Gaming titan Krafton Inc., the force behind the global phenomenon PUBG, has announced its 2026 management strategy with a sharp focus on India as a cornerstone for its mid-to-long-term growth. During the company-wide town hall meeting, Krafton Live Talk (KLT), held on January 15, CEO CH Kim detailed a shift from one-off successes to a “structured, execution-driven model” aimed at securing the world’s next major gaming franchise.
At the heart of Krafton’s 2026 vision is the pursuit of a “Big Franchise IP.” Building on groundwork laid in 2025, the company is ramping up its production through three strategic pillars:
- First-Party Production: Increasing investment in in-house development.
- Publishing Volume: Expanding the number of titles released across global markets.
- Resource Optimization: Shifting toward small-team structures (centering on 15 newly recruited key leaders) to enable “small-and-fast” development cycles.
The company currently manages an ambitious 26-project development pipeline. Twelve of these titles—including the highly anticipated Subnautica 2, Palworld Mobile, and the mysterious NO LAW—are targeted for release within the next 24 months.
Krafton India is no longer just a publishing arm; it is becoming a vital development hub. The strategy for the subcontinent involves:
- Live Operations: Maintaining the massive success of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), which has already surpassed 240 million downloads.
- India-First Titles: Launching region-specific games like Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India.
- Incubation: Utilizing the Krafton India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) to nurture early-stage studios, bridging the gap between local talent and global production standards.
Beyond game development, Krafton’s commitment to the Indian ecosystem is backed by significant capital. Since 2021, the firm has invested over $170 million into Indian startups across interactive entertainment, esports, and technology. Looking ahead, the company is even exploring technical expansions into physical AI and robotics, leveraging its simulation data from gaming to innovate in emerging tech sectors.
“While expanding the PUBG IP franchise as a content platform, we will begin to create new franchise IPs via our title pipeline and creative leadership,” CEO CH Kim stated, underscoring that the company is now entering the “execution phase” of its long-term vision.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Shift: Krafton is moving into an execution phase for its “Big Franchise IP” strategy, focusing on sustainable, repeatable growth through a 26-project pipeline.
- Upcoming Launches: 12 new titles are set for release by 2028, including Subnautica 2, Palworld Mobile, and NO LAW.
- India Focus: India remains a top priority with focus on the KIGI incubator, “India-first” games, and a $170M+ investment in the local startup ecosystem.
- AI Integration: The company is utilizing AI to streamline development and is exploring future applications in robotics and physical AI.