₹118 Crore Deal Strengthens ‘Make in India’ Initiative and Elevates India’s Gaming Innovation
Bengaluru, March 28, 2025 – In a landmark move for India’s gaming industry, KRAFTON, the global gaming powerhouse, has acquired a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, the Pune-based studio behind the immensely popular Real Cricket franchise. The ₹118 crore transaction marks KRAFTON’s first control deal in India, underscoring its commitment to fostering homegrown game development and revolutionizing the country’s mobile gaming ecosystem.
With this acquisition, KRAFTON aims to merge Nautilus Mobile’s expertise in cricket gaming with its own global technological capabilities, setting the stage for unparalleled gaming innovation and expansion opportunities for Indian game developers.
Nautilus Mobile: Pioneering Cricket Gaming Excellence
Founded in 2013, Nautilus Mobile has established itself as a leader in the mobile sports gaming sector, with Real Cricket emerging as a household name. The franchise has grown into one of the most-loved and profitable cricket gaming IPs globally, captivating millions of players.
- In 2020, JetSynthesys acquired a 100% stake in Nautilus Mobile, accelerating its growth and industry footprint.
- In February 2022, KRAFTON invested ₹40.5 crore, further strengthening its strategic collaboration with Nautilus.
- Nautilus Mobile’s strong intellectual property (IP), deep-rooted Indian user base, and proven development capabilities present a major opportunity for KRAFTON to expand its Esports and publishing initiatives in India.
Following the acquisition, JetSynthesys will retain a significant minority stake and continue to collaborate with Nautilus Mobile in strategic areas, particularly in Esports, with a focus on scaling initiatives like the Global eCricket Premier League (GEPL).
Industry Leaders on the Acquisition
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India:
“At KRAFTON, we are dedicated to investing in visionary companies that shape the future of gaming. As a longtime investor in Nautilus Mobile, we have witnessed its remarkable growth under JetSynthesys’ leadership. This acquisition is a testament to our long-term vision of making India a global gaming hub. We are excited to expand this partnership and craft world-class gaming experiences for Indian and international audiences.”
Anuj Mankar, CEO, Nautilus Mobile:
“We are excited to embark on this new journey with KRAFTON. Real Cricket, developed in India for Indian gamers, has the potential to become the country’s first globally recognized sports gaming franchise. With KRAFTON’s expertise and expansive industry network, we are confident in taking Real Cricket to new heights and unlocking new frontiers in mobile gaming.”
Rajan Navani, Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys:
“At JetSynthesys, we collaborate with global leaders to strengthen India’s gaming ecosystem. KRAFTON’s cutting-edge innovation and investment will empower our talented development team led by Anuj Mankar, helping scale India’s Esports ecosystem to unprecedented levels.”
KRAFTON’s Strategic Investment in India’s Gaming Ecosystem
This acquisition reinforces KRAFTON’s commitment to India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative by:
✅ Strengthening India’s game development studios
✅ Creating new job opportunities in the gaming sector
✅ Advancing mobile gaming technology and innovation
✅ Expanding India’s growing Esports industry
By tapping into India’s unparalleled love for cricket, this acquisition positions KRAFTON as a major force in the sports gaming industry. As India emerges as a global gaming powerhouse, KRAFTON is committed to:
- Investing in homegrown studios
- Supporting next-generation game development
- Delivering world-class gaming experiences tailored for Indian and international players
Final Thoughts
The KRAFTON-Nautilus Mobile acquisition represents a defining moment for India’s gaming sector. With Real Cricket’s immense fanbase and KRAFTON’s global expertise, this collaboration is set to redefine mobile cricket gaming and elevate India’s presence in the international gaming landscape.
As KRAFTON deepens its investment in India, the future of game development, mobile gaming, and Esports in the country looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned as India continues its journey to becoming a global gaming hub!
