Tag: Gameskraft

  • Gameskraft: How is it creating a World-Class Gaming Experience for the Indian Users

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.

    With the availability of fast internet and smartphones, online gaming is gaining much popularity in India, especially among the youth. With this increasing craze, many gaming companies are coming up with engaging and entertaining gaming options.

    Gameskraft, a Bangalore-based startup in the online gaming sector, is all set to bring a world-class gaming experience to Indian users. This startup, launched in 2017, is driven by the vision to establish Gameskraft Technologies as a leading gaming company in India. StartupTalky interviewed Gameskraft founder Prithvi Singh. Let’s see what he has to say, what Gameskraft actually is, and how it is transforming the world of online gaming in this StartupTalky article ahead!

    Startup Name GamesKraft
    Headquarter Bangalore
    Founder Prithvi Singh
    Sector Online Gaming
    Founded June 2017
    Registered Entity Name Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
    Website gameskraft.in

    Gameskraft – Company Highlights

    About Gameskraft
    Gameskraft – Industry
    Gameskraft – Founders and Team
    Gameskraft – Startup Story
    Gameskraft – Mission and Vision
    Gameskraft – Name, Tagline and Logo
    Gameskraft – Business and Revenue Model
    Gameskraft – Customer Acquisition
    Gameskraft – Funding
    Gameskraft – Products and Features
    Gameskraft – Advisors and Mentors
    Gameskraft – Investment
    Gameskraft – Partnerships
    Gameskraft – Challenges
    Gameskraft – Competitors
    Gameskraft – Future Plans

    About Gameskraft

    Gameskraft is an online gaming company founded in Bengaluru that develops web and mobile games. The company is hailed as India’s first gaming company that gives instant cash rewards. The ISO-certified gaming platform is lauded to be instrumental in building and scaling bellwether technology startups, including Goibibo, Blinkit, Myntra, and Flipkart.

    Nostragamus, Rummytime, Pocket52, Rummyculture, and Gamezy are some of the gaming platforms that Gameskraft boasts of, all of which are based on reward systems and use real cash. Gamezy was launched by Gameskraft in 2019, through which it entered the fantasy cricket and football segment. Besides, users can play games like Carrom, Fruit Slice, Fruit Dart, Sheep Fight, Ludo, Snake, Run Boy Run, Quiz, Bricks, and Bubble Burst on Gamezy. Players can play the games for free for practice, and later can opt for playing these games with real money and real players.

    Gameskraft debuted with Rummy Culture in 2017. In just a short period, it has evolved into India’s fastest-growing cash rummy platform, with over 1 million active players on its website and Android application. Offering a best-in-class gaming experience with complete digital safety, Rummy Culture has multilingual customer support. Free to register, the platform also provides first-time players with generous welcome bonuses. The USP of Rummy culture lies in its transparency and ease of use, along with instant withdrawals.

    RummyCulture Logo
    RummyCulture Logo

    The games are designed after researching the market trends, the demand, and the gaps that exist in the casual gaming industry.

    “We made sure our products will cater to the specific needs of the Indian customer. Unlike most other real cash games, our users are credited the money they win on the same day” – Rummyculture owner Prithvi Singh says.

    Gameskraft – Industry

    The investment of market leaders such as Alibaba, Tencent, Nazara, and Youzu has contributed to the growth of the Indian gaming industry. India’s online gaming industry, currently valued at $3.7 billion, is expected to grow to $9.1 billion by 2029.


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    Gameskraft – Founders and Team

    Prithvi Singh founded Gameskraft in 2017. The company has declared Ramesh Prabhu as the CFO of the gaming startup, who has held the role since August 2018. Harish Rawat serves as the Senior Vice President of Marketing of the business, while Vikas Taneja is known as the Group CEO of Gameskraft.

    Prithvi Raj Singh

    Gameskraft founder Prithvi Raj Singh is a B.Tech. Computer Science engineering graduate from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology. Prior to GamesKraft, he worked with companies like Grofers, now Blinkit, where he had worked as the Staff Engineer; Ignite Technologies as the Chief Architect; CA Technologies as a Manager, and Trilogy, where he had worked as a Technical Associate. Prithvi had already gained knowledge across different domains, including large-scale and enterprise applications.

    Prithvi Singh, Founder GamesKraft
    Prithvi Singh, Founder Gameskraft

    Prithvi Singh has always been fascinated with computers, and this is why he chose Computer Science in college. He mentioned this in a YouTube interview, along with discussing much more about his journey and the experiences he had as a first-time investor. Here’s the interview below:

    Prithvi Singh – Gameskraft Founder

    Gameskraft – Startup Story

    Prithvi started showing interest in gaming at a young age. During his college years, he spent a considerable amount of time playing video games. Around the same time, he realized that the market is mostly dominated by international companies and the games are not specific to the Indian market. So, he wanted to develop games, especially for Indian users.

    “With Gameskraft, I wanted to bring the Indian context to the online gaming space. The games we develop are mainly targeted at Indian users. Since India’s gaming industry has a huge potential, I was pretty confident about Gameskraft” quotes Gameskraft owner Prithvi Singh.


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    Gameskraft – Mission and Vision

    Gameskraft was launched with the aim of creating the “next big revolution in the e-gaming industry.”

    “Gameskraft’s vision is to be the most loved online gaming company of the 21st century using best-in-class technology. We are here to create a flawless user experience like no other contemporary apps in the market.”

    “We wanted a name for our company that is catchy and easy to remember, so we came up with Gameskraft.”, said rummyculture owner Prithvi Singh.

    Gameskraft’s tagline is ‘India’s fastest-growing gaming company’.

    Gameskraft logo
    Gameskraft logo

    Gameskraft – Business and Revenue Model

    GamesKraft is built on a user-oriented business model and can thus be summed up as a business operating in a B2b as well as a B2c model. Gameskraft earns revenue by collecting service charges on the cash games. Non-cash games are mostly free, but some games have entry restrictions.

    Gameskraft – Customer Acquisition

    Initially, word-of-mouth publicity helped Gameskraft to create a name. Gameskraft’s referral program also helped the company attract new customers. The company also offers welcome bonuses to new users. During the Cricket World Cup 2019, Gameskraft launched an exclusive World Cup ‘scratch card’ offer for the Rummyculture users.

    As part of this app-only (available on both Android and iOS) offer, users stand a chance to win a prize every hour. However, only mobile-verified users can claim this offer, and they are eligible for a maximum of 8 scratch cards a day.

    Under this ‘scratch card’ offer, Rummyculture subscribers can access one scratch card per hour. Each card will be activated for one hour when the match starts. Users can make a claim only during this period. Additionally, Gameskraft recently presented the official World Cup 2019 Team India jersey to Rummyculture players with the highest add-on cash every day from June 1st to 5th. The platform has also added an exclusive World Cup leaderboard to Rummyculture’s platform and users with the highest points tally will receive attractive prizes following the completion of the World Cup 2019. Rummyculture is now available on the iOS platforms too.

    “We took a customer-centric approach from the beginning and it has worked really well for us. Customers have grown to like our games because of their transparency and user-centricity.”, said Gameskraft founder Prithvi Singh.

    Gameskraft – Funding

    Gameskraft doesn’t have any formal investors at present. It was the founder of the company, Prithvi Singh, who arranged some amount of funding from his family and friends to start Gameskraft.


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    Gameskraft – Growth and Revenues

    Gameskraft has been making safe gaming experiences ever since it was founded. The company has also been hailed as:

    • India’s fastest-growing gaming company
    • A Guinness World Record holder for conducting the world’s largest rummy tournament
    • Gameskraft boasts of having crossed 1 million downloads
    • It has a massive player community of 25 million for its app Rummy Culture.
    • Gameskraft has 2 offices, both of which are located in Bangalore.
    • It has a team of 600K+ gaming enthusiasts.
    • It has 421 million online gamers.

    Gameskraft Financial

    Particulars 2024 2025
    Operating Revenue INR 3,475 crore INR 3,896 crore
    Total Expenses INR 2,232 crore INR 2,766 crore
    Total Profit INR 947 crore INR 706 crore
    Gameskraft Financials
    Gameskraft Financials

    Operating revenue increased from INR 3,475 crore in 2024 to INR 3,896 crore in 2025. However, higher expenses led to a decline in total profit from INR 947 crore to INR 706 crore.

    Gameskraft – Advisors and Mentors

    My family and friends have given me constant support throughout the journey. Whenever I need advice, I turn to them.


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    Gameskraft – Investment

    Gameskraft has invested in three companies. Below are the details:

    Company Name Funding Round Date Amount
    Mailmodo Seed Round Jun 30, 2021 $2 million
    Pocket52 Series A Jun 2, 2020 $1.8 million
    WarmOven Seed Round Aug 29, 2019 $835.7 K

    Gameskraft – Products and Features

    Rummy Culture from Gameskraft

    Rummy Culture has introduced new features intended to boost rummy’s appeal to novice players while also improving the gameplay experience for all experienced players. Ultra Deals Rummy is a brand-new game format that Rummy Culture has also debuted.

    Gameskraft – Partnerships

    Gameskraft has partnered with various prominent companies:

    Inspire Institute of Sports

    Gamekraft Foundation and IIS have partnerships, and with their partnership, to provide high-class training and access to facilities to identified young sports talents in India across various disciplines in the sport of track and field

    Anju Bobby Sports Foundation (ABSF)

    Gameskraft has teamed up with the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation (ABSF) to contribute to the establishment of ABSF’s new high-performance academy in Bengaluru. This collaboration reflects Gameskraft Foundation’s commitment to sports development and its vision of fostering social upliftment and success stories across various sports disciplines.

    West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)

    Gameskraft and the West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences (WBNUJS) have partnered to create a gaming, technology, and sports legislation research center. This endeavor comes at a crucial time when the gaming industry is quickly evolving and policy reform is gaining ground.

    Disney+Hotstar

    Gameskraft partnered with Disney+Hotstar on September 22, 2021, to strengthen its brand recognition among viewers.

    Gameskraft – Challenges

    Gameskraft Layoffs

    In September 2025, Gameskraft laid off 120 employees due to India’s ban on real-money gaming under the Online Gaming Act, 2025. The layoffs affected multiple departments, including operations, tech, marketing, and finance. The company is honoring severance, leave encashment, and health benefits. This follows the suspension of platforms like Rummyculture and Pocket52, and comes amid an INR 270 crore fraud case involving the former CFO. The move reflects broader industry impact, with over 2,000 gaming jobs lost nationwide.

    Retaining Customers

    The most challenging part for the company was retaining a steady customer base. When Gameskraft first started, it mainly focused on a good interface. However, over time, it realized that there are many other important factors. The company constantly keeps on researching and making changes to its platform to meet customer expectations. Rummyculture’s first multi-player tournament didn’t go as planned, mostly due to technical errors. It was a real eye-opener for Gameskraft, and they learned from the mistake and made changes accordingly.


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    Gameskraft – Competitors

    Many online gaming companies are now operating in India. Some top gaming companies are:

    As noted by Prithvi, Gameskraft is a new player in the online gaming space. The Gameskraft focus is currently on its latest offering, Gamezy. The Gamezy owner, Gameskraft, had forayed into the fantasy gaming space earlier in 2019.

    “What makes us stand out is that we do extensive market research before rolling out any game. We take regular feedback from our customers to make improvements in various areas – whether it’s the UI of the game or the format.”

    Gameskraft – Future Plans

    Following India’s 2025 ban on real-money gaming, Gameskraft has paused its rummy and poker platforms and will not pursue legal challenges. The company laid off 120 employees but launched an internal Ideathon to explore new growth ideas. It is now focusing on compliant gaming opportunities, innovation, player safety, and potential diversification into other segments of the gaming industry, leveraging its expertise to adapt to regulatory changes and market dynamics.

    FAQs

    What is Gameskraft, and who is the founder of Gameskraft?

    Gameskraft is an online gaming platform founded in 2017 by Prithvi Singh, which offers an array of interesting games for Indian players. The company takes pride in being India’s first gaming company to give instant cash rewards to the players. The ISO-certified gaming platform also boasts of organizing the world’s largest online rummy tournament and has its name in the Guinness World Records.

    Who is Gameskraft ceo?

    Vikas Taneja is the CEO of Gameskraft.

    Who is Gamezy founder?

    The Gamezy founder is none other than Prithvi Raj Singh, who founded Gameskraft.

    Who is Ramesh Prabhu?

    Ramesh Prabhi is the CFO of Gameskraft.

    Who is the owner of Gamezy and RummyCulture?

    Gameskraft is the owner of Gamezy and RummyCulture.

    Gameskraft brings in trusted games. It is also recognized by the ISO certification.

  • Top 15 Online Fantasy Game Startups in India: Revolutionizing Fantasy Gaming

    In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, one genre has taken the Indian market by storm: online fantasy games. These games tend to give captivating virtual experiences and have become popular among millions across the country. After all, who wouldn’t want to create their own dream team and earn real money while playing their favorite sports?

    As the popularity of online gaming continues to increase, the Indian fantasy sports sector is sure to experience exponential growth. The projections for the future are even more inspiring, with estimates indicating a potential rise to an astounding Rs 25,240 crore by FY27, showcasing an exceptional compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33%.

    Let’s delve into this thriving industry and explore the leading fantasy gaming companies in India.

    Fantasy Games in India – An Overview
    List of Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    1. Dream 11
    2. Games24x7
    3. Mobile Premier League (MPL)
    4. Gameskraft
    5. Fantasy Akhada
    6. OneTo11
    7. HalaPlay
    8. 11Wickets
    9. MyTeam11
    10. MyFab11
    11. Howzat
    12. PlayerzPot
    13. BalleBaazi
    14. Fantasy Khiladi
    15. WinZo

    Why Are Online Fantasy Games in India Gaining Popularity?

    How Big is Gaming Industry? | Gaming Industry in India

    Fantasy Games in India – An Overview

    Facts about Fantasy Games
    Facts about Fantasy Games

    The Indian fantasy gaming industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, reshaping the gaming landscape with its innovative offerings. With the number of gamers projected to expand from 420 million in 2022 to 500 million by 2025, it’s clear that the craze for online gaming is on the rise. The fantasy gaming industry in India has seen rapid growth, with a 20% revenue surge in the past year. In-app purchases, the fastest-growing segment, soared by 41%. With a projected CAGR of 20%, the sector is expected to surpass $9.2 billion by FY29.

    Prominent players in the fantasy sports arena, such as Dream11, 11 Wickets, and more, establish strategic partnerships with official sports leagues like the IPL, Test Matches, and Kabaddi leagues. These collaborations not only enhance the credibility of their platforms but also offer users an authentic and immersive gaming experience.

    The Indian fantasy gaming industry has started to boom in terms of startup culture. Learn more about how fantasy gaming startups are changing the gaming industry.

    Indian Fantasy Sports Industry
    Indian Fantasy Sports Industry

    Fantasy Sports Survey

    Fantasy sports have been surveyed with respect to two parameters: time-frequency and age group.

    1. Time-Frequency: A report by KPMG (2019) says that approximately 75% of the respondents play fantasy sports 1-3 times a week, with the majority of them playing once a week. About 20% of the respondents reported playing more than five times a week.
    2. Age groups: It’s observed fairly consistently in the age groups of 18–24 and 25–36, with nearly 80% of the respondents playing 1-3 times a week; the 37–50 age group was seen to have a much higher engagement. Nearly 50% of the respondents in the 37–50 age group reported playing fantasy games more than four times a week.

    As fantasy gaming continues to gain popularity in India, the landscape becomes increasingly competitive, offering higher cash rewards for participants. This trend initially gained momentum with cricket, coinciding with the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Today, the options for fantasy gaming extend beyond cricket, encompassing a wide array of sports such as football, hockey, kabaddi, carrom, pool, badminton, basketball, and more. This diverse range of sports provides participants with a plethora of choices and opportunities to engage in their favorite games through fantasy sports platforms in India.


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    List of Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Here is a list of the Fantasy Sports Companies in India:

    Dream 11

    Startup Name Dream11
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    Founder Bhavit Sheth, Harsh Jain
    Founded 2007
    Website dream11.com
    Dream11 - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Dream11 – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Dream11 has completely transformed the online gaming landscape in India, captivating the hearts of sports enthusiasts across the nation. As the country’s very first gaming startup in the unicorn startup club, Dream11 has achieved remarkable heights, leaving an incredible mark on the industry. The company’s amazing journey includes the prestigious honor of being announced as the official partner for the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. With a four-year exclusive contract, Dream11 has also taken the helm as the official fantasy game of the IPL, solidifying its position at the forefront of the industry. Dream11 is a popular online fantasy app that allows users to create their own teams and compete in various sports for real cash prizes.

    Dream11’s unparalleled success not only solidifies its position as a market leader but also serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. By seamlessly blending the excitement of sports fandom, strategic thinking, and exhilarating gameplay, Dream11 has struck a chord with millions of users, redefining the future of online gaming in India.

    Games24x7

    Startup Name Games24x7
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    Founder Bhavin Pandya, Trivikraman Thampy
    Founded 2006
    Website games24x7.com
    Games24x7 - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Games24x7 – Fantasy Sports Companies in India

    Another popular unicorn startup on the list of online fantasy game startups in India is Games24x7. Games24x7 is a popular online gaming company in India that has left an incredible mark on the industry. With a strong focus on skill-based and casual games, it offers a wide range of captivating experiences for players of all ages. Its flagship products, RummyCircle and My11Circle, have gained immense popularity, providing players with amazing gameplay and real-money prizes.

    What sets Games24x7 apart is its relentless pursuit of innovation, utilizing behavioral science, technology, and artificial intelligence to create unforgettable gaming experiences. In 2022, Games24x7 became a unicorn startup, further solidifying its position as a true industry leader.

    Mobile Premier League (MPL)

    Startup Name Mobile Premier League (MPL)
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    Founder Sai Srinivas Kiran G, Shubh Malhotra
    Founded 2018
    Website mpl.live
    Mobile Premier League (MPL) - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Mobile Premier League (MPL) – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Mobile Premier League (MPL) is India’s leading eSports and mobile gaming platform, offering a wide array of games across various categories. With over 60 games available for free download, MPL caters to diverse gaming preferences, including fantasy sports, card games, puzzles, action games, and more. MPL allows users to engage in real-money games such as rummy, chess, fantasy cricket, and more, providing the opportunity to win cash prizes. The platform promises an unparalleled gaming experience, offering unlimited entertainment and a chance to compete with real players. Whether you’re a fan of sports, card games, or brain-teasing puzzles, MPL, with Virat Kohli’s endorsement, offers a dynamic and exciting gaming environment. It is one of the best fantasy cricket sites in India.

    Gameskraft

    Startup Name Gameskraft
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    Founder Prithvi Singh
    Founded 2017
    Website gameskraft.com
    Gameskraft - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Gameskraft – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is an exciting online gaming company making waves in India’s gaming landscape. With a focus on skill-based games, Gameskraft has quickly gained prominence since its inception in 2017. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the company was founded by passionate gamers who wanted to create captivating gaming experiences for players across web and mobile platforms. Safety, security, and ethical gameplay are top priorities for Gameskraft, ensuring a trusted environment for gamers. Its popular gaming platforms, including RummyCulture and Gamezy, offer players thrilling and rewarding adventures, making it one of the favorites when it comes to online fantasy games.


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    Fantasy Akhada

    Startup Name Fantasy Akhada
    Headquarters Gurugram, Haryana, India
    Founder Amit Purohit, Sahil Ahuja
    Founded 2020
    Website fantasyakhada.com
    Fantasy Akhada - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Fantasy Akhada – Fantasy Sports Companies in India

    Fantasy Akhada, a startup based in Gurugram, is dedicated to bringing the excitement of a real-life akhada (sporting arena) to mobile devices through its innovative tech platform. With a strong focus on fantasy sports, Fantasy Akhada offers leagues in popular sports such as cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi. The platform is designed to cater to gamers at different skill levels, providing a customized experience for casual players as well as those seeking more involvement. With its user-friendly interface and dedication to delivering maximum returns, Fantasy Akhada is carving its niche in the fantasy gaming industry by providing sports enthusiasts with an immersive and authentic gaming platform.

    OneTo11

    Startup Name OneTo11
    Headquarters Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
    Founder Ravindra Kumar, Tirath Chand Sharma, Anisur Rahman Ansari
    Founded 2020
    Website oneto11.com
    OneTo11 - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    OneTo11 – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    OneTo11 is a dynamic and tech-driven gaming company that offers a diverse range of gaming experiences to its users. With a focus on fantasy games, real-RMG, RPG, educational, and non-fungible token (NFT) games, OneTo11 provides a platform where users can play and earn money simultaneously. It takes pride in being India’s first social networking fantasy mobile application. With a user-centric approach, OneTo11 offers various earning opportunities through referrals, challenges, and community engagement.

    HalaPlay

    Startup Name HalaPlay
    Headquarters Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    Founder Swapnil Saurav, Ananya Singhal, Prateek Anand, Aman Kesari
    Founded 2016
    Website halaplay.com
    HalaPlay - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    HalaPlay – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    HalaPlay is a prominent player in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) gaming industry, providing users with exciting sports leagues in cricket, football, and kabaddi. With Halaplay, players have the opportunity to showcase their sports knowledge and skills by participating in fantasy leagues. By placing bets on their virtual teams, users can compete against fellow sports enthusiasts and have the chance to win attractive cash prizes. Established in January 2017, HalaPlay has received funding from renowned entities such as Nazara Technologies and Kae Capital.

    11Wickets

    Startup Name 11Wickets
    Headquarters Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    Founder Navneet Makharia
    Founded 2018
    Website 11wickets.com
    11Wickets - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    11Wickets – Fantasy Sports Companies in India

    11Wickets, a premier brand of Ability Games Private Limited, headquartered in Kolkata, is transforming the landscape of online games for sports enthusiasts. With a strong focus on fantasy cricket and football, the platform offers an immersive gaming experience like no other. 11Wickets brings exclusive features to its users, including live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, a match tracker, and in-depth analysis. As players indulge in their favorite fantasy games, they can stay connected with real-time updates, insightful commentary, and vital information about the playing conditions, all within the 11wickets.com platform.

    MyTeam11

    Startup Name MyTeam11
    Headquarters Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
    Founder Vinit Godara, Sanjit Sihag
    Founded 2016
    Website myteam11.com
    MyTeam11 - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    MyTeam11 – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    MyTeam11, launched in 2016, has emerged as a leading platform for online fantasy sports gaming in India. With its intuitive interface and extensive range of sports offerings, MyTeam11 has garnered a loyal following among sports enthusiasts. The platform empowers users to assemble their own virtual teams by handpicking real-match players from popular sports such as cricket, football, kabaddi, and basketball. By showcasing their knowledge and skills, participants can collect points based on the on-field performance of their selected players and compete against fellow gamers for lucrative cash prizes.

    MyFab11

    Startup Name MyFab11
    Headquarters Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    Founder Anikendra Das Choudhury, Swati Chamoli
    Founded 2018
    Website myfab11.com
    MyFab11 - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    MyFab11 – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    MyFab11, the flagship product of Fantasy Sports MyFab11 Private Limited is a prominent sports gaming platform in India. Established in 2018, it provides a dynamic online portal and mobile applications where users can engage in fantasy sports games. The platform allows participants to create virtual teams consisting of real-world athletes competing in various sports events. Users then compete against each other in in-game contests, earning points based on the performance of their chosen athletes. MyFab11 offers sports game formats for cricket, football, and other sports, fostering a competitive environment for thousands of users per contest and per match.

    Howzat

    Startup Name Howzat
    Headquarters New Delhi, India
    Founder Shashank Singh
    Founded 2019
    Website howzat.com
    Howzat - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Howzat – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Launched in April 2019, Howzat is a popular online fantasy gaming platform in India that combines the thrill of skill-based gaming with the opportunity to win exciting cash prizes. With a strong focus on cricket, football, and kabaddi, Howzat allows users to create their own fantasy teams using real players participating in live matches. By leveraging their cricket knowledge and player statistics, users strategize and build their dream teams to compete in the Fantasy Cricket League. Each player is assigned points based on their performance, adding an element of strategy and excitement to the game. It is one of the top fantasy gaming companies in India.

    PlayerzPot

    Startup Name PlayerzPot
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra , India
    Founder Yogesh Doiphode, Mitesh Gangar
    Founded 2015
    Website playerzpot.com
    PlayerzPot - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    PlayerzPot – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    PlayerzPot is a dynamic and engaging online fantasy gaming startup based in India. With a strong focus on providing a thrilling gaming experience to its users, PlayerzPot offers a wide range of fantasy sports contests in cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, hockey, and more. The platform allows users to create their own virtual teams by selecting real players and competing against other participants to earn points based on their performance in real matches. It contains features such as refer and earn, instant withdrawal, and weekly tasks.

    BalleBaazi

    Startup Name BalleBaazi
    Headquarters New Delhi, India
    Founder Saurabh Chopra, Navkiran Singh, Puneet Dua
    Founded 2018
    Website ballebaazi.com
    BalleBaazi - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    BalleBaazi – Fantasy Sports Companies in India

    BalleBaazi, the highly acclaimed fantasy sports company developed by Baazi Games, offers an immersive gaming experience with its diverse range of personalized online gaming formats. With a wide selection of games such as cricket, kabaddi, football, baseball, and basketball. BalleBaazi caters to the interests of every sports enthusiast. Powered by bank-grade security and a unique reward structure, the platform provides a safe and rewarding environment for players. With its user-friendly interface, exciting promotions, referral bonuses, and a combination of daily, weekly, and monthly leagues, BalleBaazi continues to redefine the standards of online entertainment, offering players the opportunity to win real money and enjoy seamless transitions between different gaming products.

    Fantasy Khiladi

    Startup Name Fantasy Khiladi
    Headquarters Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
    Founder Ramswaroop Bajiya
    Founded 2021
    Website fantasykhiladi.com
    Fantasy Khiladi - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    Fantasy Khiladi – Online Fantasy Game Startups in India

    Fantasy Khiladi is a fantasy sports platform in India. Since its establishment, Fantasy Khiladi has redefined the way Ludo games are enjoyed. With a user-friendly website and mobile apps, Fantasy Khiladi has garnered a loyal and diverse user base. Offering skill-based Ludo games, players can put their gaming skills to the test and have the chance to win real money prizes. The platform provides various Ludo modes and ensures a seamless and fair gaming experience.


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    WinZo

    Startup Name WinZo
    Headquarters New Delhi, India
    Founder Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda
    Founded 2018
    Website winzogames.com
    WinZo - Online Fantasy Game Startups in India
    WinZo – Fantasy Sports Companies in India

    WinZO is a top gaming platform in India with over 100 skill-based games like rummy, poker, and fantasy sports, attracting 150 million users and handling five billion monthly micro-transactions. It offers fast withdrawals, real-time competitions, a multilingual interface, and 24/7 customer support for a seamless gaming experience.


    WinZO: Revolutionizing Social Gaming with Innovation and Growth | Games | WinZo App
    WinZo Games, a vernacular gaming platform was launched in 2018. Read more about WinZO Games, Winzo app, its founder, business model, growth, funding, and future plans.


    Besides these startups in the fantasy gaming industry, it is important to highlight the emergence of CrickPe as one of the most promising upcoming players. CrickPe, a fantasy cricket and gaming platform, is the latest addition to India’s booming online fantasy cricket industry. Launched under Ashneer Grover’s new venture, Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd., CrickPe aims to provide a world-class fantasy cricket experience to cricket enthusiasts.

    Why Are Online Fantasy Games in India Gaining Popularity?

    The surge in the popularity of online fantasy sports in India can be attributed to several key factors:

    Wide Array of Sports Leagues

    India has a passionate sports culture, particularly for cricket, kabaddi, football, wrestling, and volleyball. The availability of fantasy sports leagues for these sports has resonated with a large population of sports enthusiasts.

    Digitalization

    India’s digital landscape has witnessed significant growth, driven by increased smartphone affordability, expanding internet access, and reduced data costs. This digitalization wave has facilitated the widespread adoption of online fantasy sports platforms.

    Increased Investors’ Interest

    Notable investors, including industry leaders like Tencent and Nazara, have shown keen interest in the fantasy sports gaming sector. Their investments have bolstered the industry’s growth and added credibility. Furthermore, these platforms cater to India’s diverse population by providing content in regional languages, including religious themes.

    High-Profile Sports Partnerships

    Renowned sports personalities such as M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya have become brand ambassadors for online fantasy sports, particularly in cricket. Their association with these platforms has helped garner a larger fan base and added to the credibility of the industry. It is worth noting that fantasy sports are considered games of skill rather than luck, further enhancing their appeal.

    These factors combined have propelled the rapid adoption of fantasy sports in India, captivating sports enthusiasts and offering them an engaging and skill-based gaming experience.

    Conclusion

    The surge of online fantasy gaming in India owes much to the digital revolution that has reshaped the gaming landscape. With more people using smartphones, better internet connectivity, and enhanced gaming experiences, fantasy gaming has become incredibly popular. These home-grown startups have seized the opportunity to provide a diverse range of online games to meet the growing demand in India.

    From cricket and football to kabaddi and basketball, these fantasy gaming platforms have created immersive and engaging experiences for sports enthusiasts. As the appetite for online gaming continues to grow, these startups have successfully positioned themselves as the go-to platforms for fantasy gaming in India, revolutionizing the way people experience and enjoy sports virtually.

    FAQs

    What is Fantasy Game?

    A fantasy sport is a type of game, often played using the Internet, where participants assemble imaginary or virtual teams of real players of a professional sport. These teams compete based on the statistical performance of those players in actual games.

    Which are the top online fantasy gaming companies in India?

    The top online fantasy gaming companies in India include Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Games24x7, Gameskraft, and more.

    The legality of fantasy sports in India is dependent on whether the game qualifies as a ‘game of skill’ or a ‘game of chance. ‘ However, games involving a considerable and substantial degree of skill (mathematically, more than 50%) fall outside the scope of gambling laws and hence are legal in India.

    What are the growth prospects of the Indian online fantasy sports industry?

    The Indian online fantasy sports sector is expected to witness remarkable growth, with revenue estimated to reach Rs 25,240 crore by FY27, showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33%.

    Is it worth playing fantasy cricket?

    Yes, with sports players like M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya promoting online fantasy sports, playing fantasy cricket has become an exciting way to enhance your cricket-watching experience.

    What is the future of the fantasy gaming industry in India?

    The fantasy gaming industry in India has seen rapid growth, with a 20% revenue surge in the past year. In-app purchases, the fastest-growing segment, soared by 41%. With a projected CAGR of 20%, the sector is expected to surpass $9.2 billion by FY29.

    Thinking about fantasy sports and online gaming which is the first brand that comes to your mind?

    Dream11 is the first brand that comes to mind when thinking about fantasy sports and online gaming in India.

  • Amit Kushwaha, Head of Brand Strategy, Discusses RummyCulture’s Commitment to Enhancing User Experiences

    In recent years, the gaming industry has seen an amazing rise in popularity, with online games becoming more and more popular among users of all ages. Making a contribution to the gaming industry, RummyCulture is a popular online platform that offers rummy games and tournaments to players in India. With a focus on providing a safe and enjoyable gaming experience, RummyCulture has now become one of the most loved online gaming platforms in the country.

    We at StartupTalky interviewed Amit Kushwaha, Head of Brand Strategy, RummyCulture (from the house of Gameskraft), to learn more about the company’s journey, challenges, and strategies. In our interview, Amit shared his insights into the rapidly-evolving gaming industry in India, how RummyCulture has contributed to industry firsts and the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences.

    Let us now look at Amit’s responses to see what we can learn from our conversation.

    StartupTalky: What does RummyCulture do? What was the motivation/vision with which you started?

    Amit: RummyCulture is one of India’s leading skill-based online Rummy platforms. Since its launch in 2017, our aim has been to give every player a premium and hassle-free rummy-playing experience across our website, android, and iOS app. Our games are designed in a manner that anybody can play without facing any difficulties. We operate Rummy in multiple variants like Pool, Points, Deals, and multiple tournaments.

    The key motivation with which we started, was to provide the best user experience to Rummy players. While there were several other platforms offering the chance to play rummy, we saw a unique opportunity to enhance user experiences in myriad ways such as introducing instant cash withdrawal, multiple variants, and a lot of features to boost user trust including the likes of round-the-clock customer support. We provide 24×7 support to not only VIP or high-value players but to all users. With such meaningful enhancements, we wanted to change the gaming landscape for online Rummy players in India.

    StartupTalky: What is/are the USP/s of your products?

    Amit: Our biggest focus area has been to provide the best user experience to our players whether it’s in the form of game play, adding cash, its withdrawal, or being one of the most trusted platforms in this space.

    A few features which really help us stand apart are:

    • 24×7 customer support in 6 languages to all users.
    • A ‘History’ feature where users can view the details of their previous 5 games to learn from them.
    • 3P (Player Protection Protocol) – This ensures that each game played on the platform is safe and secure.
    • RNG & No Bots certification from iTech labs.
    • We are one of India’s only ISO-certified platforms.
    • We have the Guinness World Record for organizing the World’s biggest online Rummy tournament. This is a testament to our technological prowess and capabilities in delivering unique customer experiences.

    StartupTalky: How has the online gaming industry changed in recent years, and how has RummyCulture adapted to these changes?

    Amit: Online gaming has been a rapidly evolving industry in the last few years and we are immensely proud of being at the forefront of that change. Low internet costs combined with affordable high-specification phones with increasing technological capabilities have really helped gaming players penetrate the Indian market. This has also allowed Indian gamers to be exposed to global games which have accordingly shaped their thoughts, references, and outlook on gaming.

    RummyCulture has had a front-row seat in this journey and contributed significantly to several industry firsts. We are amongst the first platforms to offer the instant withdrawal of winnings, providing customer support to players across the board, and hosting game play which also works on lower network bandwidth.

    As an organization, we keep our ears very close to customer feedback and continue working towards enhancing their experiences on the platform.

    Amit: As we said, we keep our ears very close to our customers. Regular customer interactions help us to consistently evolve in line with customer requirements. Features like ‘History’, where players get to study their last 5 games, and ‘Know Your Competitor’ where players can see the profile details of their competitors on the table, were developed post discussions with our players. We also keep a close tab on how the industry is shaping up, not just in India, but at a global level.

    As a mantra, we truly believe that we need to be a step ahead of the user need curve to successfully provide them with best-in-class experiences.

    StartupTalky: What key metrics do you track to check the company’s growth and performance?

    Amit: We are a highly numbers-oriented organization. A few key matrices which are sacrosanct for us include the Traffic on our website, Daily Active users, the Cost at which we acquire users, the Retention Rate of users, and Game play per user, to name a few. There are several other metrics that we thoroughly study, but the ones listed above are non-negotiable for us.

    StartupTalky: What were the most significant challenges your company faced in the past year and how did you overcome them?

    Amit: The biggest challenge that the entire industry faced at large, is that of the trust deficit amongst the general public. In order to combat misconceptions and tackle this challenge, we have focused on our trust-building features such as the ISO certification, RNG, and No bot certification across our communication efforts.

    Along with this, we have also focused on several brand-building measures such as partnering with some of the biggest sporting names like Suresh Raina, Abhinav Bindra, and Harbhajan Singh, as our ambassadors. These partnerships have come as part of our larger “Culture of Champions” campaign. This year, we also collaborated with the Vijay Deverekonda starrer movie Liger as part of our brand-building exercise.

    We have seen tremendous positive rub-offs from these activities on our UnAided awareness and our ranking on trust features in the brand track. A look at these results boosts our confidence that we’re on the right track when it comes to choosing and investing in our trust-building measures.

    StartupTalky: What are the different strategies you use for marketing? Tell us about any growth hack which you pulled off.

    Amit: Given the segment that we operate in, growth is significantly dependent on how much trust players have in one’s platform. We firmly believe that the biggest trust factor comes from the product itself, and not just marketing campaigns. That being said, with our strong product, we use various kinds of marketing channels like Facebook, YouTube, and Google ads alongside other tactics such as influencer marketing, movie tie-ups, celeb tie-ups, and playable ads, to name a few.

    We don’t really believe in hacks and instead rely entirely on the power of numbers. Our experience shows that referrals have produced very good results not just in terms of the number of users, but also in the quality of users. Good word-of-mouth from players who have played with us is the best form of marketing that we can ask for. We have thus done a lot of work like personalized messaging and personalized offers for players in order to enhance referrals. As a segment, this has seen a lot of traction and growth.

    StartupTalky: What are the important tools and software you use to run your business smoothly?

    Amit: Today’s business is indeed dependent on a lot of tools and software and we are not immune to those. In addition to in-house technology, we also use a lot of third-party tools for data enhancement, insights, as well as for player communication.

    StartupTalky: What opportunities do you see for future growth in the gaming industry in India and the world? What kind of difference in market behavior have you seen within states in India?

    Amit: As per the ‘India Gaming Report FY 2022’ released by Lumikai, India’s gaming market, which stood at $2.6 billion in 2022, is expected to grow at a
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27 percent to reach $8.6 billion by 2027. Additionally, for RMG (real money games), future growth is projected to be at a 34% CAGR.

    So looking at broad numbers, the gaming industry is really poised to continue being one of India’s sunshine sectors. We are optimistic about the industry’s growth and believe that the Indian gaming sector has the potential to surpass these numbers as well.

    In terms of state-level variations, one key trend is that consumers in some of the southern states are more receptive to skilled online card-based games like Rummy as compared to the rest of India, and Fantasy sports have penetrated across the nation.

    With the increasing penetration of mobile internet and high-end smartphones, this will increase at a faster growth rate.

    StartupTalky: What lessons did your team learn in the past year and how will these inform your future plans and strategies?

    Amit: A key learning which we’ve had in previous years and will continue to be relevant for us, is that of paramount focus on player experience. This may sound very cliche but the fact remains that the better our focus is on game play and enhancing overall user experiences, the more we get back in terms of not just higher player retention, but also positive word-of-mouth which in turn helps us acquire new users as well.

    Another key learning for us has been to keep a very keen eye on customer acquisition costs. We try to ensure that we do not go beyond a certain value for customer acquisition, which really helps us remain financially sound.

  • The Best Games for Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s mood is in the air. People are buying gifts and planning ways to make the week to surprise their loved ones. Valentine’s day is also a time to throw some good parties and have some interesting games to plan during the party.

    There are various games which can be planned during the party depending on the party and not only couples can play these games, the singles can also enjoy these games during the party.

    So, here are some of the best games for valentine’s day.

    The Paired-Up Game

    The game can be quite an interesting game for the individuals as well as for the couples during Valentine’s week is the pair -up game. The game is played by creating hearts and cut-them out. Then ask the individuals to pick out a piece of heart and then, let the individual need to find their match-makers by finding people with the remaining half of the heart. It’s a great way for the individuals to actually find a partner for their day and don’t have to spend their Valentine’s alone.

    The game can be a fun way for the couples also as they get to experience a new partner for a few hours on the day to have a fresh experience. It is a game for all age-groups.

    Name that Song

    To make the day more musical, one of the games to be played is Name that song. For the game, write the song lyric of very mushy-gushy songs in a piece of paper and then put in a box. Pick a  chit and read the lines and then whoever guesses the song gets a point and the people with the highest points are the winner. The game can make a bit more romantic by asking a specific person to name the song or to dedicate the song to the loved ones. The more romantic it is, the more it will be Valentine’s feel.

    Cinderella’s  Slipper

    Cinderella’s story has been a childhood favorite for many years and the slipper which she loses at the party is the most-favorite scenes of all time. One such game that can be played during Valentine’s week is Cinderella’s slipper. The couple game can be played by as many couples as you want and is a very sweet couple’s game. In the game, all the partners shall take their shoes and hide them in the home and stand in the middle of the hall. As the time starts, the other partner needs to find the slipper and bring them back to their partner in one minute. The couple who brings the shoes in 1 minute will be the winner of the game and the couple will become the “Cinderella Couple”.


    Also Read: Best Products to Sell for Valentine’s Week


    Love Phrases

    With as many as couples, these a sweet game to be played during Valentine’s week. The requirements for the game are pen/pencil and paper for the couples.

    The game is played by giving them the pen/pencil and paper to the couples and asking them to write phrases like “Love is grand’,” love is kind “ or all the phrases which involve love but they can’t write any names to the phrases. The time limit is one minute and the couple which writes most phases in 1 minute is the winner of the game.

    Valentine’s Kiss

    Another very cute and preppy game for Valentine’s day id the game of Valentine’s kiss. The game is played by asking the guests to bring a poster of their Valentine’s and dark lipstick. The partner who is playing should wear dark lipstick and as the game starts, the partner will start kissing the poster of their Valentine’s within the 30 seconds of time and partner who kisses on the lips or closest to the lips will win the game. The kisses outside the face will not be included.

    We all Love Ice-Cream

    A super sweet couple game which can be played by as many couples, it is more fun when there are many couples. It requires cups of ice-cream for each couple and spoons. For playing the game, blindfold one of the partner and line them up on one side of the room. Then the other partners, stand on the other side of the room with a cup of frozen cup of ice-cream. As the time starts, cups the partner with ice-creams have to run to their partners to feed them the ice-cream. They have to take a spoon full of ice-cream and carry the spoon by the handle in their teeth and feed them, without using their hands. The couple who finished their ice-cream the first will win the game.

    Blindfold Love

    The game is played by the couples hugging each other based on the clues. For the game, blindfold all the couples and one member stand in a row and the other partner in a row at a distance. As the music starts, the people on both the lines will start walking guiding each other like “I am walking right or left or walking towards a gate “ etc. The couple who manages to hug each other, after listening to the clues against the loud music will be the winner of the competition.


    Also Read: How Profitable Valentine’s Week are for the Companies?


    Guess the Valentine Tag

    Valentine’s couple’s game starts with name tags with words related to Valentine’s day such as love, couple, red, ring, dinner, romance, etc. Then stick one tag on the backs of the couples without showing them. The couples then have to find out the word which is written on their tag. As the time starts the couples have to give clues to each other about the tag to guess the correct name tag which is attached at the back, by delivering clue fro behind and the couple which will guess the tag words in 1 minute will be the winner.

    These couple games are a great way to make Valentine’s day party and will make the day more memorable for the people.