Krafton Purchases Nautilus Mobile to Broaden Global Sports Gaming Portfolio

Key Takeaways

Krafton acquired Nautilus Mobile for $13.75 million.
Nautilus is known for the Real Cricket game series.
The franchise has over 250 million downloads.
Krafton aims to enhance its presence in India.
JetSynthesys remains a minority investor post-acquisition.

Seoul, March 28 (NationPress) – The South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton announced on Friday that it has secured a controlling interest in the Indian game development studio Nautilus Mobile for $13.75 million.

Established in 2013, Nautilus Mobile is renowned for creating Real Cricket, an immensely popular mobile sports game.

The franchise has achieved over 250 million cumulative downloads and has collaborated with teams from the Indian Premier League (IPL), solidifying its status as a premier cricket gaming brand in the Indian market, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.

Krafton intends to merge Nautilus Mobile’s sports game expertise with its own global publishing capabilities and technological strengths to create synergies and broaden market reach.

“This acquisition is in line with Krafton’s long-term vision of transforming India into a global hub for game development. By partnering closely with Nautilus Mobile, we aspire to provide world-class gaming experiences that resonate with audiences in India and beyond,” stated Son Hyun-il, head of Krafton India.

In 2020, JetSynthesys acquired a full stake in Nautilus Mobile, further propelling its growth. In February 2022, Krafton made a strategic investment of Rs 40.5 crore in Nautilus.

Post-acquisition, JetSynthesys will remain a key minority investor in Nautilus Mobile and continue to focus on strategically significant areas, particularly in esports.

Nautilus, with its robust intellectual property, established Indian user base, and proven development history, presents a unique opportunity to enhance Krafton’s esports and publishing initiatives in the country.

“This collaboration will enable us to push the boundaries of innovation and broaden our reach while consistently delivering engaging and high-caliber gaming experiences to players globally,” remarked Anuj Mankar, CEO of Nautilus Mobile.

Krafton emphasized that this acquisition marks a crucial milestone in its investment strategy in India, reinforcing the commitment to bolster the country’s ambitious ‘Make in India’ initiative by supporting local game developers, stimulating innovation, creating job opportunities, and cultivating a vibrant development ecosystem.