New Delhi: Weeks after exiting its core real-money gaming business, WinZO has rolled out a fresh offering in the short-video content space as part of a larger shift in strategy. The company on Sunday announced the launch of ZO TV, a short video platform available in both India and the United States.

What is ZO TV?

According to WinZO, ZO TV has been introduced as an in-app feature within the existing WinZO application and does not currently operate as a standalone platform.

“ZO TV, our new short video format, further diversifies our content offerings and strengthens WinZO’s position as a global hub and one stop destination for interactive entertainment,” co-founders Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda said in a joint statement.

Why is WinZO looking beyond gaming?

The move comes as the company attempts to reinvent its business model following regulatory hurdles. WinZO was among the hardest hit by India’s Online Gaming Act, which banned money-based gaming, advertisements and related transactions.

On 22 August, the homegrown platform officially shut down its real-money gaming (RMG) operations, citing compliance with the new law.

Where is WinZO expanding globally?

While India continues to be the largest market by user numbers, the US launch gives WinZO entry into the world’s biggest gaming market by revenue. The company also operates in Brazil, where it set up shop in 2023.

WinZO said that as the business grows, its product features and offerings will continue to broaden.

How is the wider industry coping with the ban?

WinZO’s pivot mirrors the actions of other major players in the sector. Barely a day after suspending its money-based games, Dream11 quietly tested a new wealth management platform called Dream Money.

The clampdown has shaken a sector valued at $25 billion, generating more than ₹31,000 crore in annual revenue and contributing nearly ₹20,000 crore in taxes, according to reports on 20 August.

The industry, comprising over 400 companies, is estimated to support around two lakh jobs and has attracted nearly ₹25,000 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI).

(With agency inputs)