Key Points

Krafton has acquired a controlling stake in India’s Nautilus Mobile, the developer behind Real Cricket, for $13.75 million. The move strengthens Krafton’s sports gaming portfolio while supporting India’s growing game development scene. Nautilus Mobile’s Real Cricket franchise has over 250 million downloads and IPL partnerships. Krafton aims to leverage this acquisition to expand globally while fostering India’s gaming ecosystem.

Key Points: Krafton Acquires India's Nautilus Mobile for $13.75M

  • Krafton acquires Real Cricket developer Nautilus Mobile
  • Deal valued at $13.75 million
  • Aims to expand global sports gaming
  • Strengthens India's game development hub
2 min read

Krafton acquires India's Nautilus Mobile to expand global sports game portfolio

Krafton expands global sports gaming with Real Cricket developer Nautilus Mobile, strengthening India's gaming ecosystem.

"This partnership will allow us to push the boundaries of innovation and expand our reach. – Anuj Mankar, CEO, Nautilus Mobile"

Seoul, March 28

South Korean gaming giant Krafton said on Friday it has acquired a controlling stake in India-based game studio Nautilus Mobile for $13.75 million.

Founded in 2013, Nautilus Mobile is best known for developing Real Cricket, a popular mobile sports game.

The series has surpassed 250 million cumulative downloads and has partnered with teams from the Indian Premier League (IPL), cementing its position as a leading cricket game franchise in the Indian market, reports Yonhap news agency.

Krafton said it aims to combine Nautilus Mobile's expertise in sports game development with its own global publishing capabilities and technological strengths to generate synergies and expand into broader markets.

"The acquisition aligns with Krafton's long-term vision of nurturing India into a global game development hub. Through close collaboration with Nautilus Mobile, we aim to deliver world-class gaming experiences that resonate with users in India and beyond," Son Hyun-il, head of Krafton India, said.

In 2020, JetSynthesys acquired a 100 per cent stake in Nautilus Mobile, further accelerating its growth. In February 2022, Krafton made a strategic investment of Rs 40.5 crore in Nautilus.

After this acquisition, JetSynthesys will remain as a significant minority investor in Nautilus Mobile, and continue to work on strategically important areas, especially in esports.

Nautilus, with its strong IP, established Indian user base, and proven development track record, offers a unique opportunity to deepen Krafton's esports and publishing efforts in the country.

"This partnership will allow us to push the boundaries of innovation and expand our reach, while continuing to deliver engaging and high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide," said Anuj Mankar, CEO, Nautilus Mobile.

Krafton said this acquisition is a significant step in its India investment strategy, underscoring the commitment to strengthening the country's ambitious 'Make in India' initiative by supporting local game developers, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a thriving development ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As a long-time Real Cricket player, I'm cautiously optimistic about this. Krafton has deep pockets but I hope they don't change the core gameplay that made the series so popular in India. The IPL integration was brilliant! 🤞
P
Priya M.
This is huge for Indian gaming! Krafton's resources combined with Nautilus's understanding of the local market could take Real Cricket to the next level. Maybe we'll finally get proper career modes and better graphics?
A
Amit S.
Not sure how I feel about this. Real Cricket was doing fine on its own. Big acquisitions often lead to more microtransactions and less innovation. Hope I'm wrong though!
S
Sanjana P.
Exciting news! 🎉 Krafton's PUBG Mobile was so well optimized, imagine what they can do with cricket gameplay. Maybe we'll get proper multiplayer tournaments and better physics? The potential is massive!
V
Vikram J.
Respectful criticism: Krafton needs to be careful not to "over-globalize" the game. Real Cricket's charm is its Indianness - from commentary to stadiums. Hope they maintain that authenticity while expanding.
N
Neha R.
$13.75M seems like a bargain considering Real Cricket's 250M downloads! Smart move by Krafton to tap into India's cricket craze. Wonder if they'll introduce crossovers with their other games? Cricket battle royale anyone? 😄

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