Nikhil Kamath and Nazara Technologies invest Rs 2cr in Indian gaming startups

India’s gaming industry received a substantial boost as Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund and Nazara Technologies Limited announced a ₹2 crore investment in two promising gaming studios: Norian Games and Xigma Games. The announcement, made during the popular WTF Gaming Podcast, underscores the commitment of these two industry leaders to nurturing homegrown talent and amplifying India’s footprint in the global gaming market.

The winners of this initiative, Norian Games, based in Kerala, and Xigma Games, headquartered in Bangalore, were chosen for their innovative game concepts and potential to disrupt the gaming landscape. The collaboration between Kamath and Nazara aims to offer financial backing, mentorship, and strategic guidance to these startups, positioning them for long-term success.

Strategic focus on immersive gaming experiences

Norian Games is currently developing “Aldian of Ancients,” a dinosaur survival simulation game for PC and consoles. With its prehistoric landscapes and immersive gameplay, the title aims to captivate players globally. Meanwhile, Xigma Games, already a known name with successful titles like “The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands” and its sequel, is working on “Metal Haven,” a sci-fi action-strategy game set to further elevate their reputation in the gaming world.

Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and an avid investor, highlighted the importance of supporting creativity in the younger generation. He remarked that for many, gaming has replaced traditional outdoor pastimes, creating a unique avenue for interaction and innovation. The WTFund, he said, seeks to empower visionary startups like Norian and Xigma to push boundaries and redefine gaming norms.

Nitish Mittersain, Founder and CEO of Nazara Technologies, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Nazara’s commitment to fostering talent aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global gaming hub. Mittersain noted that this collaboration with Kamath represents a milestone in building a robust ecosystem for Indian gaming studios to create games that resonate with global audiences.

A step towards global recognition for Indian talent

The investment is not just about funding but also about mentorship and expertise, with the aim of helping these startups navigate a highly competitive industry. Nazara Technologies, a publicly listed entity known for its diverse portfolio of gaming and esports platforms, is well-positioned to provide the necessary support to these startups. From interactive gaming ecosystems like Kiddopia to esports platforms like NODWIN Gaming, Nazara’s influence spans multiple domains, making it an ideal partner for scaling ambitious gaming ventures.

Kamath’s WTFund, on the other hand, is India’s first non-dilutive grant platform targeted at founders under the age of 25. Its unique approach allows startups to scale without diluting equity, creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs to focus on innovation.

Expert opinions on fostering Indian gaming

Industry analysts have hailed this move as a significant step in positioning India as a global player in the gaming industry. The collaboration between WTFund and Nazara Technologies highlights the growing recognition of gaming as a serious business opportunity in India.

An independent gaming analyst, noted that investments of this scale reflect a growing confidence in Indian talent. “The backing from industry stalwarts like Nikhil Kamath and Nazara Technologies sends a strong signal to international markets about the potential of Indian gaming,” he said.