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The Morning Brief

Corner Office Conversation: Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, CEO at Krafton India

Feb 21, 2025
Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, shares insights into the booming Indian gaming market driven by millions of players and a vibrant esports culture. He discusses the intricate regulatory landscape that Krafton has navigated, especially with popular games like PUBG. Sohn highlights a significant $160 million investment in local startups and the role of artificial intelligence in game development. As cloud gaming rises, he envisions a dynamic future for gaming in India, shaped by innovation and increasing player engagement.
28:43

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Crafton India has navigated regulatory challenges and strategic shifts successfully, demonstrating resilience in the evolving gaming landscape since 2018.
  • The company's significant investment in local startups underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing the Indian gaming ecosystem's growth potential.

Deep dives

Crafton's Journey in India

Crafton has navigated significant challenges in the Indian gaming market since introducing PUBG in 2018. The initial success was hindered by a ban in September 2020 due to geopolitical issues, prompting Crafton to sever ties with Tencent and launch Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in 2021. However, BGMI faced its own ban in 2022, leading to a series of strategic adjustments before its successful re-launch in 2023. This journey of resilience has equipped Crafton with valuable insights into the complexities of the Indian market, shaping future strategies for continuous growth and adaptation.

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