KRAFTON India takes over Real Cricket publishing as major update rolls out

Bangalore: KRAFTON India is set to mark a significant moment in the country’s gaming landscape as it officially assumes publishing responsibilities for Real Cricket, the widely popular cricket gaming franchise created by Nautilus Mobile. The transition coincides with a major update scheduled to go live tomorrow, signalling the company’s intent to reinforce India’s gaming ecosystem and uplift homegrown IPs with global promise.

Why is this transition important for India’s gaming sector?

Real Cricket has been one of India’s most successful and widely followed mobile gaming franchises, drawing millions of players and setting benchmarks in cricket simulation.

The shift to KRAFTON’s publishing leadership, combined with Nautilus Mobile’s decade-long expertise in cricket game development, reflects a shared goal to build a more rewarding, connected and enriched cricket gaming experience. It also strengthens KRAFTON’s continuing efforts to support India’s gaming ambitions through investments, the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), esports events and initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent.

This milestone follows the long-standing collaboration between KRAFTON and Nautilus Mobile, further solidified by KRAFTON’s majority acquisition of Nautilus Mobile in March 2025 for Rs 118 crore (approximately USD 14 million). Through this partnership, KRAFTON India will collaborate closely with Nautilus Mobile to guide Real Cricket into its next phase of growth, focusing on stronger live operations and deeper community engagement.

The aim is to enhance gameplay features, refine in-game systems and expand the franchise’s reach across India and selected global markets.

What is new in the latest version of real cricket?

The latest update introduces two new flagship features:

The RC Pass, a 30-day progression system offering challenges and exclusive unlocks.

Real Rewards T20 Series, allowing players to turn in-game achievements into real-world rewards through leaderboard competition.

These additions come alongside several improvements, including official IPL team licences from Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, with more expected.

Players will also experience new Hindi commentary voices, polished visuals, updated animations and an improved interface designed to replicate the atmosphere of a live stadium on mobile devices.

Anuj Sahani, Head of the KRAFTON India Incubator Programme and Associate Director, India Publishing – KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator, said, "Real Cricket has become a cultural touchpoint for millions in India, and we see its next chapter as a milestone for the future of game development in the country. This integration reflects our belief that Indian studios can build global-quality franchises that stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. Real Cricket represents the kind of ambitious, homegrown innovation we want to champion, and we are proud to support its journey toward even greater scale and global relevance. By bringing this successful homegrown IP under the KRAFTON publishing umbrella, we are doubling down on our Make-in-India vision and strengthening our long-term commitment to building a vibrant gaming ecosystem in the country."

Anuj Mankar, Director and CEO of Nautilus Mobile, added, "For more than a decade, Real Cricket has been driven by one goal – to bring the excitement, nuance and drama of real-world cricket to players' phones. With this release, we are building on that foundation with new progression systems, deeper competition and a sharper, more polished experience for our community. The continued support from KRAFTON has played a pivotal role in strengthening our vision and giving us the resources to think bigger and build bolder. As we enter this next chapter, we are excited about what Real Cricket can become and the new possibilities we can unlock for players in India and beyond."

Real Cricket’s forward roadmap includes community-driven features, evolving tournament structures and fresh engagement formats for players throughout the year. The team is preparing broader competitive modes and community experiences designed to strengthen long-term attachment to the franchise, ensuring Real Cricket grows in rhythm with the sport’s biggest seasons.

Players can follow updates, announcements and upcoming feature drops on Real Cricket’s official Instagram and YouTube channels.