KRAFTON, the gaming giant behind BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), has acquired a controlling stakein Pune-based Nautilus Mobile for Rs 118 crore ($13.7 million), marking its first full-control acquisition in India.
Nautilus Mobile, best known for its hit mobile cricket game Real Cricket, was fully acquired by JetSynthesys in 2020, with KRAFTON investing Rs 40.5 crore in the studio in 2022. This acquisition aims to strengthen KRAFTON’s presence in sports gaming and accelerate India’s growth as a global gaming hub.
Despite the acquisition, JetSynthesys will remain a minority investor and continue collaborating with Nautilus, particularly in the Esports segment. KRAFTON India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn emphasized that this deal aligns with KRAFTON’s broader strategy to nurture India’s gaming talent and ecosystem. Meanwhile, Nautilus Mobile CEO Anuj Mankar stated that the partnership would drive Real Cricket’s international expansion.
Since 2021, KRAFTON has invested over $200 million in Indian startups, reinforcing its dedication to supporting local game development. With India’s booming gaming market and cricket’s immense popularity, this acquisition further cements KRAFTON’s position as a key player in the country’s gaming industry.
