Billionaire Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, has partnered with Mumbai-based Nazara Technologies to invest Rs 2 crore in two promising Indian gaming startups, Norian Games and Xigma Games. This investment aims to boost the growing Indian gaming industry, supporting homegrown studios and talented developers to create games that can compete on the global stage.
Nikhil Kamath and Nazara’s Big Bet on Indian Gaming
The partnership between WTFund, led by Nikhil Kamath, and Nazara Technologies, a well-known name in the Indian gaming scene, marks a significant step in strengthening the local gaming ecosystem. Together, they’ve committed Rs 2 crore to Norian Games and Xigma Games—two startups with a strong potential to disrupt the gaming market. This financial backing is a clear indication of Kamath and Nazara’s belief in the future of gaming in India.
The investment will not only provide the startups with crucial funding but also offer them mentorship and strategic guidance, helping them scale and navigate the competitive gaming industry. The focus is on nurturing creativity and supporting innovative talent within the Indian gaming sector.
What Are Norian Games and Xigma Games Up To?
Norian Games: Bringing Prehistoric Worlds to Life
Based in Kerala, Norian Games is an exciting indie gaming studio that’s currently working on a dinosaur survival simulation game titled “Aldian of Ancients.” This PC and console game aims to immerse players in a captivating prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. By combining survival gameplay with a rich, open-world environment, Norian Games hopes to offer a truly unique and thrilling experience for gamers.
Xigma Games: A Rising Star in Indie Gaming
Xigma Games, based in Bangalore, is another rising star in the Indian gaming industry. The studio has already made a name for itself with two successful games—”The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands” and “The Bonfire 2: Uncharted Shores”—which together have garnered over 10 million downloads. Their latest project, “Metal Haven”, is a free-to-play sci-fi action-strategy game, further solidifying Xigma’s place in the Indian gaming community.
Xigma Games’ ability to create immersive experiences and innovative gameplay has made them a standout indie developer, and with this new investment, they’ll be able to take their game development to the next level.
The Impact of This Investment
With the support of Nikhil Kamath’s WTFund and Nazara Technologies, both Norian Games and Xigma Games will have the resources to develop their projects further and expand their reach. The investment is a reflection of the growing importance of India as a hub for innovative game development. The Indian gaming market has been booming in recent years, and this partnership is poised to help Indian gaming studios reach even greater heights.
Mentorship and Growth: More Than Just Funding
While the Rs 2 crore investment provides essential capital, the real value comes from the mentorship and guidance that both studios will receive. Nikhil Kamath and Nitish Mittersain, the founder of Nazara Technologies, are both passionate about building a strong, sustainable gaming ecosystem in India.
Kamath’s statement reflects this vision: “Growing up, we were occupied by simpler things – a game of cricket or even just being outside. That was a large part of my childhood. For the younger generation, gaming has taken that place, creating new avenues for creativity and interaction. This fund is a small step in supporting companies that have made a mark with their innovative games, and I look forward to seeing them push boundaries even further.”
Similarly, Mittersain emphasizes the goal of supporting Indian gaming talent: “At Nazara, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of gaming talent in India, and it’s great to join hands with visionary tech pioneers such as Nikhil Kamath to act on the vision of our Prime Minister in building strong gaming talent in India that can build games for the world.”
Why This Investment Matters
The Indian gaming industry has seen rapid growth over the past few years, and as mobile gaming and eSports continue to gain traction, there is an increasing demand for fresh, innovative content. Startups like Norian Games and Xigma Games represent the future of Indian gaming, creating games with global appeal.
With backing from WTFund and Nazara, these studios will have the tools they need to succeed on a larger scale. More importantly, this investment helps strengthen India’s position as a competitive player in the global gaming market.
The Future of Gaming in India
This partnership is just the beginning of what could be a transformative period for the Indian gaming industry. As more investors and companies like Nazara and WTFund show interest in Indian game development, the opportunities for local talent and startups continue to grow. Indian gaming studios now have the support they need to develop high-quality games that can compete in the global market.
The success of Norian Games and Xigma Games could pave the way for more Indian gaming startups to secure investments and gain recognition in the international gaming community. With the right resources and mentorship, the future of Indian gaming looks bright, and we can expect to see even more homegrown games hit the global stage.
