Hope we all know what PUBG is about? PUBG: Battlegrounds, developed by Krafton, is one of the most influential games in the battle royale genre. Launched in 2017, it set the stage for the popularity of competitive online multiplayer games, allowing millions of players around the world to join intense, action packed matches. But, as impressive as PUBG’s success has been, Krafton is now setting its sights on broader horizons, investing over $136 million this year in more than a dozen promising game studios.
A Quick Look at Krafton’s Success with PUBG
For those who may not be familiar, PUBG is a player versus player shooter where up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing on an ever shrinking map. The game was groundbreaking for its realism and scale, taking the battle royale concept to a level that captivated gamers globally. In fact, PUBG and the likes of Call of Duty Mobile helped popularize the genre and laid the groundwork for other massive hits like Fortnite and Apex Legends. It’s no surprise that PUBG’s success has made Krafton one of the most prominent game developers in the world.
But while PUBG remains a cornerstone of the company’s portfolio, Krafton’s ambitions go far beyond just battle royale. The company has seen the future, and it’s clear that innovation in gaming is where the next big opportunities lie. With this mindset, Krafton is shifting its focus to investing in new game studios and exploring emerging trends in gaming.
The Strategic Shift: Investing $136 Million in New Studios
In 2025, Krafton plans to invest over $136 million in more than a dozen gaming studios globally. This move signals a bold step toward diversifying its gaming portfolio, with an eye on future growth. But what’s driving this investment spree, and what does it mean for the gaming industry?
Krafton is aiming to identify studios that are creating innovative, genre defining games. Their investment strategy has been methodical. they’ve reviewed over 1,000 game studios to find those that show promise and align with Krafton’s vision of pushing boundaries. This is not just about securing revenue through existing titles but about betting on the next big thing in gaming.
Recent Acquisitions and Partnerships
Krafton has already begun making its mark with a series of recent investments in high potential gaming companies.
Among these is EF Games, a Madrid based studio known for its work on competitive multiplayer games. By investing in EF Games, Krafton is positioning itself to expand into new genres and further diversify its offerings.
Another notable acquisition is Tango Gameworks, a Japanese studio famous for its Hi-Fi Rush title. Tango was recently saved from potential closure by Krafton, allowing the studio to continue working on the Hi-Fi Rush IP and future projects. This investment also strengthens Krafton’s portfolio, giving them a foothold in the single player adventure genre, a departure from their usual focus on multiplayer shooters.
Other acquisitions include Ruckus Games and Wolf Haus Games, studios that are gaining attention for their creative takes on game development. These studios, among others, show that Krafton is committed to supporting a variety of game styles and exploring different gaming niches.