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India Levels Up: Emerging as a Global Gaming Powerhouse in 2024

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Indian gaming industry is breaking boundaries, redefining innovation, and expanding its footprint globally with Indian gaming companies witnessing an exponential growth. The industry is estimated to reach INR 33,243 crore by FY28, showing a 15% CAGR. From a nascent market to now being the world’s fastest-growing gaming hub, India has positioned itself as a vital contributor to the global gaming industry which is projected to surpass $200 billion by 2025.

This explosive growth is fuelled by Indian gaming developers and investment companies that are scaling up studios and pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. Companies like WinZO are enabling localized gaming experiences for international markets. In a groundbreaking move to elevate India’s position in the global gaming industry, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WinZO, India’s largest social gaming and interactive entertainment platform. This partnership marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global leader in interactive entertainment, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in gaming and technology.

Aligning with the robust growth trajectory towards the global arena, a homegrown giant and India’s only listed gaming and esports company, Nazara Technologies has established a strong global presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Cutting-edge developers like Felicity Games, and investment powerhouses like Jetapult are also driving the transformation, making India a force to be reckoned with.

Nitish Mittersain – Jt. MD & CEO – Nazara Technologies looked back at 2024 and stated, “As 2024 comes to a close, India’s gaming industry has proven its resilience and potential, emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets globally. What excites me most is the growing alignment between innovation and accessibility—be it through mobile gaming, localized content, or the increasing reach of esports. In 2025, I see India making significant strides toward becoming a global gaming powerhouse, with several key trends driving this transformation.

Firstly, the widespread adoption of AI and immersive technologies like AR/VR will not just elevate the quality of gaming experiences but also create new opportunities in areas like education, fitness, and community building. Secondly, as regulatory clarity improves, particularly around real-money gaming, the industry will see increased investor confidence and a more robust ecosystem. Finally, the emergence of cross-sector partnerships between gaming, entertainment, and e-commerce will redefine monetization models, creating sustainable growth for developers and platforms alike.

As we look ahead, our focus as an industry should be on nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusivity in gaming to truly unlock India’s potential on the global stage. The journey has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.”

Jetapult, a strategic investment company, is at the forefront of this revolution. By employing an “Invest & Operate” model, Jetapult aims to help scale gaming studios across emerging markets and was the first international company to make an investment worth $4.5m in the Saudi Arabian gaming studio space, in 2024.

“Reflecting on 2024, one thing is clear: the future of gaming will be defined not by geography but by exceptional talent paired with the right strategic support. At Jetapult, we’re actively partnering with studios, not just deploying capital but helping them scale globally through hands-on collaboration.

Our $4.5M investment in Saudi Arabia’s vibrant gaming ecosystem highlights our commitment to the ‘Invest & Operate’ model, providing end-to-end support across development and publishing. As the gaming industry nears $200 billion, success requires more than funding—it demands expertise, infrastructure, and global access. With our deep understanding of the inherent challenges in game development and our platformized approach, we’re helping studios scale sustainability and compete on the world stage,” said Sharan Tulsiani Co-Founder & CEO Jetapult.

Indian developers are also making waves with their innovative creations. Felicity Games, founded in 2023 known for its immersive experiences and unique storytelling, the company has launched over 10 games in its first year, attracting more than a million users across 14 countries. Anurag Choudhary – Founder & CEO – Felicity games said, “The Indian gaming industry has undergone a transformative journey, emerging as a global force driven by innovation, talent, and a rapidly expanding audience. At Felicity Games, we’re proud to be part of this revolution. In just one year, our focus on building hybrid casual games that combine global appeal with immersive gameplay has enabled us to launch over 10 titles and engage over a million players across 14 countries. This rapid growth is a testament to India’s ability to create world-class gaming experiences. As we step into 2025, we see immense potential for Indian developers to set new benchmarks, pushing boundaries in creativity and technology, and establishing India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.”

The backbone of this growth is India’s talent pool, with over 450,000 professionals skilled in game design, programming, and animation (source: NASSCOM). Gaming studios are thriving in metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, attracting international attention. India’s low production costs, paired with high-quality output, have further made it a preferred destination for global gaming giants.

Investments in the Indian gaming ecosystem have skyrocketed, with $2 billion poured into the industry in 2023 alone, a 55% increase from the previous year (source: Venture Intelligence). This financial influx is fostering a vibrant ecosystem of startups, mid-size studios, and large-scale developers. The convergence of talent, technology, and capital is setting India on a trajectory to become one of the top five gaming markets in the world. As developers and investors continue to join forces, India is not just catching up—it is redefining the rules of the game.

The post India Levels Up: Emerging as a Global Gaming Powerhouse in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

4 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

4 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

4 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: