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WinZO forays into micro dramas, enters US after RMG ban

EntrackrEntrackr · 12d ago
WinZO forays into micro dramas, enters US after RMG ban
Medial

WinZO forays into micro dramas, enters US after RMG ban WinZO, the social gaming and entertainment platform, is expanding its playbook beyond real-money gaming (RMG) with a foray into micro dramas and subscription-led services, as it looks to navigate the government’s blanket ban on RMG in India. The company has also widened its global presence with a US debut, marking its third international market after Brazil. As part of its content push, WinZO has introduced WinZO TV, a new feature that serves up bite-sized drama shows for its 250 million users. The format delivers one to two-minute serialised videos, with initial episodes free to watch and later ones priced at Rs 2 each. With this, WinZO will face competition from Flick TV, Kuku FM’s Kuku TV, ShareChat’s QuickTV, Reel Saga, Reelies, Chai Bisket’s Chai Shots, and Eloelo. WinZO has raised over $100 million from marquee investors including Kalaari Capital, Griffin Gaming Partners, Makers Fund, and Courtside Ventures, and was last valued at around $340 million. While its RMG business faced significant headwinds due to regulatory changes and higher GST, the company has been seeking alternative monetisation avenues through subscriptions, in-app entertainment formats, and international expansion. WinZO’s expansion into the US comes nearly two years after its Brazil foray, aimed at reducing dependence on India following the introduction of a 28% GST regime on RMG apps. According to co-founders Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda, the US launch will also allow Indian developers building culturally relevant games to reach a new global audience. For the fiscal year ending March 2024, WinZO reported a 70% year-on-year surge in operating revenue to Rs 1,055 crore, while its profit after tax (PAT) rose 2.5X to Rs 315 crore. The company outpaced its peers in revenue growth, compared to Nazara’s 4%, Zupee’s 34.9%, and MPL’s 22%. The government’s RMG ban is prompting many firms to explore alternative avenues. For context, Dream Sports, which owns Dream11, has ventured into wealth tech with Dream Money, letting users invest in digital gold and fixed deposits.

India’s gaming landscape: Monetisation trends and evolving user dynamics

Inc42Inc42 · 1y ago
India’s gaming landscape: Monetisation trends and evolving user dynamics
Medial

India's gaming industry has experienced substantial growth, with revenues projected to reach $7.5 billion by FY28. In-app purchases and in-game advertising contribute to this growth, with $1.1 billion currently coming from casual and mid-core games and expected to reach $5 billion by FY28. Additionally, the evolution of users and their increased affinity towards casual and mid-core gaming, especially in non-metro cities, has driven monetization. The average time spent on gaming has increased by 20% to 10-12 hours per week, and there has been a 25% conversion of gamers to paid users. UPI has emerged as a preferred payment method for gamers, and diverse genres, including casual, mid-core, and real money gaming, are seeing increased investment from players.

CCI questions Google’s ‘arbitrary’ policies on real-money gaming

YourStoryYourStory · 9m ago
CCI questions Google’s ‘arbitrary’ policies on real-money gaming
Medial

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating Google for alleged anti-competitive behavior following complaints by Winzo Games. Winzo Games claims that Google abused its dominant market position in app distribution, payment systems, and advertising. The CCI will specifically examine Google's Play Store policies and its treatment of real-money gaming (RMG) apps. Winzo Games alleges that Google unfairly limited the availability of RMG apps, resulting in a loss of business for the company. Google defended its actions, citing regulatory uncertainties. The CCI raised concerns about Google's justifications and highlighted potential competition concerns. The investigation will conclude within 60 days.

Paytm to invest Rs 455 Cr in subsidiaries, discontinue First Games

EntrackrEntrackr · 11d ago
Paytm to invest Rs 455 Cr in subsidiaries, discontinue First Games
Medial

Paytm to invest Rs 455 Cr in subsidiaries, discontinue First Games The board cleared investments of up to Rs 300 crore in Paytm Money and Rs 155 crore in Paytm Services through rights issues. One 97 Communications Limited, the parent company of Paytm, approved a series of strategic measures at its board meeting on August 25. The board cleared investments of up to Rs 300 crore in Paytm Money and Rs 155 crore in Paytm Services through rights issues. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries and the infusion will not change the shareholding, the company informed through a stock exchange filing. The company also approved the 100% acquisition of Foster Payment Networks for up to Rs 61 crore to make it a fully owned subsidiary. The Noida-based company also proposed transfer of equity in First Games Technology from Paytm Cloud Technologies to Paytm Services for up to Rs 140 crore. Meanwhile, Paytm’s gaming arm First Games has discontinued its real money gaming business after the government notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. The company said that First Games contributes nothing to consolidated revenues and carries a nil book value. The new Online Gaming Act bans all real money games in India. Platforms including Dream11, MPL, Zupee, Gameskraft, My11Circle, Probo, WinZo and others have already shut their RMG verticals.

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