Now Reading: BGMI maker Krafton shifts focus to AI, invests $900 million
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BGMI maker Krafton shifts focus to AI, invests $900 million
BGMI operator Krafton plans to invest in five venture capital funds and about half a dozen startups in India by the end of 2026, setting aside $50-60 million each year. The Korean…
The Story in Brief
BGMI operator Krafton plans to invest in five venture capital funds and about half a dozen startups in India by the end of 2026, setting aside $50-60 million each year. The Korean gaming firm’s total investments in the country have reached $900 million. But the company is now moving beyond gaming to focus on artificial intelligence and consumer internet platforms, according to lead for corporate development Nihansh Bhat. Krafton has largely avoided backing gaming firms because casual games are hard to monetise in India, Bhat said.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that global investors are abandoning India’s gaming sector overlooks Krafton’s long-term bet on the underlying ecosystem. The firm’s pivot to AI and consumer internet reflects a pragmatic reading of the Indian market: casual games struggle to earn beyond ads, while AI applications in local languages offer real opportunity. The real test will be whether Krafton’s patient capital can help build venture funds that back startups with actual revenue, not just hype.
Source: livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
