Strategic Move Strengthens ‘Make in India’ Vision with a ₹118 Crore Investment
KRAFTON has officially acquired a controlling stake in Nautilus Mobile, the Pune-based studio behind the acclaimed Real Cricket franchise. This ₹118 crore acquisition marks KRAFTON’s first control deal in India, underscoring its commitment to fostering India’s game development landscape and pushing innovation in mobile gaming.
Strengthening India’s Gaming Industry
Nautilus Mobile has emerged as a leader in mobile sports gaming, crafting immersive and engaging experiences for players. This acquisition blends Nautilus Mobile’s cricket gaming expertise with KRAFTON’s global resources and advanced technologies, paving the way for expanded market reach and new opportunities for Indian game developers.
Founded in 2013, Nautilus Mobile has built one of the most recognized franchises in mobile cricket gaming. Real Cricket has become a flagship title in the genre, enjoying widespread popularity and commercial success. The studio was fully acquired by JetSynthesys in 2020, further propelling its growth. KRAFTON initially invested ₹40.5 crore in Nautilus in 2022 and has now taken full control to drive further expansion and innovation in India’s gaming sector.
Following this acquisition, JetSynthesys will retain a minority stake and continue collaborating with Nautilus Mobile, particularly in Esports, reinforcing the competitive gaming ecosystem in India.
Industry Leaders Speak on the Acquisition
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, emphasized the strategic significance of the move: “At KRAFTON, we actively invest in companies that shape the future of game development. We have closely followed Nautilus Mobile’s impressive growth and ability to deliver world-class gaming content under JetSynthesys’ leadership. This acquisition aligns with our long-term vision to make India a global hub for game development.”
Anuj Mankar, CEO of Nautilus Mobile, shared his enthusiasm: “Joining forces with KRAFTON marks an exciting new chapter for us. Real Cricket, a game made in India for Indians, has the potential to become a globally recognized Indian sports game. KRAFTON’s expertise and resources will help elevate the franchise, pushing boundaries in mobile gaming.”
Rajan Navani, Founder & CEO of JetSynthesys, highlighted the broader impact: “At JetSynthesys, we work closely with global partners to strengthen India’s game development ecosystem. KRAFTON’s innovative capabilities will greatly support our talented team, allowing us to scale Esports initiatives like the Global eCricket Premier League.”
A Milestone for India’s ‘Make in India’ Initiative
This acquisition solidifies KRAFTON’s commitment to India’s gaming industry. The move not only supports local developers but also fosters job creation and drives innovation. With Real Cricket being one of the most successful mobile cricket franchises globally, this acquisition positions KRAFTON to enhance cricket gaming experiences for both Indian and international audiences.
As gaming in India continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, KRAFTON remains dedicated to investing in homegrown studios, expanding Esports, and delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. With this strategic acquisition, KRAFTON reinforces its role in shaping India’s gaming future and strengthening its position as a leader in the mobile gaming industry.
About KRAFTON, Inc.
Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is a global gaming powerhouse known for developing and publishing immersive games such as PUBG. The company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment through advanced technology, world-class talent, and innovative game development.
For more details, visit www.krafton.com.
About Nautilus Mobile
Pune-based Nautilus Mobile is the creator of Real Cricket, India’s top mobile cricket gaming franchise. Established in 2013, the studio specializes in realistic cricket simulation games that have captivated millions of players worldwide.
For more information, visit www.nautilusmobile.com.
