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The Rise of Hybrid-Casual Gaming in India The gaming industry is booming globally, and India is rapidly becoming a hub for game developers. One exciting startup leading this
The gaming industry is booming globally, and India is rapidly becoming a hub for game developers. One exciting startup leading this charge is Qila Games. Founded in 2024 by Dhananjai Hari and Neeraj Mishra, Qila Games has raised a massive $1 million in a pre-seed funding round to build a unique hybrid-casual gaming portfolio tailored to Indian players. This fresh round of investment marks a significant milestone for the startup, which is looking to disrupt the traditional mobile gaming space in India.
So, what makes Qila Games stand out in an increasingly crowded market, and why are investors excited about the company’s vision for the future of gaming?
Hybrid-casual games are a new breed of gaming that blend the best elements of casual gaming—games that are easy to play and pick up—with mid-core gaming—titles that offer a deeper, more immersive experience. Qila Games has chosen this hybrid approach, positioning itself at the intersection of both worlds.
Their goal? To create engaging, socially-driven experiences that resonate with Indian players, offering entertainment that is both fun and immersive.
Qila Games’ primary focus is on crafting new, high-quality intellectual properties (IPs) and expanding its portfolio of hybrid-casual games. The $1 million raised in pre-seed funding will be directed toward enhancing the company’s technological and design capabilities, helping the startup take its first steps toward becoming a leader in mobile gaming.
This funding round was led by Chimera VC and saw support from other prominent investors, including Visceral Capital, Atrium Angels, Ventana Ventures, 91 Ventures, Untitled Ventures, and several angel investors. According to Chimera VC’s managing partner, Krish Anurag, Qila Games’ ability to blend quick, bite-sized entertainment with deep gameplay mechanics is key to driving high user retention, making them a company to watch in the mobile gaming space.
“Qila Games has struck the perfect balance between bite-sized entertainment and meta-progression,” Anurag said. “It creates an immersive experience that can significantly impact users.”
While traditional casual games are easy to pick up but can become repetitive over time, mid-core games are often too complex for casual players to dive into. Hybrid-casual gaming solves this problem by offering a sweet spot between simplicity and depth. These games are accessible to everyone, but they also keep players engaged with deeper mechanics and progression systems that require skill and strategy.
For emerging markets like India, where mobile gaming is experiencing explosive growth, hybrid-casual games are perfectly poised to capture a massive audience. This unique blend of simplicity and engagement is exactly what Qila Games aims to deliver.
India’s gaming landscape is rapidly evolving, with millions of new gamers joining the scene every year. As mobile penetration increases, the potential for gaming startups to succeed in India is vast. Qila Games recognizes this opportunity and is focusing on creating titles that resonate with Indian players, who are looking for more than just casual entertainment.
“India and other emerging markets are at the cusp of a major transformation in mobile gaming, and hybrid-casual is set to be the next big category,” said Dhananjai Hari, co-founder of Qila Games. “With this funding, we are doubling down on building engaging, high-quality games that resonate with these audiences.”
In February 2025, Qila Games launched its first hybrid-casual title, Ludo Hero. This game reinvents the classic game of Ludo by incorporating strategic battles, conquests, and hero powers, creating a more interactive and engaging experience. The game adds a fresh twist to the traditional Ludo format, offering something deeper for those looking for a challenge, while still keeping the casual fun that makes Ludo so popular in India.
Ludo Hero is just the beginning for Qila Games. With the funding they’ve secured, the company is planning to expand its portfolio and continue building on the hybrid-casual gaming model that blends short-form entertainment with long-term engagement.
Investors are excited about Qila Games because the startup is tapping into a new, high-growth category of mobile gaming. Hybrid-casual games are set to dominate the mobile gaming market, and Qila Games is well-positioned to lead the charge in India and other emerging markets.
The company’s vision is clear: build fun, engaging games that can be played in short bursts but also offer deep progression and rewards. This model is particularly appealing to Indian players, who enjoy games that are easy to play but still provide a sense of accomplishment.
Moreover, the backing from Chimera VC and other investors speaks volumes about the potential for Qila Games to succeed. As the Indian gaming market continues to grow, the demand for new and innovative gaming experiences will only increase, and Qila Games is in the perfect position to capitalize on this trend.
With $1 million in pre-seed funding, Qila Games is just getting started. The startup’s focus on hybrid-casual games sets them apart from other mobile game developers in India, and the company’s growing portfolio and commitment to quality will help them carve a niche in this competitive market.
Over the next few years, we can expect to see more innovative titles from Qila Games that continue to push the boundaries of mobile gaming, particularly in the hybrid-casual space. For now, Ludo Hero is just the start, and the future looks bright for this rising gaming startup.
Qila Games has successfully raised $1 million in funding to expand its hybrid-casual gaming portfolio, with the aim of creating games that appeal to Indian players. With the success of their first title Ludo Hero, the startup is well on its way to revolutionizing the gaming industry in India. The backing from top investors and the focus on high-quality, engaging content position Qila Games to become a major player in the mobile gaming space.
