Top 10 Gaming Startups in India
Top 10 Gaming Startups in India Discover the leading gaming startups transforming the Indian gaming landscape with innovative technologies and engaging platforms. This comprehensive list includes Nazara, a pioneer in mobile games and e-sports leagues; Hike, offering blockchain-based gaming; and WinZO, a platform where players can win real money. Explore EloElo’s live entertainment and video chatroom features, Games24x7’s AI-driven skill games, and MPL’s diverse gaming genres. Learn about JetSynthesys’ VR and AR innovations, PlaySimple’s popular casual games, NODWIN Gaming’s esports tournaments, and Rooter’s community-centric gaming content. Find out how these startups are driving growth and shaping the future of gaming in India with their unique offerings and substantial funding.
Top 10 Gaming Startups in India
1. Nazara
Overview: Nazara is a diversified gaming and sports media platform based in Mumbai, India. Founded in 2000, the company has established itself as a leading player in the Indian gaming industry, offering a variety of games including Chhota Bheem, Oggy Go, and Vir the Robot Boy.
Innovation: Nazara has innovated by creating a unique blend of casual mobile games and e-sports leagues, catering to a broad audience. Its strategy of partnering with popular IPs like Chhota Bheem has helped in building a strong brand presence.
Impact: Nazara has significantly impacted the Indian gaming landscape by promoting local content and expanding the reach of mobile gaming. Its public listing and substantial funding have bolstered investor confidence in the Indian gaming sector.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Founder | Nitish Mittersain |
| Website | nazara.com |
| Founded Year | 2000 |
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2. Hike
Overview: Founded in 2012 and based in New Delhi, Hike offers a blockchain-based mobile gaming platform. Initially known for its messaging app, Hike has pivoted to create Rush, a gaming universe that integrates blockchain technology.
Innovation: Hike’s key innovation lies in integrating blockchain with mobile gaming, enabling players to compete, play, and win in a decentralized environment. This not only enhances security but also introduces new opportunities for monetization.
Impact: Hike has contributed to the growing acceptance and integration of blockchain technology in mainstream applications in India. By offering a platform that combines social, gaming, and crypto elements, Hike is pioneering new frontiers in digital entertainment.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Founder | Kavin Bharti Mittal |
| Website | hike.in |
| Founded Year | 2012 |
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3. WinZO
Overview: WinZO, launched in 2018 and headquartered in Delhi, is an online gaming platform that allows users to play mobile games and win money. The platform offers both free-to-play and pay-to-play formats.
Innovation: WinZO has innovated by providing a diverse range of gaming challenges where players can win real money. Its seamless integration of payment and withdrawal systems enhances the user experience.
Impact: WinZO has democratized access to gaming by offering real monetary rewards, thus engaging a broader audience. Its model has inspired similar platforms, contributing to the growth of the online gaming industry in India.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Founder | Paavan Nanda, Saumya Singh Rathore |
| Website | winzogames.com |
| Founded Year | 2018 |
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4. EloElo
Overview: EloElo, based in Bengaluru and founded in 2020, is a video chatroom and live streaming platform for games. It also features live entertainment such as singing, dancing, and stand-up comedy.
Innovation: EloElo’s innovation lies in its combination of gaming with live streaming and social interaction, creating a comprehensive entertainment platform. This approach allows users to earn rewards and engage with a community.
Impact: By merging live entertainment and gaming, EloElo has created a unique platform that appeals to a wide range of users. Its interactive features foster a vibrant community, making it a significant player in India’s digital entertainment space.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Bengaluru, India |
| Founder | Saurabh Pandey, Akshay Dubey |
| Website | eloelo.in |
| Founded Year | 2020 |
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5. Games24x7
Overview: Games24x7, founded in 2006 in Mumbai, offers an online platform specializing in skill games. The company leverages technology and artificial intelligence to enhance gaming experiences.
Innovation: The use of AI to tailor game experiences to individual users is a key innovation of Games24x7. This personalization improves user engagement and satisfaction.
Impact: Games24x7 has been instrumental in popularizing skill-based gaming in India, offering a variety of games that cater to different interests. Its success has highlighted the potential of AI in the gaming industry.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Mumbai, India |
| Founder | Bhavin Pandya, Trivikraman Thampy |
| Website | games24x7.com |
| Founded Year | 2006 |
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6. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Overview: MPL, established in 2018 and headquartered in Bengaluru, is an e-sports and real money gaming platform. It offers a variety of games across different genres, allowing users to compete for cash prizes.
Innovation: MPL’s innovation includes a diverse game portfolio and a robust tournament system that keeps players engaged. Its platform supports fantasy sports, card games, arcade games, puzzle games, and action games.
Impact: MPL has had a profound impact on the e-sports ecosystem in India by making competitive gaming accessible to a broader audience. Its substantial funding and high-profile investors have further legitimized the Indian gaming market.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Bengaluru, India |
| Founder | Sai Srinivas, Shubh Malhotra |
| Website | mpl.live |
| Founded Year | 2018 |
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7. JetSynthesys
Overview: Pune-based JetSynthesys, founded in 2012, develops VR and AR-based entertainment applications, mobile games, and social platforms. It serves various industries including gaming, esports, entertainment, and wellness.
Innovation: JetSynthesys stands out for its development of VR and AR applications, pushing the boundaries of immersive entertainment. Its focus on cutting-edge technology sets it apart from traditional gaming companies.
Impact: By embracing VR and AR, JetSynthesys has positioned itself at the forefront of next-generation entertainment. Its innovative products have the potential to revolutionize how users interact with digital content in India.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Pune, India |
| Founder | Rajan Navani |
| Website | jetsynthesys.com |
| Founded Year | 2012 |
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8. PlaySimple
Overview: PlaySimple, based in Bengaluru and founded in 2014, is a mobile and social gaming studio known for games like GuessUp and Wordtrek. It was selected for the Google Launchpad Accelerator program in 2016.
Innovation: PlaySimple has innovated in the casual gaming space by focusing on simple yet engaging games that appeal to a broad audience. Its participation in Google’s accelerator program underscores its potential and innovation.
Impact: PlaySimple has made a significant mark in the casual gaming market, especially with its word games, which have a wide appeal. Its acquisition highlights the value of well-designed casual games in the gaming industry.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Bengaluru, India |
| Founder | Siddharth Jain, Suraj Nalin, Preeti Reddy, Harpanahalli Arvind |
| Website | playsimple.in |
| Founded Year | 2014 |
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9. NODWIN Gaming
Overview: NODWIN Gaming, founded in 2015 in Gurgaon, is an esports organization that organizes sports tournaments and events. It also provides content production, talent management, and sponsorship services.
Innovation: NODWIN has innovated by creating a comprehensive ecosystem for esports in India, covering event organization, content production, and talent management. This holistic approach supports the growth of esports.
Impact: NODWIN Gaming has been pivotal in the development of the Indian esports scene, organizing major tournaments and events that attract significant participation and viewership. Its efforts have helped elevate esports to mainstream recognition in India.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Gurgaon, India |
| Founder | Akshat Rathee |
| Website | nodwingaming.com |
| Founded Year | 2015 |
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10. Rooter
Overview: Rooter, established in 2016 and based in Delhi, is a gaming and esports content platform. It offers a community for gaming enthusiasts to interact, monetize their posts, and stream games.
Innovation: Rooter’s key innovation is its community-centric approach, allowing gamers to connect, share, and monetize content. This social aspect enriches the gaming experience and creates new revenue streams.
Impact: Rooter has fostered a strong community of gaming enthusiasts, providing a platform for content creators to thrive. Its success underscores the importance of community and social interaction in the gaming industry.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Founder | Piyush Kumar, Dipesh Agarwal |
| Website | rooter.io |
| Founded Year | 2016 |
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FAQ on Top 10 Gaming Startups in India
Q1. What is Nazara’s main area of focus in the gaming industry?
Nazara focuses on creating a diversified gaming and sports media platform. It publishes a variety of mobile games and organizes e-sports leagues, with popular titles like Chhota Bheem, Oggy Go, and Vir the Robot Boy.
Q2. How has Hike integrated blockchain technology into its platform?
Hike has integrated blockchain technology through its Rush gaming universe. This mobile-only platform allows players to use their skills to play, compete, and win, combining gaming with blockchain’s security and decentralization.
Q3. What makes WinZO a unique online gaming platform?
WinZO stands out by offering a social gaming app where users can play mobile games and win real money. It provides both free-to-play and pay-to-play formats, integrating seamless payment and withdrawal systems for user convenience.
Q4. What type of content can users find on EloElo?
EloElo offers a live entertainment platform that includes video chatrooms and live streaming for games. Users can showcase talents such as singing, dancing, and comedy, engage in live streams, play games, and earn rewards.
Q5. How does Games24x7 utilize artificial intelligence in its games?
Games24x7 leverages artificial intelligence to create personalized gaming experiences. The use of AI helps tailor game interactions to individual preferences, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction across its skill-based gaming platforms.
Q6. What genres of games does MPL (Mobile Premier League) offer?
MPL provides a diverse range of games including fantasy sports, card games, arcade games, puzzle games, and action games. This variety allows players to compete in different genres and win cash prizes through the platform.
Q7. What technological innovations has JetSynthesys introduced in the gaming industry?
JetSynthesys has pioneered the development of VR and AR-based entertainment applications. It creates immersive gaming experiences and develops various mobile gaming applications, catering to the entertainment and wellness industries.
Q8. What are some popular games developed by PlaySimple?
PlaySimple is known for its casual and social games, with popular titles including GuessUp, an emoji guessing game, and Wordtrek, a word puzzle game. These games have a broad appeal and have been key to the company’s success.
Q9. How does NODWIN Gaming contribute to the esports ecosystem in India?
NODWIN Gaming organizes major esports tournaments and events, providing services such as content production, talent management, and sponsorship. It has been pivotal in promoting esports, making it more mainstream in India.
Q10. What community features does Rooter offer for gaming enthusiasts?
Rooter offers a platform where gaming enthusiasts can interact, stream games, and monetize their content. The app provides a community-driven environment, enhancing the social aspect of gaming and allowing users to connect and share their gaming experiences.
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