Top 10 Gaming Startups in India
Discover the top 10 gaming startups in India that are revolutionizing the industry with innovative games and platforms. Learn about Dream11, MPL, WinZO, and more, and see how they’re shaping the future of gaming in India. Explore their unique offerings and success stories in this comprehensive overview.
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The gaming industry in India has been experiencing exponential growth over the past few years. With the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet, gaming has evolved from a casual pastime to a significant cultural phenomenon. Indian gaming startups are making waves both domestically and internationally, with innovative games and platforms that cater to a diverse audience. Here’s a look at the top 10 gaming startups in India that are leading the charge in this dynamic industry.
1. Dream11
Founded: 2008
Founders: Harsh Jain, Bhavit Sheth
Headquarters: Mumbai
Dream11 is a pioneer in the fantasy sports segment in India. It allows users to create their fantasy teams in various sports like cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi. With millions of users, Dream11 has become synonymous with fantasy sports in India. It has also been the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL), further cementing its dominance in the market.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Harsh Jain, Bhavit Sheth | Mumbai | Dream11 is a leading fantasy sports platform in India, allowing users to create fantasy teams in various sports. | Dream11 |
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2. Nazara Technologies
Founded: 1999
Founder: Nitish Mittersain
Headquarters: Mumbai
Nazara Technologies is one of the oldest and most successful gaming companies in India. It operates in multiple gaming verticals, including mobile games, eSports, and interactive gaming. With a strong presence in over 60 countries, Nazara has made significant strides in the global gaming market. The company’s investments in various gaming startups and platforms have also bolstered its portfolio.
| Founded | Founder | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Nitish Mittersain | Mumbai | Nazara Technologies operates in multiple gaming verticals including mobile games, eSports, and interactive gaming. | Nazara Technologies |
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3. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
Founded: 2018
Founders: Sai Srinivas, Shubh Malhotra
Headquarters: Bengaluru
MPL is a mobile eSports platform that offers a wide range of skill-based games. Users can participate in tournaments and win real cash prizes. The platform’s user-friendly interface and variety of games have made it incredibly popular among Indian gamers. MPL has also expanded its reach by sponsoring major cricket tournaments and teams, increasing its visibility and user base.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Sai Srinivas, Shubh Malhotra | Bengaluru | MPL is a mobile eSports platform offering a variety of skill-based games and tournaments with cash prizes. | MPL |
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4. WinZO
Founded: 2018
Founders: Paavan Nanda, Saumya Singh Rathore
Headquarters: New Delhi
WinZO is a social gaming platform that offers a plethora of games in multiple languages. The startup aims to cater to the diverse linguistic landscape of India, making gaming accessible to a broader audience. WinZO’s unique revenue-sharing model with game developers has attracted many creators, resulting in a rich and varied gaming experience for users.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Paavan Nanda, Saumya Singh Rathore | New Delhi | WinZO is a social gaming platform with games in multiple languages, featuring a unique revenue-sharing model for developers. | WinZO |
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5. Zupee
Founded: 2018
Founders: Dilsher Singh, Siddhant Saurabh
Headquarters: Gurugram
Zupee is a skill-based gaming platform that offers trivia and quiz games. The platform allows users to participate in real-time quizzes and win cash rewards. Zupee’s focus on educational and knowledge-based games sets it apart from other gaming startups, appealing to a niche but dedicated user base.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dilsher Singh, Siddhant Saurabh | Gurugram | Zupee offers skill-based trivia and quiz games with real-time quizzes and cash rewards. | Zupee |
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6. Gamezop
Founded: 2015
Founders: Gaurav Agarwal, Yashash Agarwal
Headquarters: New Delhi
Gamezop integrates casual games into various apps and websites, allowing users to play games without downloading them. This unique approach has made Gamezop a popular choice for app developers looking to enhance user engagement. The platform’s extensive library of games and seamless integration capabilities have contributed to its success.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Gaurav Agarwal, Yashash Agarwal | New Delhi | Gamezop integrates casual games into various apps and websites, allowing users to play without downloading. | Gamezop |
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7. Loco
Founded: 2017
Founders: Anirudh Pandita, Ashwin Suresh
Headquarters: Mumbai
Loco is a live game streaming platform that allows users to watch and stream live gameplay. It supports a wide range of games, including popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile. Loco has created a thriving community of gamers and streamers, providing a platform for aspiring eSports athletes to showcase their skills.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Anirudh Pandita, Ashwin Suresh | Mumbai | Loco is a live game streaming platform supporting a wide range of games and fostering a community of gamers and streamers. | Loco |
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8. nCore Games
Founded: 2019
Founders: Vishal Gondal, Dayanidhi MG
Headquarters: Bengaluru
nCore Games is known for developing FAU-G (Fearless and United Guards), a mobile game that gained significant attention as an Indian alternative to PUBG Mobile. The game focuses on the Indian armed forces and has been promoted as a patriotic alternative to international games. nCore’s focus on creating culturally relevant content has resonated well with Indian gamers.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Vishal Gondal, Dayanidhi MG | Bengaluru | nCore Games is known for developing FAU-G, a game focusing on the Indian armed forces, offering culturally relevant content. | nCore Games |
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9. Moonfrog Labs
Founded: 2013
Founders: Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, Amrit Pal Singh, Oliver Jones
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Moonfrog Labs is a mobile game development company known for its popular titles like Teen Patti Gold and Ludo Club. The company’s focus on creating games that resonate with Indian audiences has led to massive success. Moonfrog’s games are designed to be social and engaging, fostering a sense of community among players.
| Founded | Founders | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, Amrit Pal Singh, Oliver Jones | Bengaluru | Moonfrog Labs develops popular mobile games like Teen Patti Gold and Ludo Club, focusing on social and engaging experiences. | Moonfrog Labs |
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10. Octro
Founded: 2006
Founder: Saurabh Aggarwal
Headquarters: Noida
Octro is a mobile gaming company best known for its card games, such as Teen Patti and Indian Rummy. The company’s games have been downloaded by millions of users, making Octro a household name in the Indian gaming industry. Octro’s success can be attributed to its focus on traditional Indian games and its ability to adapt them for the mobile platform.
| Founded | Founder | Headquarters | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Saurabh Aggarwal | Noida | Octro is a mobile gaming company known for card games like Teen Patti and Indian Rummy, adapted for the mobile platform. | Octro |
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The gaming industry in India is on an upward trajectory, with startups playing a pivotal role in this growth. These top 10 gaming startups have not only captured the imagination of Indian gamers but have also made significant inroads into the global market. Their innovative approaches, user-centric designs, and focus on creating culturally relevant content have set them apart in a competitive industry. As the gaming ecosystem in India continues to evolve, these startups are poised to lead the way, shaping the future of gaming in the country.
By fostering a diverse and inclusive gaming environment, these companies are not just entertaining millions but are also contributing to the broader cultural and economic landscape of India. Whether it’s through fantasy sports, eSports, casual gaming, or traditional games, these startups are redefining the gaming experience for a new generation of players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the top 10 gaming startups in India:
1. What is Dream11?
Dream11 is a fantasy sports platform where users can create virtual teams based on real-life players and earn points based on their performance in actual matches. It primarily focuses on cricket but also includes football, basketball, kabaddi, and more.
Website: Dream11
2. What makes Nazara Technologies unique?
Nazara Technologies operates across multiple gaming verticals, including mobile games, eSports, and interactive gaming. It is one of India’s oldest gaming companies and has a significant presence in over 60 countries.
Website: Nazara Technologies
3. How does MPL (Mobile Premier League) work?
MPL is a mobile eSports platform offering a variety of skill-based games. Users can participate in tournaments and compete for cash prizes. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of games.
Website: MPL
4. What is WinZO?
WinZO is a social gaming platform offering a wide range of games in multiple languages. It has a unique revenue-sharing model with game developers and aims to make gaming accessible to a broad audience in India.
Website: WinZO
5. What kind of games does Zupee offer?
Zupee focuses on skill-based trivia and quiz games. Users can participate in real-time quizzes and win cash rewards. Zupee’s emphasis on educational and knowledge-based games makes it stand out in the gaming market.
Website: Zupee
6. How does Gamezop integrate games into apps and websites?
Gamezop allows app and website developers to integrate casual games without requiring users to download them. This seamless integration enhances user engagement and provides a wide library of games.
Website: Gamezop
7. What is Loco’s primary focus?
Loco is a live game streaming platform where users can watch and stream live gameplay. It supports popular games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile, creating a community of gamers and streamers.
Website: Loco
8. What games has nCore Games developed?
nCore Games is known for FAU-G (Fearless and United Guards), a mobile game focusing on the Indian armed forces. The game is promoted as a patriotic alternative to international games like PUBG Mobile.
Website: nCore Games
9. What are some popular games by Moonfrog Labs?
Moonfrog Labs develops popular mobile games such as Teen Patti Gold and Ludo Club. These games are designed to be social and engaging, appealing to Indian audiences.
Website: Moonfrog Labs
10. What types of games does Octro specialize in?
Octro specializes in mobile card games like Teen Patti and Indian Rummy. These traditional Indian games have been adapted for the mobile platform, attracting millions of users.
Website: Octro
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