Bitkraft Doubles Down on India Gaming Despite Real-Money Ban

Bitkraft Ventures, a leading global gaming and interactive media VC, has announced it will double down on investments in Indian game studios, esports, and infrastructure, despite India’s ban on real-money gaming. The strategy pivots to original IP, regulation-compliant models, and AI platforms, seizing opportunities in free-to-play, midcore, and core games.

With the Indian government’s blanket ban on real-money gaming causing billions in sudden losses, top VC Bitkraft Ventures has declared its intent to accelerate investment in India’s thriving game development and esports landscape. The firm is shifting its focus to studios that produce fresh IP for both domestic and global audiences, gaming infrastructure, and interactive platforms, especially those employing artificial intelligence and advanced tech.

Bitkraft’s India Partner, Anuj Tandon, sees the new Online Gaming Bill as a catalyst for increased stability and investor interest, putting India “at par with mature gaming markets like South Korea and China.” India’s prowess in mobile, engineering, and immersive storytelling makes it fertile ground for original games and midcore titles, while the ban forces a pivot away from riskier real-money models toward sustainable, regulation-friendly innovations. Bitkraft expects 5–6 Indian mobile games to surpass $100 million in annual in-app purchase revenue by year-end, signaling a competitive leap and global player ambition.

The investment firm is rolling out operational support and access to its global network for local creators, pointing to opportunities in esports, community platforms, and AI-powered content. India’s gaming future, the firm believes, will be written by studios able to thrive under a new compliance regime, building systems and IP to rival the world’s best.