The Indian government’s sudden ban on paid online games has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. The move, aimed at curbing youth addiction, financial losses, and gambling-like behaviour, has forced popular platforms offering Fantasy Cricket, Rummy, and Poker to shut down in the country. The sector, once projected to grow to USD 3.6 billion by 2029, is now facing an uncertain future.
Mobile Premier League (MPL), a Bengaluru-based gaming unicorn, has announced that it will lay off 60 per cent of its workforce in India, affecting around 300 employees. CEO and co-founder Sai Srinivas informed staff through an email, noting that India contributed nearly half of MPL’s revenues, but the ban has resulted in “zero revenue from India in the near future.” The layoffs will impact departments across the company, including marketing, engineering, finance, operations, and legal. Srinivas added that MPL will provide support to employees during the transition.
The ban has also impacted other major players in the industry. Dream11, valued at USD 8 billion, suspended its fantasy cricket operations last week, while several poker and rummy platforms have gone offline. Some companies argue that fantasy sports are based on skill and should not be equated with gambling. Gaming platform A23 has already filed a legal challenge against the government’s decision, becoming the first to contest the ban.
Once valued at USD 2.3 billion, MPL had generated about USD 100 million in India in 2023. With domestic operations now halted, the company is expected to shift its focus to international markets. MPL continues to operate free-to-play titles in Europe and runs paid gaming services in the United States and Brazil.
The industry, already reeling from the sudden policy shift, is waiting to see how the legal and regulatory battles unfold and whether the sector can find a path forward.
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