Krafton, the creator of PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG: Mobile, and the Indian version Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is calling for franchise bids for its latest esports initiative.
In a post on its website, the South Korean developer and publisher is asking interested parties to “invest early” for what it describes as a “pioneering esports initiative in India,” with select slots currently open.
Here’s the full text from Krafton’s statement:
“KRAFTON is 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.”
Krafton is inviting interest from “visionary corporates, celebrated public figures, sports legends, esports enthusiasts, and investors who want to be at the forefront of this transformation.”
The company’s public call for bids is an unusual move for the Indian esports space, as we haven’t seen anything similar in the past from existing stakeholders. Interested parties must reach out to Krafton before July 4, 2025.
For BGMI, Krafton has also collaborated with several Indian celebrities, including sports personalities, film actors, and companies from industries such as automobiles and beverages.
The publisher has also been actively building India’s esports scene through consistent tournaments throughout the year, like BGIS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Series) and BMPS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series), which offer players large prize pools and professional opportunities. The company has partnered with brands such as OnePlus, iQOO, and Hyundai, and collaborates with popular streamers and esports personalities to position BGMI as one of India’s leading mobile esports platforms.
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Rayan Sayyed is a staff writer for IGN India with a primary focus on Asian entertainment, spanning from anime, manga, games to films and dramas from the East. You can reach out to him at rayan_sayyed@ign.com, or find him on Twitter/X @rayanaver and Instagram @rayansayyed
