In a major boost to the Indian gaming industry, Bengaluru-based Qila Games has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding led by Chimera VC, with participation from Visceral Capital, Atrium Angels, Ventatana Ventures, 91 Ventures, Untitled Ventures, and other angel investors. This funding will fuel Qila Games’ vision of revolutionizing hybrid-casual gaming in India and scaling up its game development efforts.
What is Qila Games?
Founded in 2024 by industry veterans Dhananjai Hari and Neeraj Mishra, Qila Games is on a mission to bridge the gap between casual and midcore gaming by developing socially engaging and immersive mobile games. By focusing on long-term player engagement, retention, and premium experiences, the startup is poised to become a major player in India’s gaming ecosystem.
The Rise of Hybrid-Casual Gaming
Hybrid-casual gaming blends the easy accessibility of casual games with the depth and engagement of midcore titles. This emerging genre is rapidly gaining traction in India and other global markets, as more players seek games that are both fun and offer strategic depth.
“India and other emerging markets are at the cusp of a major shift in mobile gaming, and hybrid-casual is set to be the next big category. We are proud to see our investors entrusting us and our vision to disrupt this space. With this funding, we are doubling down on building engaging, high-quality games that resonate with these audiences.” – Dhananjai Hari, Co-Founder, Qila Games
Investor Confidence in Qila Games
Qila Games’ funding round signals strong investor confidence in India’s evolving gaming industry. Chimera VC, the lead investor, believes that Qila Games has found the right balance between bite-sized entertainment and meta-progression to create immersive gaming experiences.
“The Indian gaming industry is creating phenomenal IPs, and supporting founders like Dhananjai and Neeraj is a privilege. Qila Games is perfectly positioned to scale hybrid-casual gaming in India with a consumer-first approach. We look forward to seeing their innovative titles in the near future.” – Krish Anurag GP, Chimera Venture Capital
Other investors, including Visceral Capital, echoed this sentiment:
“Dhananjai and Neeraj have years of experience building top-quality games for leading studios. Creating a successful gaming studio requires skill and perseverance—qualities that the Qila Games team has in abundance. We are excited to be part of their journey.” – Cecilia Oldne, Founding Partner, Visceral Capital
How Qila Games Plans to Use the Funding
With the $1 million investment, Qila Games plans to:
- Develop new intellectual properties (IPs) tailored for Indian and emerging market players.
- Expand its portfolio of hybrid-casual games, blending accessibility with deeper engagement.
- Strengthen its technology and design capabilities to create world-class gaming experiences.
- Build a scalable and consumer-centric gaming model that prioritizes long-term engagement.
The Future of Hybrid-Casual Gaming in India
India’s mobile gaming industry has witnessed explosive growth, with over 450 million gamers and increasing investments in game development. As mobile gaming continues to evolve, hybrid-casual titles are expected to dominate the market, offering a new level of engagement for casual players looking for more depth in their gaming experiences.
By leveraging its expertise and investor backing, Qila Games is well-positioned to lead this new gaming revolution.
About Qila Games
Qila Games is a Bengaluru-based hybrid-casual gaming startup dedicated to creating engaging and socially immersive mobile games. Founded in 2024 by Dhananjai Hari and Neeraj Mishra, the company focuses on high-quality gaming experiences designed for Indian and emerging market audiences. Prioritizing player engagement and retention, Qila Games aims to redefine hybrid-casual gaming in the region.
Final Thoughts
The $1 million funding round marks an exciting chapter for Qila Games, reinforcing the growing potential of India’s gaming industry. With its unique focus on hybrid-casual games, Qila Games is on track to make a significant impact, not only in India but across global gaming markets.
Stay tuned for upcoming game releases and exciting innovations from Qila Games! 🚀
