Explore Top 10 Gaming Startups in India reshaping the country’s gaming landscape with innovation and creativity. From industry giants like Nazara Technologies and Dream11 to innovative platforms like MPL and Moonfrog Labs, discover how these startups are revolutionizing mobile gaming, esports, and fantasy sports in India, catering to diverse gaming preferences with engaging and culturally relevant game titles. India’s gaming industry has witnessed remarkable growth with the rise of innovative startups that cater to a diverse audience of gamers. These startups not only develop games but also contribute significantly to the gaming ecosystem through technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. In this article, we explore the top 10 gaming startups in India, highlighting their founders, founding details, locations, and their impact on the gaming landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Nazara Technologies
Founder: Nitish Mittersain
Founded: 2000
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Nazara Technologies, founded in 2000 by Nitish Mittersain, is a leading mobile gaming company in India. It focuses on developing and publishing games across various genres, including sports, racing, and casual games. Nazara has partnered with global brands and sports celebrities to create engaging gaming experiences for millions of users. The company has expanded its presence internationally while promoting esports and mobile gaming as viable career options in India.
| Name | Nazara Technologies |
|---|---|
| Founder | Nitish Mittersain |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Nazara Technologies is a leading mobile gaming company, known for its diverse game portfolio and partnerships with global brands, fostering esports and gaming talent in India. |
Nazara Technologies, founded by Nitish Mittersain in 2000 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, stands as a pioneering force in India’s mobile gaming industry. Specializing in a diverse array of games from sports to casual genres, Nazara has successfully partnered with global brands and sports celebrities to create engaging gaming experiences. Its focus on mobile gaming and esports has not only expanded its international footprint but also played a significant role in promoting gaming as a viable career option in India.
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2. Dream11
Founder: Harsh Jain, Bhavit Sheth
Founded: 2008
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Dream11, founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, is India’s largest fantasy sports platform. It allows users to create virtual teams based on real-life matches and earn points based on the performance of their selected players. Dream11 has revolutionized fantasy sports in India, attracting millions of users and becoming a household name during major sports events. The platform continues to innovate with new features and partnerships to enhance user engagement and gaming experience.
| Name | Dream11 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Harsh Jain, Bhavit Sheth |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Dream11 is India’s largest fantasy sports platform, enabling users to create virtual teams and participate in fantasy leagues during real-life sports events, fostering a vibrant gaming community in India. |
Founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth in 2008 and based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Dream11 has emerged as India’s largest fantasy sports platform. The platform allows users to create virtual teams based on real-life sports events and compete against each other to earn points based on player performance. Dream11’s success lies in its innovative approach to fantasy sports, which has garnered millions of users during major sports events and continues to evolve through strategic partnerships and new feature introductions.
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3. MPL – Mobile Premier League
Founder: Sai Srinivas Kiran G, Shubham Malhotra
Founded: 2018
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Mobile Premier League (MPL), founded in 2018 by Sai Srinivas Kiran G and Shubham Malhotra, is a gaming platform that hosts a variety of skill-based games. MPL offers users the chance to compete in esports tournaments, play casual games, and win prizes. It has gained immense popularity in India, attracting gaming enthusiasts with its user-friendly interface and diverse gaming options. MPL continues to expand its game offerings and partnerships to enhance the gaming experience for its growing user base.
| Name | MPL – Mobile Premier League |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sai Srinivas Kiran G, Shubham Malhotra |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Overview | MPL is a popular gaming platform in India, known for hosting esports tournaments and skill-based games, engaging users with exciting gaming experiences and opportunities to win prizes. |
Mobile Premier League (MPL), established in 2018 by Sai Srinivas Kiran G and Shubham Malhotra in Bangalore, Karnataka, has rapidly gained popularity as a leading gaming platform in India. MPL offers a wide range of skill-based games and esports tournaments, providing users with opportunities to compete and win prizes. Its user-friendly interface and diverse game offerings have attracted a large user base, positioning MPL as a significant player in India’s competitive gaming landscape.
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4. 99Games Online Pvt. Ltd.
Founder: Rohith Bhat
Founded: 2008
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
99Games Online, founded by Rohith Bhat in 2008, specializes in developing casual and social games for mobile platforms. The company has created successful titles like Star Chef, WordsWorth, and Dhoom: 3 The Game, catering to a global audience. 99Games focuses on engaging gameplay mechanics and appealing visuals, making its games popular choices for casual gamers worldwide. The startup continues to innovate with new game concepts and updates to maintain its competitive edge in the mobile gaming industry.
| Name | 99Games Online Pvt. Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rohith Bhat |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Location | Udupi, Karnataka |
| Overview | 99Games Online specializes in developing casual and social games for mobile platforms, known for titles like Star Chef and WordsWorth, offering engaging gameplay experiences to a global audience. |
Founded by Rohith Bhat in 2008 and located in Udupi, Karnataka, 99Games Online specializes in developing casual and social games for mobile platforms. The studio’s portfolio includes popular titles like Star Chef and WordsWorth, known for their engaging gameplay and broad appeal. 99Games continues to innovate in the mobile gaming space by creating immersive gaming experiences that resonate with global audiences, contributing to its reputation as a leading game developer in India.
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5. Octro, Inc.
Founder: Saurabh Aggarwal
Founded: 2006
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Octro, Inc., founded in 2006 by Saurabh Aggarwal, is renowned for its multiplayer gaming apps, particularly Teen Patti and Indian Rummy. These card games have garnered a massive user base in India, offering realistic gameplay and social interactions. Octro’s games are known for their user-friendly interface and innovative features, contributing to the popularity of online card gaming in the country. The company continues to innovate with new game releases and updates to maintain its leadership in the Indian gaming market.
| Name | Octro, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Founder | Saurabh Aggarwal |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Location | Gurgaon, Haryana |
| Overview | Octro, Inc. is renowned for its multiplayer gaming apps like Teen Patti and Indian Rummy, offering realistic gameplay experiences and fostering a vibrant online gaming community in India. |
Octro, Inc., founded by Saurabh Aggarwal in 2006 and headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, is renowned for its multiplayer gaming apps, particularly Teen Patti and Indian Rummy. These card games have garnered a massive following in India, offering realistic gameplay and social interaction features. Octro’s success lies in its ability to capture the essence of traditional Indian card games while adapting them to mobile platforms, maintaining its position as a leader in the online card gaming segment.
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6. Moonfrog Labs
Founder: Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, Kumar Puspesh
Founded: 2013
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Moonfrog Labs, founded in 2013 by Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, and Kumar Puspesh, develops mobile games that cater to a wide audience. The company’s flagship titles include Baahubali: The Game and Ludo Club, which have gained popularity for their immersive gameplay and social features. Moonfrog Labs focuses on creating culturally relevant games that resonate with Indian gamers, leveraging storytelling and engaging mechanics to enhance user experiences.
| Name | Moonfrog Labs |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, Kumar Puspesh |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Overview | Moonfrog Labs develops culturally relevant mobile games like Baahubali: The Game and Ludo Club, known for their immersive gameplay and social integration, appealing to a diverse audience of gamers in India. |
Moonfrog Labs, founded in 2013 by Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, and Kumar Puspesh in Bangalore, Karnataka, focuses on developing culturally relevant mobile games. The studio’s flagship titles include Baahubali: The Game and Ludo Club, both known for their immersive gameplay and social integration features. Moonfrog Labs continues to innovate by leveraging popular Indian themes and storytelling elements, catering to a diverse audience of gamers and enhancing the gaming experience with each new release.
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7. Gamezop
Founder: Yashash Agarwal
Founded: 2015
Location: New Delhi, Delhi
Gamezop, founded in 2015 by Yashash Agarwal, is a gaming platform that hosts HTML5 games playable across multiple devices without requiring downloads. It offers a wide range of casual games, puzzles, and arcade titles, catering to casual gamers seeking instant entertainment. Gamezop’s platform integrates seamlessly with websites and apps, providing developers with monetization opportunities and users with a diverse gaming library accessible anytime, anywhere.
| Name | Gamezop |
|---|---|
| Founder | Yashash Agarwal |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Location | New Delhi, Delhi |
| Overview | Gamezop is a gaming platform offering HTML5 games playable across devices, known for its diverse game library and seamless integration, providing instant entertainment to casual gamers in India. |
Founded by Yashash Agarwal in 2015 and based in New Delhi, Gamezop is a gaming platform that hosts HTML5 games playable across multiple devices without requiring downloads. The platform offers a variety of casual games and puzzles, providing instant entertainment to casual gamers. Gamezop’s seamless integration with websites and apps has made it a preferred choice for developers looking to monetize their games while offering users a diverse gaming library accessible on the go.
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8. Nodwin Gaming
Founder: Akshat Rathee
Founded: 2014
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Nodwin Gaming, founded by Akshat Rathee in 2014, is a prominent esports company in India. It organizes esports tournaments, manages gaming content, and provides esports solutions for brands and publishers. Nodwin Gaming has played a pivotal role in promoting esports as a mainstream entertainment option in India, collaborating with global gaming giants and hosting major tournaments that attract millions of viewers and participants.
| Name | Nodwin Gaming |
|---|---|
| Founder | Akshat Rathee |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Location | Gurgaon, Haryana |
| Overview | Nodwin Gaming is a leading esports company in India, organizing tournaments and managing gaming content, contributing to the growth of esports as a mainstream entertainment option and community in the country. |
Established by Akshat Rathee in 2014 and headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, Nodwin Gaming is a prominent esports company in India. The company organizes esports tournaments, manages gaming content, and provides esports solutions for brands and publishers. Nodwin Gaming has played a crucial role in popularizing esports as a mainstream entertainment option in India, collaborating with global gaming giants and hosting major tournaments that attract millions of viewers and participants.
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9. Mech Mocha Game Studios
Founder: Arpita Kapoor, Mohit Rangaraju
Founded: 2011
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Mech Mocha Game Studios, founded in 2011 by Arpita Kapoor and Mohit Rangaraju, develops mobile games inspired by Indian culture and folklore. The studio’s games like Chhota Bheem Race and Jetpack Joyride India Exclusive Edition have garnered popularity for their localization and engaging gameplay. Mech Mocha focuses on creating immersive gaming experiences that resonate with Indian gamers, incorporating local themes and characters into its game narratives.
| Name | Mech Mocha Game Studios |
|---|---|
| Founder | Arpita Kapoor, Mohit Rangaraju |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Overview | Mech Mocha Game Studios develops culturally inspired mobile games like Chhota Bheem Race, blending local themes with engaging gameplay to cater to Indian gamers and enhance the gaming landscape in India. |
Mech Mocha Game Studios, founded by Arpita Kapoor and Mohit Rangaraju in 2011 and based in Bangalore, Karnataka, specializes in developing mobile games inspired by Indian culture and folklore. The studio’s games, such as Chhota Bheem Race and Jetpack Joyride India Exclusive Edition, have gained popularity for their localization and engaging gameplay mechanics. Mech Mocha continues to innovate by blending local themes with global gaming trends, catering to the diverse preferences of Indian gamers.
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10. Rolocule Games
Founder: Anuj Tandon
Founded: 2010
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Rolocule Games, founded by Anuj Tandon in 2010, specializes in creating motion-controlled games for mobile devices. The studio’s flagship title, Motion Tennis, utilizes motion-sensing technology to simulate real-life tennis gameplay on smartphones. Rolocule Games aims to innovate at the intersection of gaming and technology, offering unique gaming experiences that leverage mobile devices’ capabilities to enhance user interaction and immersion.
| Name | Rolocule Games |
|---|---|
| Founder | Anuj Tandon |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Overview | Rolocule Games develops motion-controlled mobile games like Motion Tennis, utilizing innovative technology to offer unique gaming experiences that simulate real-world interactions, enhancing user engagement and immersion in gaming. |
Founded by Anuj Tandon in 2010 and located in Pune, Maharashtra, Rolocule Games is known for developing motion-controlled games for mobile devices. Its flagship title, Motion Tennis, utilizes motion-sensing technology to simulate real-life tennis gameplay on smartphones, offering users a unique gaming experience. Rolocule Games focuses on leveraging technology to enhance user interaction and immersion, positioning itself as a pioneer in the intersection of gaming and motion-control technology.
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Frequently Asked Quesion’s(FAQ’s) – Top 10 Gaming Startups in India
1. What are gaming startups?
Gaming startups are companies that focus on developing and publishing video games, mobile games, or gaming-related technologies. In India, these startups range from mobile game developers to platforms specializing in esports and fantasy sports.
2. How is the gaming industry in India growing?
The gaming industry in India is experiencing rapid growth fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, affordable internet access, and rising consumer interest in gaming. Gaming startups play a crucial role in expanding the industry by introducing innovative games and engaging platforms that cater to a diverse audience.
3. What types of games do Indian gaming startups develop?
Indian gaming startups develop a variety of games, including casual games, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, esports titles, fantasy sports platforms, and games inspired by Indian culture and mythology. These games cater to different gaming preferences and demographics, contributing to the industry’s diversity.
4. How do gaming startups monetize their games?
Gaming startups monetize their games through various methods, including:
- In-app purchases: Offering virtual goods, upgrades, or currency within the game.
- Advertisements: Displaying ads during gameplay or offering ad-based rewards.
- Subscription models: Providing premium content or features through subscription plans.
- Freemium model: Offering free-to-play games with optional purchases for additional features.
5. What challenges do gaming startups face in India?
Challenges faced by gaming startups in India include:
- Market competition: Competing with established global game developers and platforms.
- Monetization: Finding sustainable revenue streams amidst diverse consumer preferences and spending habits.
- Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable internet connectivity and technological support for online gaming experiences.
- Regulatory environment: Navigating regulatory frameworks related to gaming and digital content distribution.
6. How can gaming startups contribute to India’s economy?
Gaming startups contribute to India’s economy by:
- Job creation: Generating employment opportunities in game development, design, marketing, and support services.
- Revenue generation: Generating revenue through game sales, in-app purchases, and advertising.
- Tech innovation: Driving innovation in gaming technologies and platforms, contributing to India’s tech ecosystem.
- Cultural promotion: Showcasing Indian culture, stories, and creativity through games, both domestically and globally.
Conclusion
The gaming startups in India showcased here demonstrate the country’s vibrant gaming industry, marked by innovation, creativity, and a growing user base. From fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 to esports pioneers like Nodwin Gaming and culturally resonant game developers like Mech Mocha Game Studios, these startups contribute significantly to India’s gaming ecosystem. They not only cater to diverse gaming preferences but also push boundaries with technology and storytelling, paving the way for a dynamic future in gaming both domestically and globally.
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