BGMI maker Krafton forays into casual gaming with CookieRun India

CookieRun India will allow players to embark on cookie adventures that combine fast-paced action and colorful graphics with engaging game modes that appeal to all age groups

Krafton, the maker of the popular battle royale title Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), is foraying into the casual gaming segment in India with a new title, Cookie Run India.

This move comes as the South Korean gaming giant looks to expand its portfolio of games to strengthen its presence in the country.

The game, launched in collaboration with South Korean game developer Devsisters, is a localised version of the globally renowned CookieRun series, tailored specifically for the Indian audience.

Consumers can now pre-register for CookieRun India on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. People who pre-register will get access to rewards such as unlocking the Knight Cookie, an A-grade Cookie with special abilities, and 2 lakh coins, the company said in a statement.

Krafton India stated that it has reimagined the casual runner game for Indian players, introducing a suite of features including new Cookie characters inspired by Indian sweets and an immersive localised in-game experience.

"Through this partnership with Devsisters, Krafton is committed to offering an engaging and culturally resonant experience for the Indian audience," Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India said in a statement.

“With exclusive Indian-themed characters and events, we aim to create all the sweet fun of CookieRun world in a gaming environment that feels familiar yet excitingly new for Indian players” he said.

Krafton's India localisation push

CookieRun India will allow players to embark on cookie adventures that combine fast-paced action and colorful graphics with engaging game modes that appeal to all age groups. One can race with their friends or challenge global players on competitive leaderboards.

Over the past couple of years, Krafton has been working towards localising its offerings to attract more players and deepen its footprint in the country's gaming ecosystem. Earlier this year, the gaming firm had announced plans to launch more than six games in the country.

This move comes as consumers in India, one of the largest gaming markets by user base, have started spending money on mobile games. The average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) in the country rose 15 percent year-over-year to $22 in FY24, according to a recent report by Lumikai, a gaming and interactive media venture fund.

In February, the company launched its first India-themed game, Garuda Saga, a role-playing game exclusive to Indian gamers.

Krafton also launched Bullet Echo India, a tactical shooter game, in April—another title available only in India.

Last year, Krafton introduced an Indian faction in its mobile strategy game 'Road To Valor: Empires', featuring characters inspired by ancient Indian tales and legends.

Krafton India's flagship title BGMI, which is among the top grossing apps in the country, also features Bollywood actor couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone as playable characters.

Besides these, the firm is operating an India-specific incubator called Krafton India Gaming Incubator that has selected four startups in its inaugural cohort.

In August 2023, Krafton pledged to invest $150 million in Indian gaming and interactive entertainment startups over the next two to three years. This brings its total commitment to the Indian market to over $290 million, making it one of the most prolific strategic investors in the country in recent years.

Last month, Krafton India also announced a partnership with South Korea-based multi-asset investment firm IMM Investment to become the anchor investor in IMM's maiden India fund.