surprises for our fans as we go along!”  
    — Srinjoy Das, Associate Director of Marketing at Krafton

    By blending humor with awareness, BGMI continues to uphold its dedication to a safe and secure gaming environment to a safe and fair gaming environment, ensuring that players are informed and protected from fraudulent sources. This initiative is yet another example of how BGMI leverages cultural moments to engage with its audience while delivering important messages in an entertaining format.

    Campaign Credits:

    Client: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
    Agency: Maitri Advertising Pvt. Ltd
    Managing Director: Raju Menon
    Chief Operating Officer: Jayakumar N
    Director Ideation: Venugopal R Nair
    Creative Directors: Francis Thomas & Vincent Vadakkan
    Chief Media Officer & Key Accounts Head: Sumit G
    Director, Digital and Overseas Business: Sumit Raj
    Head (Digital & Creatives): Ajay Sathyan
    Writer & Art Director: Muhammed Farhan
    Senior Editor: Anil Jacob
    Editor: Sharath Chandran
     

  • South Korean gaming titan Krafton guns for India’s lucrative market: PTI report

    South Korean gaming titan Krafton guns for India’s lucrative market: PTI report

    MUMBAI: South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton, creator of the wildly popular Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is loading up its investment arsenal as it targets expansion in India—a territory that ranks among its top five global markets. The company has already pumped $200 million into Indian ventures and isn’t about to hit pause on its spending spree anytime soon.

    Krafton India chief executive Sean Hyunil Sohn is positively bullish about the country’s gaming prospects. “We want to double down on gaming and its addressable area,” Sohn told PTI, adding that the company sees “much bigger potential for the next two to three years.”

    What makes India such an irresistible playground for Krafton? The answer lies in its unique “mobile gaming native” status. While gamers in mature markets typically evolved from consoles to PCs before embracing mobile, Indian players cut their teeth directly on smartphones—a distinction that has Krafton’s boardroom salivating.

    The demographics certainly stack the deck in India’s favour. A young, tech-savvy population coupled with rapidly increasing smartphone adoption creates the perfect storm for gaming growth. Despite being a relative lightweight on the global gaming scene, India’s potential has Krafton ready to place hefty bets on its future.
    “We will not stop investing… say at $200-300 million,” Sohn declared. “We are still actively looking at opportunities to invest and maybe acquire.” 

    After a cracking financial performance in 2024, the company feels flush enough to double down on India, which it views as one of its strongest performing markets.

    What’s Krafton looking for in potential partners? 

    The company, which prides itself on maintaining a developer’s mindset despite its global publisher status, seeks collaborators who are “really passionate about game development.” Any acquisition targets must share Krafton’s enthusiasm for India’s gaming potential.

    Sohn believes India has the muscle to create games for global markets but laments the lack of awareness about gaming as a viable career path. 

    “We need support from the government and education institutions to put the best talent out for the younger generation,” he urged, calling for a concerted effort to level up India’s gaming ecosystem.

    With its mobile-first culture, youthful demographics, and Krafton’s deep pockets backing it, India’s gaming industry appears primed to score big in the coming years. Game on!

  • Iqoo levels up mobile gaming with India’s top gamers on board

    Iqoo levels up mobile gaming with India’s top gamers on board

    MUMBAI: Iqoo is taking mobile gaming to the next level, forging a power-packed alliance with seven of India’s biggest gamers, Dynamo Gaming, Gamerfleet, Mortal, Payal Gaming, Scout, Shreeman Legend, and Ungraduate Gamer. Together, they will test, refine, and certify Iqoo smartphones, ensuring a next-gen gaming experience built by gamers, for gamers.

    Kicking off this high-stakes collaboration is the Iqoo Neo 10R, the first smartphone tested and certified by these gaming legends. Armed with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and India’s slimmest 6400mAh battery, the Neo 10R is set to launch on 11 March 2025, promising unparalleled gaming endurance and performance.

    As part of this industry-first initiative, these gaming stalwarts will not only stress-test every Iqoo device but also use them as their primary smartphones during live YouTube streams. By directly incorporating their insights, Iqoo ensures its smartphones meet the intense demands of pro and casual gamers alike.

    “These gamers are the real questers, the catalysts behind India’s Esports culture,” said Iqoo CEO Nipun Marya. “By collaborating with them, we are ensuring iQOO smartphones push the boundaries of Android gaming, delivering an experience gamers truly deserve.”

    With the Indian gaming market projected to reach 9.2 billion dollars by FY’29 (Lumikai-Google report), Iqoo is doubling down on its commitment to Esports, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry. The brand has already made significant strides, including partnering with six BGMI Esports teams and over 100 gamers in December 2024, onboarding a 23-year-old Gen Z chief gaming officer in 2023 to gather firsthand gaming insights, and serving as the official mobile phone partner for Esports in the 2022 Asian Games.  

    This gamer-driven innovation strategy positions Iqoo as a key player in shaping India’s Esports future. With cutting-edge devices and gaming champions at the helm, Iqoo is not just playing the game, it’s changing it.

     

     

  • BGMI’s Wow Wakao: A new era of gaming and influencer storytelling

    BGMI’s Wow Wakao: A new era of gaming and influencer storytelling

    MUMBAI: In an unprecedented collaboration, Krafton India has partnered with Collective Creative Labs, the creative division of Collective Artists Network, and Bake A Film to launch Wow Wakao, a six-episode gaming content series exclusively for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s gaming culture, blending immersive storytelling with influencer-driven content.

    As gaming cements its place in India’s entertainment industry, Wow Wakao introduces a fresh, engaging approach to content creation. The series stars rising content creator Naman Arora, represented by Collective Artists Network, who navigates BGMI’s new ‘Wow Mode’ in an entertaining and dynamic style. The initiative aims to set a new benchmark for gaming content in India.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Naman Arora said, “Gaming has always been my passion, and Wow Wakao is a dream come true. This series brings a new level of excitement, allowing me to showcase BGMI’s Wow Mode in a fun and engaging way for fans. I can’t wait for everyone to experience it!”

    Krafton India associate director of marketing Srinjoy Das added, “BGMI has always led the way in innovative gameplay experiences, and Wow Wakao aligns perfectly with our vision of engaging and entertaining our community. By collaborating with Naman Arora and our talented content partners, we aim to make gaming content more immersive and accessible.”

    Collective Creative Labs chief creative officer Dhruv Sheth noted, “BGMI consistently pushes the boundaries of gameplay innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate on Wow Wakao, which leverages trending content, influencer engagement, and the diversity of WOW Mode to connect with audiences in a relatable and entertaining manner.”

    Bake A Film co-founder Mrinal Chawla highlighted, “By tapping into current trends, Naman Arora’s popularity, and the diverse offerings of WOW Mode, we have crafted Wow Wakao! This series places BGMI’s Wow Mode front and centre, reaching audiences through trending social media personalities and engaging storytelling.”

    Creative director Parikshit Singh added, ‘We set out to create an engaging series that captures the madness of WOW Mode. Thanks to the combined efforts of all teams and Naman Arora’s hilarious performance, the final product matches the vision we had when it was just a concept.’

    With digital entertainment evolving rapidly, gaming has emerged as a dominant force. Wow Wakao aims to captivate a new generation of gamers and content enthusiasts, reinforcing Krafton’s commitment to innovative storytelling. The series will be available for streaming on YouTube and Instagram from 11th February 2025, delivering a thrilling mix of action, entertainment, and influencer-driven narratives.

  • Competitive casual games: a serious success story in India

    Competitive casual games: a serious success story in India

    MUMBAI: Investor interest in the Indian gaming market is undergoing a blip this year compared to the year before. At $23.4 million, it is significantly lower than the ₹110 million raised in 2023. Surprisingly, casual games seem to be immune to this temporary lack of interest. Investment in casual gaming more than tripled between January and September of 2023 and 2024, from $4.6 million to $15.9 million.

    The popularity of casual competitive games is increasing in India and is expected to remain so for some time. This explains why investments in casual games continue to rise even during an unusually lean period. On one hand, we have real money games like rummy, which in India has a large population with a strong interest in and knowledge of rummy game rules. Casual games, on the other hand, have a hypnotic charm with simple mechanics that you can enjoy in short bursts between your breaks.

    Keeping it Casual

    A little bit of competition has always been a key motivation for gamers. The intensity of competition may be greater in the case of hardcore gamers, but there is a silent majority who enjoy some amount of competition to go with the entertainment that games bring. This silent majority is driving the popularity of casual competitive games in India.

    The Lumikai X Google’s Interactive Media and Gaming Research 2024 has further reiterated this observation. The research estimates that casual and hyper-casual gaming will continue to grow at a CAGR of 23% in India for the next five years. It is also worth considering the percentage of female gamers is increasing rapidly in India to reach 44% this year. As a demographic, women are among the strongest patrons of casual games.

    The average hours spent every week on casual gaming has increased from 3 hours in the financial year 2023 to 3.6 hours in 2024. Casual games continue to be the most popular genre of gaming across India, followed by mid-core games and real money games. Also keeping the genre lucrative for investors is the fact that the in-app purchases in this genre have registered a 10% annual growth this year.

    Engaging in Friendly Fires

    While gunshots exchanged across international borders are sometimes diplomatically described as ‘friendly fires’, a competitive casual game is undoubtedly the better example of the term. The funds involved in poker and rummy games make the competition much more serious. There is a strong need to understand poker and rummy game rules too. The popularity of these card games accounts for the phenomenal popularity of platforms like RummyTime. However, competitive casual games are truly casual.

    Take the popular Coin Master game, for instance. The aim here is to build the strongest Viking village, win loot, earn rewards and trade your treasures with your fellow Viking friends. PUBG and its successor, BGMI, have been popular favourites among Indian gamers for years. These games have been offering a casual mode with around 10 players, some of whom can be practice bots as well. Once the gamers hone their skills, they can graduate to the multiplayer battle royale format in this player-versus-player shooter game.

    There is a competitive spirit in the casual games built around the popular board game Ludo as well. Popular ludo platforms organise mega prize money tournaments where gamers can test their ludo skills and sharpness. It is also a popular pastime among friends who can now play it on smartphones instead of looking around for the physical board game and the dice.

    Ludo’s Popularity: The Casual Competitive Case Study

    Ludo has been a popular pastime for adults and children in India for decades if not centuries. Online ludo offers an opportunity for friends to socialise. As against the board game format where two to four players can play, online ludo can accommodate six players.

    The gameplay is much quicker, with the quick-mode match running for roughly five minutes only. In the physical format, this can extend to anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes. The simple mechanics and sleek UI ensures that gamers can pick and play at any time between their breaks.

    Popular ludo platforms have not relied on ad incomes alone for profitability. They are offering in-app purchase options that include premium features like peer-to-peer chats, voice notes and audio modes.

    Over the years, ludo has spread across different gaming communities. Ludo King, for instance, has 20% downloads outside India. International favourite, Yalla Ludo leads the revenue race with more than $1 million in the first nine months of this calendar year.

    A Dominant Presence

    Competitive casual games are a dominant presence in the gaming landscape. In a regional research conducted in India, casual games topped the popularity across the country. The game is the top genre in the East India zone among paying gamers as well. Competitive and non-competitive casual games like Candy Crush, Ludo and Coin Master are unanimous national favourites. It is a pattern that seems set to continue.