South Korean game publisher KRAFTON has opened bids for a ‘revolutionary esports initiative’ in India.
Although not explicitly stated, the project is likely to involve the creation of a new franchise league for the company’s most popular title in the country, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).
In the press release from June 24th, KRAFTON India explains: “[We’re] pleased to open select slots for a pioneering esports initiative in India; marking the beginning of a bold new chapter that aims to reshape the future of competitive gaming in the country.
“This is not merely the start of a tournament, it’s the foundation of a long-term sporting ecosystem with the potential to stand alongside the most iconic leagues globally.”
Moreover, the publisher emphasised the skyrocketing popularity of mobile esports in the country. For those looking to leverage this market, KRAFTON aims to provide opportunities to promote your brand and connect with mobile esports fans by owning a team, co-building a franchise or becoming a permanent stakeholder.
KRAFTON specifically invited corporations, public figures, sports legends, esports enthusiasts and investors with an interest in gaming, storytelling, youth culture or digital engagement.
Interested parties can reach out to the publisher via email until July 4th, 2025 to enroll for the bidding process. KRAFTON will then share the detailed deck, Letter of Intent (LOI) and initiate further discussions.
KRAFTON’s BGMI Esports Scene
BGMI was first released in 2021 under the title PUBG Mobile India as a version of KRAFTON’s PUBG Mobile available in the Indian market. The mobile battle royale title was banned from the country in 2022, but returned a year later to continue its success story.
While BGMI has yet to reach the scale and viewership numbers of global mobile esports, such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Free Fire, it has grown a sizable audience locally. This year’s BGMI Series saw 485,132 peak viewers watch 32 teams compete for a prize pool of ₹32,100,000 INR (~£274,000).
Furthermore, KRAFTON has formed several partnerships with local and international stakeholders to expand BGMI’s esports offering.
