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News on Medial
Google vs startups game makes RMG platforms interested
Economic Times
·
1y ago
Medial
Online real-money gaming companies in India are concerned about the impact of Google's service fees, which are set to be implemented in June. The 15-30% fee, along with a 28% goods and services tax, is seen as unsustainable for businesses in the industry. Companies are considering various options to mitigate the impact, but delisting from the Play Store, which provides access to a large mobile gaming population in India, may not be a viable solution. Critics argue that the fee is unfair for an industry still trying to establish itself and that Google should instead support growth in the sector.
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Related News
CCI questions Google’s ‘arbitrary’ policies on real-money gaming
YourStory
·
9m ago
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.
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Google to Open Play Store for All Legal RMG Apps in India
StartupTalky
·
29d ago
Medial
Google is set to open its Play Store for all legal real-money gaming (RMG) apps in India following an antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The investigation, initiated by a complaint from WinZO, addressed Google's restrictive policies toward specific RMG apps. Google plans to replace its pilot program with self-declared legal compliance and will loosen advertising guidelines for "games of skill," requiring third-party certification to ensure compliance with legal standards.
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How Krafton India's latest gaming incubator would benefit Indian startup ecosystem?
Startup News FYI
·
1y ago
Medial
South Korean gaming company Krafton has launched the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) program to support and nurture early-stage startups, student teams, and independent game developers in India. The program will provide mentorship, access to resources, and potential venture capital funding opportunities for 6-10 teams annually. KIGI will focus on startups that are passionate about game development and interested in scaling their ventures. The initiative is part of Krafton's commitment to investing $150 million in India to foster growth in the gaming and startup ecosystem.
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Real Money Gaming Key Revenue Driver In India’s Gaming Industry : Report
Inc42
·
1y ago
Medial
In FY22, real money gaming (RMG) accounted for 83-84% of the total revenue in the Indian gaming industry. Despite regulatory hurdles, the RMG sector attracts around 100 million online gamers daily, with 90 million of them paying to play. On average, users spend 8.5 hours per week on gaming. Additionally, the GST Council's decision to charge a 28% tax on entry fees has resulted in increased tax expenses for gaming startups.
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Google vs Indian startups row: its global implications
Livemint
·
1y ago
Medial
Google has suspended over 10 Indian apps with more than 100 million downloads due to non-payment of its Play Store service fee, which ranges from 11% to 30%. This could have a significant impact on the revenue of these startups, as the Play Store is their primary source of discovery and earnings. The startups argue that this fee amounts to market abuse, while Google claims it is not illegal and that the policy has always been clear. The resolution to this dispute is expected to come through the competition commission and the Supreme Court in India. The outcome could have implications for how anti-competition allegations are handled globally.
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RMG is dead; can India's game development startups step up?
Inc42
·
1y ago
Medial
India's game development startups are gaining attention from VCs and investors as they seek alternatives to the troubled real-money gaming sector. The recent tax action against real-money gaming platforms has disrupted the industry and led to closures and layoffs. Game development startups are facing challenges related to talent and high operational costs, which cannot be solved solely through VC funding. Startups are looking to nurture talent, improve government policies, and address the lack of resources and outdated syllabuses. VCs are cautious about investing in the game development space due to longer timelines for returns and the lack of precedents for success in India.
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Exclusive: Dream11 set to shut its core real-money gaming biz
Entrackr
·
9d ago
Medial
Exclusive: Dream11 set to shut its core real-money gaming biz “The decision was communicated during an internal town hall on Wednesday,” said one of the sources on condition of anonymity. “RMG contributes more than two-third of the company’s annual revenue.” Dream11 (Dream Sports) is winding down its real money gaming operations, sources aware of the development told Entrackr. The decision comes on the heels of the government’s recent Online Gaming Bill 2025. “The decision was communicated during an internal town hall on Wednesday,” said one of the sources on condition of anonymity. “RMG contributes more than two-third of the company’s annual revenue.” The landmark Bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, bans all forms of online games involving monetary stakes, including fantasy sports, poker, betting apps, and opinion trading platforms. The Bill also prohibits celebrity endorsements and makes violations a criminal offense, carrying imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rs 1 crore, with personal liability extended to company directors and promoters unless they can prove due diligence. According to sources, Dream11 will now shift focus to expanding its non-real-money gaming ventures such as Fancode, Sportz Drip (formerly Sports Rhythm), and its investments in Cricbuzz and Willow TV. “The firm is also likely to explore new game formats for overseas markets, similar to the strategy adopted by Mobile Premier League (MPL),” said a second source requesting anonymity. "The shutdown will also trigger severe cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs, as the RMG business employed the majority of the firm’s workforce,” the person added. Dream11 has declined to comment on the story. Dream11’s revenue from operations surged to Rs 6,384 crore in FY23 from Rs 3,841 crore in FY22. During the period, its profit also increased 32% to Rs 188 crore. It has yet to file its annual report for FY24 and FY25.
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ParkMate co-founder Dhananjaya on Indian vs Chinese Startups
Inshorts
·
4m ago
Medial
Dhananjaya Bharadwaj, Co-founder of ParkMate, challenges the perception that Indian startups only build delivery apps. He highlights innovations like EV tech (Ola Electric), fintech (PayTM), and space tech (Skyroot), contrasting them with China’s focus on consumer apps (Meituan, ByteDance) and betting platforms, sparking a debate on the real startup landscape.
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Google expands Play Store policy to allow real-money games beyond fantasy, rummy
Economic Times
·
1y ago
Medial
Google has announced that it will allow more real-money gambling (RMG) games on its Play Store, even those that do not comply with its policies. This decision comes as Google aims to tap into the lucrative online gaming market. However, the search giant has stressed that stringent safety checks and compliance requirements will still be in place to protect users from fraudulent or unregulated gambling apps.
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RMG Platform Zupee Joins Hands With ONDC To Fuel Growth Of Its Online Gaming Users
Inc42
·
11m ago
Medial
Zupee, an RMG platform, has joined forces with government-backed ONDC to extend the accessibility of its skill-based games to a wider audience. This collaboration allows Zupee to offer its popular Ludo game through the ONDC platform, enhancing user outreach and customer acquisition for both parties involved. The partnership aims to provide greater value to their expanding user base and foster growth in the online gaming industry.
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