LVL Zero Unveils First Cohort of 10 Gaming Startups

• Cohort spans PC, console, and mobile titles across genres, highlighting rising indie ambition, narrative storytelling, and global-first product thinking

LVL Zero, India’s first-of-its-kind gaming incubator backed by MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and ChimeraVC, announced the selection of 10 startups for its inaugural cohort. Chosen from over 240 applications, the cohort represents a new generation of Indian game developers building for global audiences across PC, console, and mobile platforms.

Selected Startups

• Arckon Arts
• Impulse Mechanics
• Kalp Studio
• Kyrel Games
• Prescription Studios
• Rudrac Games
• Trojan Productions
• Wrought Studio
• Xigma Games
• YK Game Studio

Collectively, these startups reflect the evolving shape of India’s gaming ecosystem, with teams ranging from solo developers to studios of up to 5 team members, and projects across strategy, narrative, puzzle, simulation, and horror genres.

A New Generation of Indian Game Developers

LVL Zero's First Cohort Winners

The cohort highlights a clear shift in Indian game development from mobile-first, services-led work to original IP creation with global ambition. Eight out of the ten selected startups are building for PC and console platforms, signalling a growing push toward premium, high-production-value experiences.

Examples include Metal Haven by Xigma Games, a mid-core 4X strategy title, and Raahi by Kalp Studio, a culturally rooted slice-of-life experience set in a 1990s Goa-inspired town.

Narrative-driven titles such as PHi: The Broken Strings by Kyrel Games and Last Day Lockdown by Wrought Studio reflect a rising focus on emotionally resonant storytelling, while experimental concepts like Chiklet’s Human Products by YK Game Studio highlight unconventional survival mechanics.

(L-R) - Tomoharu Urabe, Managing Director of Investments at MIXI Global Investments, Inc., Deepak MV, Head of Strategy, Nazara 

Diverse Stages, Unified Ambition

• One live product already in the market
• Two titles in beta or soft-launch
• Five in alpha with playable builds or demos
• Early-stage and prototype products under active development

This diversity underscores LVL Zero’s focus on supporting startups across stages while addressing a critical industry gap, helping teams transition from early prototypes to market-ready products.

India’s Cultural Identity Meets Global Design

Several startups in the cohort are incorporating Indian themes, cultural elements, and storytelling into their games, not as a niche, but as a global differentiator. Titles like Raahi and Twin Flames draw from Indian settings, mythology, and philosophy to create experiences designed for international audiences.

Inside the 100-Day Incubation Program

Each selected startup will receive an equity-free grant of USD 10,000, along with access to LVL Zero’s structured 100-day incubation program.

• Ignition (Days 1–15): Define milestones, align with mentors, set execution goals
• Core Build (Days 16–70): Sprint-based development cycles focused on iteration, testing, validation
• Market Readiness (Days 71–100): Go-to-market planning, publisher outreach, investor readiness

Beyond Capital: Building for Scale

In addition to funding, LVL Zero provides:

• Dedicated mentorship from 28+ global industry experts
• Publisher access across PC, console, and mobile ecosystems
• QA and Global Playtesting support
• Investor readiness and fundraising guidance
• Ecosystem access across Nazara Technologies, MIXI Global Investments, and ChimeraVC networks

Industry Voices

Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at Chimera VC: “LVL Zero was built to address a structural gap in the ecosystem where access to capital, distribution, knowledge, and talent existed, but lacked integration. What we’re seeing with this inaugural cohort is a strong validation of that thesis.”

Deepak MV, Head of Strategy, Nazara Technologies: “What’s exciting about this cohort is the clear shift toward original IP and global product thinking. Indian developers are increasingly moving beyond building for just the domestic market.”

Tomoharu Urabe, Managing Director of Investments at MIXI Global Investments: “This cohort represents a new generation of Indian founders who are ready to think and build beyond geographical boundaries. The diversity of ideas and emphasis on design and storytelling is encouraging.”

Strengthening India’s Position in Global Game Development

With its inaugural cohort, LVL Zero aims to play a catalytic role in shaping India’s next generation of game studios, building original IP and competing in global markets from day one.

About LVL Zero

LVL Zero is a first-of-its-kind gaming incubator created by ChimeraVC in partnership with MIXI Global Investments and Nazara Technologies. Headquartered in Bangalore, LVL Zero supports early-stage gaming startups through equity-free grants, mentorship, and access to publishing, distribution, and investor networks.

About MIXI Global Investments, Inc.

MIXI Global Investments (MGI) is the corporate venture capital arm of MIXI, Inc., based in Tokyo and known for its popular mobile game IPs and community-focused live operations.

About Nazara Technologies

Nazara Technologies is India’s only publicly listed gaming company, with businesses across Blue Tile, Curve Games, Kiddopia, Animal Jam, Fusebox Games, World Cricket Championship, Sportskeeda, and more. Website: www.nazara.com

About Chimera VC

ChimeraVC is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on India’s gaming and interactive entertainment ecosystem, backing founders in gaming, tools, and infrastructure.