Krafton, a prominent gaming company from South Korea, has taken a significant step in expanding its portfolio by acquiring a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, an Indian gaming studio known for its Real Cricket series. The all-cash deal, valued at $14 million, grants Krafton more than a 75% share in the Pune-based studio, which has been in operation since 2013.
Nautilus Mobile Overview
Nautilus Mobile, established in 2013, has successfully developed multiple titles within its Real Cricket franchise, including Real Cricket 24 and Real Cricket Premier League. The franchise has attracted millions of downloads, making it a popular choice among cricket fans in India.
Krafton’s Strategic Investment
Krafton’s acquisition aims to strengthen its foothold in the rapidly growing mobile gaming market in India, which is led by a substantial number of young smartphone users. The mobile gaming sector currently accounts for approximately 77.9% of the country’s total gaming revenue, with projections showing growth from $640 million in 2023 to $1.1 billion by 2028.
Following the acquisition, Nautilus Mobile will retain its operational independence, and its entire workforce of 45 employees will remain intact. Krafton plans to enhance Nautilus’s existing cricket games while also pursuing new gaming genres, as outlined by Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India. This strategy is expected to reinforce Krafton’s existing success, primarily driven by Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), which has surpassed 200 million downloads and achieved record sales last year.
Future Prospects and Market Expansion
With the acquisition, Krafton anticipates not only boosting Nautilus’s cricket games but also exploring opportunities in sports gaming on a global scale. Nihansh Bhat, a corporate lead at Krafton India, expressed confidence in the potential of cricket-related games beyond India, aiming to tap into other cricket-loving nations as well.
JetSynthesys, which previously acquired a 100% stake in Nautilus in 2020 and later received a strategic investment of $5.4 million from Krafton, will continue as a “significant minority” investor. The collaboration aims to leverage Nautilus’s expertise in eSports and partnerships, particularly within the Indian Premier League.
Krafton’s Investment Landscape
To date, Krafton has invested over $200 million in the Indian market, focusing on gaming and related industries. Other investments include platforms like Cashfree, Kuku FM, and One Impression, and Krafton remains open to future acquisitions and collaborations within India’s vibrant gaming sector.
As Krafton integrates Nautilus Mobile into its operations, it positions itself to diversify beyond BGMI and strengthen its presence in cricket gaming, potentially tapping into new audiences and revenue streams.