Accelerating the indie gaming revolution in India

The Indian gaming landscape is buzzing with innovation, and a major catalyst behind this surge is KRAFTON India’s Gaming Incubator (KIGI) program. A recent video, “From Discovery to Development: The Journey of KIGI Cohort 2 | #KraftonIndia,” offers an insightful look into the remarkable progress and invaluable experiences of the studios participating in the second cohort. It’s a testament to KRAFTON’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and elevating the standards of game development in the country.

KRAFTON India’s KIGI Cohort 2: From Concept to Alpha – A Six-Month Leap

One of the most striking takeaways from the KIGI program, as highlighted in the video, is the rapid evolution of the participating studios. Within a mere six months, teams transitioned from nascent ideas and rudimentary prototypes to polished alpha-stage prototypes. This accelerated development cycle underscores the efficacy of KIGI’s structured approach and the intense mentorship provided.

Anuj Sahani (Head of KIGI Program) Said In The YouTube Video, “Mentors help team to understand how they can improve the core look of the game, the monetization of the game, and a strong meta layer so that users are engaged with the game for a very long time.

Audience-centered development: a basic philosophy

A recurring theme among the cohort members is the profound shift in their decision-making processes. As one participant eloquently put it, the biggest learning has been to make decisions “inclined towards our audience and our business goals.” This emphasis on player value and market viability ensures that the games developed are not just technically sound but also resonate with their target audience. Mentors consistently drilled down on whether a feature “add[s] value for the player”, directing developers towards impactful and engaging gameplay.

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Building a Robust Production Pipeline

Beyond creative ideation, KIGI places a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of game development. The program incentivizes “focus and emphasis on building a production pipeline” and provides “strict guidelines on how we should view our release stages.” This structured approach is crucial for future studios, as it helps them establish professional development practices essential to their long-term success in the competitive gaming industry.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, said in the YouTube video“So far we have worked with all 10 studios. During the studio discovery and selection process I have seen that an increasing number of studios have the passion to create the best game. That is the quality we are looking for and the second thing is teamwork and the third thing is growth on an individual level. As we move towards the next KIGI cohort we have seen more diverse studios applying for the KIGI 2 cohort. aka KIGI positions itself as a destination for growth to the next level for Indian game developers.

Mentoring: The Backbone of the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator Program

The heart of the KIGI program lies in its strong mentoring and financial support system. The video features invaluable advice from mentors with “decades of experience.” Their high-quality feedback allows teams to “improve the game quickly,” addressing critical aspects like the core loop, monetization strategies, and creating a “strong meta layer so users stay engaged with the game for a very long time.” Beyond technical and design advice, mentors also provide introspective insight into how companies leverage and optimize their process pipelines, ensuring sustainable growth for studios.

What KIGI is looking for: passion, perseverance and a clear vision

For aspiring game developers considering a place in future KIGI cohorts, the video provides a clear overview of the qualities KRAFTON is looking for. The program seeks “persistence and passion to create the best game”, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and individual courage. The most successful teams have a “clear vision of what they want to build,” a “disciplined sense of execution,” and, most importantly, are “eager to learn.” These attributes are essential for navigating the intensive program and making the most of the opportunities presented.

The KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator is clearly more than just a funding program; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower the next generation of Indian game developers. By nurturing talent, providing expert advice, and promoting best practices, KIGI doesn’t just incubate games; it cultivates a vibrant and globally competitive Indian gaming industry.