Krafton, the company behind the publishing of the global phenomenon PUBG, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat and the sports firm, TransStadia.
The strategic partnership affirms that Krafton will put its efforts into transforming Gujarat into a flourishing gaming and esports hub along with enhancing its presence in the country.
The focus will also be on nurturing homegrown talent. Educational programs and specialized training are likely to be developed to equip and empower potential esports professionals and enthusiasts in Gujarat.
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India, said, “By combining Gujarat’s vibrant growth environment and our expertise in game development and esports, we are set to create unparalleled opportunities for talent development, infrastructure enhancement, and community engagement”
Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s Minister for Home, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, said, “Government of Gujarat will benefit from this collaboration with KRAFTON as it will catalyze our efforts to transform Gujarat into an indigenous and interactive hub for e-sports”
This MoU is not Krafton’s first foray into the Indian gaming market. In August 2023, the company pledged to invest $150 million in Indian gaming and interactive entertainment startups over the next two to three years. This move highlights Krafton’s belief in India’s potential as a global gaming hub.
Furthermore, Krafton has already demonstrated its commitment to India’s esports scene. In November 2023, the gaming behemoth hosted a successful Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2023 in Ahmedabad, attracting over 15,000 spectators and showcasing the immense potential of esports in India. The high-profile involvement of the Indian cricketer, Hardik Pandya, and the Bollywood actor, Ranveer Singh, promoting BGMI, alongside JioCinema being the official streaming platform, further reinforces Krafton’s dedication to fostering a thriving Indian esports ecosystem.
TransStadia is a multifaceted Indian company focused on propelling the country’s sporting landscape, operating across various sectors within sports, including infrastructure development, content marketing, and even modular arena seating production. Notably, TransStadia has actively championed the growth of esports in India, having partnered exclusively to launch Beach Soccer in the country.