Krafton games just secured a game-changing victory in mobile cricket by acquiring majority control of Nautilus Mobile, and Real Cricket is about to get a complete transformation. The BGMI publisher grabbed a 75% stake in the Pune-based studio back in March 2025, and now the real fireworks begin with an overhauled battle pass system that’s set to reshape how millions of cricket fans engage with their favorite mobile game.
🔥 Quick Facts
- $14 million acquisition for 75% stake in Nautilus Mobile marks Krafton’s first majority control deal in India
- Real Cricket 24 relaunched on December 10, 2025 with brand-new RC Pass system and real-world rewards
- New 30-day progression system with exclusive unlocks, official IPL team licenses, and motion-captured animations arriving now
- Krafton India now controls publishing and live operations, signaling aggressive expansion into cricket gaming
Krafton Games Makes Bold India Play With Nautilus Acquisition
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Krafton, the South Korean gaming giant behind PUBG and Subnautica 2, didn’t just invest in Nautilus Mobile—it took complete control of India’s biggest mobile cricket franchise. The $14 million acquisition closed in March 2025, but the real impact is hitting now as Krafton India assumes full publishing duties for Real Cricket.
This move signals Krafton’s commitment to dominating the cricket gaming space, which has explosive growth potential in India where cricket isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The acquisition gives Krafton direct access to millions of daily active players who’ve made Real Cricket one of Asia’s leading mobile cricket titles.
Real Cricket Gets the Krafton Makeover It Deserves
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Real Cricket is no longer just a game update away from becoming something special. Under Krafton’s stewardship, the December 2025 relaunch introduces features that bring authentic sports game design to mobile cricket. The new RC Pass works as a 30-day seasonal progression system that gives players concrete goals beyond just grinding wins.
Players will unlock exclusive skins, boosts, in-game currency, and seasonal bonuses by completing RC Pass challenges. The Real Rewards T20 Series lets competitive players convert in-game achievements into tangible rewards, creating a bridge between casual fun and serious gaming. These changes transform Real Cricket from a standard mobile sports sim into a next-generation live service that competes with games from major publishers.
Battle Pass Overhaul Brings Enterprise-Level Features to Cricket Gaming
| Feature | Details |
| RC Pass System | 30-day progression with seasonal challenges and exclusive unlocks |
| IPL Licensing | Official Indian Premier League team rosters and uniforms |
| Visual Upgrades | Motion-captured animations and enhanced graphics quality |
| Audio Features | New Hindi commentary alongside existing language options |
| Monetization | Real Rewards T20 Series for competitive earnings |
The battle pass redesign makes navigation intuitive—a dedicated tab on the main garage eliminates menu hunting. Better battle pass visibility through seasonal pop-ups ensures players don’t miss limited-time content. These quality-of-life improvements might sound minor, but they’re the difference between players engaged for weeks versus those who abandon after a few sessions.
Krafton’s approach mirrors successful live service games like PUBG: Battlegrounds, bringing proven monetization and engagement mechanics from competitive multiplayer shooters into cricket gaming. This expertise is exactly what Nautilus Mobile needed to scale Real Cricket globally.
What This Means for Cricket Gaming’s Future Landscape
Real Cricket wasn’t struggling before Krafton took over—it had built an audience of millions across Android and iOS. But Krafton is bringing resources that can elevate it into genuine competition with premium console and PC sports titles. The studio gets access to Krafton’s global publishing network, live operations expertise, and investment capital for continuous content updates.
The Real Rewards T20 Series represents something even larger: bridging the gap between casual mobile gaming and esports. Players who excel in competitive modes can earn real prizes, creating incentive structures that keep engagement high throughout each season. This model has proven wildly successful in mobile titles like Free Fire and PUBG Mobile, and Krafton is bringing that proven playbook to cricket.
Will This Relaunch Make Real Cricket the Cricket Game That Breaks Through Globally?
Real Cricket has always had advantages—authentic gameplay, strategic depth, and passionate fanbase. What it lacked was the publishing horsepower and continuous investment cycle that separates mega-hits from regional successes. With Krafton India now controlling publishing, distribution, and live operations, Real Cricket has the infrastructure to compete internationally.
The December 2025 relaunch with RC Pass, real rewards, and official IPL licensing isn’t just an update—it’s a declaration that Krafton sees cricket gaming as core to its growth strategy. Whether this momentum translates to global dominance or strengthens its India-focused success remains to be seen, but the acquisition and aggressive updates suggest Krafton is betting big on making Real Cricket a franchise-level title for the next decade.
Sources
- India Today – Krafton’s acquisition announcement and Real Cricket updates
- Times of India – RC Pass features and battle pass redesign details
- Economic Times – Transaction value and stake acquisition details
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.