Key Points

The Indian online gaming sector is experiencing significant disruption following the government's new Online Gaming Act of 2025. Gameskraft, a prominent gaming company, has announced layoffs of 120 employees as a direct consequence of the regulatory changes. The company's founder, Prithvi Singh, described the decision as extremely challenging and reflective of the complex new business landscape. These job cuts follow a broader trend of workforce reductions across real-money gaming platforms in response to the legislative ban.

Key Points: Gameskraft Cuts 120 Jobs Amid Online Gaming Ban Fallout

  • Gameskraft layoffs directly linked to new Online Gaming Act 2025
  • Company halting business operations due to regulatory changes
  • 120 employees across teams to be impacted
  • Group health insurance continues until March 2026
2 min read

Gameskraft to lay off 120 employees after ban on real-money gaming

Gaming startup Gameskraft announces major workforce reduction following government's new online gaming legislation impacting real-money gaming sector

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskraft's journey - Prithvi Singh, Founder and CEO"

New Delhi, Sep 18

Gameskraft said on Thursday that the company will let go 120 employees, as the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has placed “real-money gaming companies in "uncharted territory".

In a statement, the company said that like many others in the sector, Gameskraft is navigating this new regulatory landscape and grappling with a rapidly shifting business reality.

"The implications of this legislation are complex, far-reaching, and have had an immediate and profound impact on the sector and Gameskraft. In the spirit of transparency, we want to share that despite our best efforts, the current regulatory landscape has made us completely stop our business and has left us with no choice but to initiate a company-wide restructuring," the company noted.

After careful deliberation, as part of this restructuring, "we will be, as of now, letting go of about 120 Krafters across teams and functions, a decision we make with a very heavy heart. As the business continues to evolve in response to external realities, further structural changes may be required," it added.

Group health insurance cover will remain active until March 2026, or until an individual joins a new employer, whichever is earlier.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskraft's journey. Every single Krafter has played a meaningful role in shaping who we are, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions, passion, and belief in our mission," said Prithvi Singh, Founder and CEO, Gameskraft.

Looking ahead, Gameskraft said it will continue to assess and adapt as new realities unfold.

Last week, online gaming company Zupee said it will lay off 170 employees, about 30 per cent of its workforce, after the government passed a Bill banning online games involving money in August.

Zupee joins other real-money games (RMG) companies like Games24x7, Baazi Games and Mobile Premier League that have sacked employees after the ban.

The law has banned online money games that require users to make deposits with the expectation of winning money.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I feel bad for the employees, the ban on real-money gaming is necessary. Too many young people were getting addicted and losing their savings. The social cost was too high.
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Aman W
The companies should have seen this coming. Real-money gaming was always in a grey area. They should have diversified their business models instead of relying solely on gambling-like activities.
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Sarah B
At least they're providing health insurance until March 2026 - that's more than many companies do during layoffs. Hope these talented people find new opportunities soon! 🙏
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Vikram M
This is going to impact the entire startup ecosystem. Many gaming companies were doing well and creating jobs. The government should have regulated instead of banning completely.
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Nikhil C
The timing is terrible with the job market already being tough. Hope the affected employees get good severance packages and support in finding new roles. #StandWithGamingWorkers

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