Pixel P&L: KIGI’s Big Bet on India’s Next Game Development Giants

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, November 26. Can India’s game developers conquer global markets? The KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) thinks so. In today’s exclusive, Anuj Sahani reveals how KIGI is transforming local studios like Arjuna and Shura Games into global contenders with culturally inspired games.

Also, don’t miss our deep dive into FAU-G: Domination’s playtest—what modes do Indian gamers love, and what still needs work? Plus, the UK’s crackdown on Apple and Google’s app store dominance, Sony’s rumored handheld console, and other stories shaking up the gaming and tech world.

Indian game developers face steep challenges when building their first studios—funding, mentorship, and infrastructure often being the most pressing. The KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), launched in 2023, seeks to address these issues by providing up to $150,000 in financial assistance, industry-leading mentorship, and tailored guidance on market trends, paving the way for innovation and growth.

In an exclusive interview, Anuj Sahani, head of KIGI, reveals how the program blends creativity with commercial viability. By mentoring studios like Arjuna Studios and Shura Games, KIGI helps developers incorporate culturally resonant themes into globally appealing games. "We aim to empower developers with the tools and expertise to craft authentic yet market-ready games," Sahani shared, emphasizing the incubator’s dual focus on gameplay and scalability.

This feature dives into KIGI’s milestones and impact in its first year, showcasing how its support has propelled Indian indie studios toward market readiness. With a mission to position India as a global force in gaming, Sahani outlines KIGI’s long-term vision for transforming the country’s gaming landscape.

Hyderabad’s Indian Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2024 buzzed with excitement as over 1,000 attendees flocked to the playtest of Fearless and United Guards (FAU-G): Domination, Nazara Publishing’s upcoming mobile shooter. Developed by Mumbai-based Dot9 Games, the latest addition to the FAU-G franchise—a series with over 40 million downloads—emerged as a highlight of the November 13–15 event.

The playtest revealed promising insights for the game’s development. Nearly 80% of participants praised its smooth gameplay, particularly on mid and low-end devices. The Arms Race mode stood out as a favorite, with 70% of players preferring it over Team Deathmatch and 1v1. Gunplay also received strong feedback, with 70% rating it “good” to “excellent.” However, minor concerns were noted, including hitbox registration issues and device overheating, flagged by 10% and 8% of players, respectively.

Set for an early 2025 release, the developers plan additional community playtests to refine the game based on player feedback. 

Free Fire Announced as ESWC 2025 Title

Free Fire will return to the Esports World Cup (ESWC) in 2025, organizers announced, following a successful run in 2024 that achieved notable viewership milestones. The 2024 Free Fire tournament peaked at 471,483 concurrent viewers and averaged 206,744 viewers across 18 hours and 35 minutes of broadcast airtime, amassing a total of 3,841,990 hours watched. Team Falcons emerged as champions in the 2024 competition, securing two Booyahs and a $300,000 prize in a dramatic Grand Finals.

UK Regulator Seeks Formal Probe into Apple and Google’s Mobile Dominance

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called for a formal investigation into Apple and Google’s dominance of mobile ecosystems, citing their "effective duopoly" over operating systems, app stores, and browsers. Preliminary findings allege practices such as revenue-sharing agreements and restrictions on third-party app stores hinder competition and innovation. While Apple adjusted policies to allow cloud gaming, other concerns remain unresolved. Apple defended its practices in a comment to CNBC, claiming they prioritize user privacy and innovation. The CMA’s recommendation comes as new Digital Markets Act rules, designed to curb monopolistic practices, are set to take effect next year.

Sony Reportedly Developing New Handheld Console

Sony is reportedly in the early stages of developing a handheld console compatible with the PlayStation 5, according to Bloomberg sources. The device, which could expand on the recently launched PS Portal, is said to have initially been envisioned as a standalone portable console but was later pivoted into a streaming-only device. Still years from release, the project remains uncertain, with insiders suggesting Sony may ultimately shelve the device. The move signals Sony’s potential interest in re-entering the handheld gaming market, though details about the console’s functionality and positioning remain limited. 

Al Nassr Enters Esports with Mkers Partnership

Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr has partnered with Italian esports organization Mkers to launch its first esports division, "Esports Al Nassr powered by Mkers," and compete in EA FC 24. The collaboration includes signing João Afonso “Jafonso” Vasconcelos, reigning Esports World Cup champion and former eMLS winner. Mkers will provide technical and strategic expertise to grow the division, aligning with Al Nassr’s strategy of acquiring top talent, as seen with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing in 2023. This marks a significant move for the club, blending its football legacy with the competitive gaming landscape.

Released in 2023 to critical acclaim, Baldur’s Gate III continues to grow in popularity over a year later. Michael Douse, Head of Publishing at Larian Studios, recently revealed that the game’s average daily player count in 2024 is up 3% from 2023, with daily active users increasing by an impressive 20%.

The game has found particular success among Steam Deck users, who logged a staggering 61% increase in playtime this year. A major factor driving this growth is the addition of cross-platform mod support, which garnered over one million downloads within 24 hours of its release. Larian Studios even disclosed that Vatican City, one of the world’s smallest nations, has purchased two copies of the game.