India Games Showcase to Debut at Summer Game Fest, Spotlighting 40 Indie Titles on June 8

NODWIN Gaming and Nodding Heads Games today announced the launch of the inaugural India Games Showcase (IGS), a new digital showcase created to bring India's most promising indie games to a global audience. Premiering on June 8, the event will feature 40 curated titles through trailers, reveals, gameplay showcases and announcements, shining a spotlight on the creativity, ambition and diversity emerging from Indian game studios. 

The India Games Showcase is an official partner event of Summer Game Fest, the annual celebration of video games founded by Geoff Keighley that brings together players, developers and publishers from across the world for a weekend of major announcements and game discoveries. The showcase will also be accompanied by a dedicated Steam event, making it easier for players to discover, follow and wishlist participating games.

India's game development community has come a long way over the last decade. Today, developers across the country are creating original experiences that draw from a wide range of genres, artistic influences and storytelling traditions. Yet for many independent studios, reaching audiences beyond their home market remains a significant challenge. India Games Showcase was born from a simple idea: great games deserve to be seen. By creating a dedicated platform within one of gaming's biggest moments, the initiative aims to help Indian developers find new audiences, build global visibility and unlock new opportunities.

The showcase is spearheaded by Nodding Heads Games, the studio behind Raji: An Ancient Epic, a title that marked a turning point for Indian game development on the world stage, becoming the first Indian game to be nominated at The Game Awards in the Best Debut Game category, and winning multiple accolades globally.

NODWIN Gaming Co-founder and Managing Director Akshat Rathee shares–

There is a raw, untapped creative energy in the Indian indie ecosystem right now that is completely unique. We are seeing developers blend world-class mechanics with incredibly rich, localized storytelling that the global gaming community hasn't experienced before. We want to make sure that a brilliant game built in India doesn't just stay a local secret, but gets the global eyeballs, distribution, and recognition it rightfully deserves.

Nodding Heads Games Co-founder and Game Director Avichal Singh shares –

The debut of India Games Showcase proves that Indian indies are making strides as they arrive and make a presence internationally. The rise of quality and genre variety titles in recent years is very promising. Our partnership with the world’s biggest showcase, Summer Game Fest, is another mark of approval for the country. We’re excited for the times ahead.

The showcase is supported by a passionate community of Indian game developers who have volunteered their time and expertise to help build a platform dedicated to advancing the country's indie game ecosystem.

What games can we expect at the showcase?

Ahead of the showcase, India Games Showcase has revealed the first set of the 40 participating titles that will be featured during the June 8 broadcast.

1. Raahi by Kalp: Cruise through the heart of 1990s Goa as an auto-rickshaw driver collecting stories, secrets, and memories from every passenger.
2. Dodo Duckie by BornMonkie: A charming dimension-swapping puzzle adventure where a duck flips between 2D and 3D to rescue kidnapped chicken friends.
3. Loop : Beginning Of Never Ending Journey by Pravin Nikam: A surreal 2.5D adventure where a boy with amnesia journeys through a dreamlike world filled with mystery, puzzles, and unsettling twists.
4. Rakshasa by Odd Compass Studio: Battle through a dark mythological nightmare inspired by Indian folklore, where terrifying demons and brutal combat await at every turn.
5. Silkgrove by Gallic Entertainment: Build, explore, and survive in a beautifully handcrafted world where cozy village life meets mystery and adventure.

Event Details:

Date: 8th June 2026, Monday

Timings: 10 AM PT or 10:30 PM IST

Platforms:

• Youtube
• Twitch

If you are interested in streaming the event, please feel free to fill out our Co-Streamer and Media Sign-up Form.

NODWIN Gaming Reports INR 658 Cr Revenue in FY26, Delivers EBITDA Profitability and Accelerates IPO Readiness

NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in gaming, esports, and youth entertainment, announced its financial results for FY26, reporting consolidated revenues of INR 658 crore, representing a 25% organic year-on-year growth over FY25. The company also reported an EBITDA profit of INR 21 crore for FY26, compared to an EBITDA loss of INR 14 crore in FY25, marking a significant financial turnaround as it advances toward IPO readiness.

The improvement in profitability was driven by a combination of strategic portfolio restructuring, including the de-consolidation of loss-making subsidiary Freaks4U, alongside strong performance across NODWIN’s live events, content, and IP businesses.

NODWIN has continued to evolve its business model around two interconnected verticals: Live and Content. Its live business spans festivals, esports tournaments, fan conventions, and brand activations, while the content business includes broadcast, scripted, and digital programming. The company’s operating model is built around a flywheel where content drives fandom and community engagement, which in turn fuels monetisation opportunities across live experiences, partnerships, commerce, and new IP creation.

This integrated approach has helped NODWIN deepen engagement with youth audiences across emerging markets while building a diversified and scalable revenue engine.

The company remains focused on the Global South as its core execution market while continuing to generate revenue opportunities across international markets. Today, NODWIN operates through offices and partnerships spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

FY26 saw strong momentum across NODWIN’s flagship live entertainment portfolio. NH7 Weekender returned with a sold-out edition in Pune following its relaunch as the “Festival of India,” reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading music and youth culture IPs. Comic Con India also expanded significantly during the year, growing from eight to eleven cities, with new rollouts across Kochi, Guwahati, Gurugram, and Jaipur, in addition to newer expansions including Chennai and Pune.

Globally, NODWIN continued to deepen its esports and live entertainment footprint through initiatives including the Swahili Esports Champions 2026 in Uganda and the execution of Live Matters Hong Kong 2026. Further strengthening its position within the international esports ecosystem, NODWIN Gaming was also appointed as India’s official National Team Partner for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, where the company will be responsible for mobilising and managing the Indian contingent representing the country at the tournament.

The company also expanded its portfolio of gaming and entertainment partnerships during the year. Key developments included the launch of MLMS in partnership with MOBA Legends, the delivery of OMEN activations at CES 2026, and execution of the PUBG Mobile Club Open Eastern Europe 2026.

NODWIN’s strategic investments also began yielding larger ecosystem outcomes in FY26. Its investment in StarLadder contributed to the successful execution of the Counter-Strike Major in Budapest.

As part of its IPO preparedness journey, NODWIN has continued strengthening its institutional and leadership capabilities. Over the past year, the company brought in senior leadership and strategic expertise through the appointments of Manish Agarwal, Arnd Benninghoff, and Sidharth Kedia to support long-term growth, capital strategy, governance, and public market readiness.

The company is also currently engaged in discussions with strategic and financial investors as part of its ongoing capital raise initiatives aimed at supporting future expansion.

Alongside growth, NODWIN has continued focusing on balance sheet discipline and capital efficiency by actively divesting or impairing assets that are not expected to contribute meaningfully to long-term value creation.

Operationally, FY26 also marked a year of internal efficiency improvements. The company implemented a disciplined headcount strategy while continuing to scale output across business verticals. NODWIN also expanded its internal AI initiatives during the year, deploying over ten AI-led workflow tools across finance, HR, legal, sales, and production functions to improve execution speed and operational productivity.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming and an industry evangelist

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “This has been an important milestone year for NODWIN. As we prepare for scaling up globally and our potential IPO, we have focused on building a stronger and more efficient business. We continue to scale our presence across youth culture and live entertainment across our Content and Live business lines that span gaming, esports, music and future tech. We continue to believe the opportunity ahead lies in building a global youth entertainment company rooted in the global south and emerging markets, strong community engagement, diversified monetisation, and scalable cultural IPs.

As we continue strengthening our institutional structure and capital strategy, we remain focused on long-term value creation and will focus on organic and inorganic growth through deep Founder and Company integration across all we do. We pride ourselves on the fact that we retain our founders' post earnouts and the new missions they start help us grow organically globally.”

NODWIN Gaming continues to position itself as a leading youth entertainment infrastructure platform operating at the intersection of gaming, esports, creators, live experiences, and digital culture. With a growing international footprint and expanding portfolio of owned and operated IPs, the company remains focused on increasing its share of youth engagement across high-growth markets globally.

Tesla and NODWIN Unite for India’s Biggest Esports Showdown

• The association marks a defining moment for Indian esports, with Tesla Model Y cars set to be showcased at the grand finals of the country’s most-watched esports event from September 12 to 14

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, today announced a collaboration with American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla for the Grand Finals of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4. This is Tesla’s first-ever collaboration with an Indian esports tournament, marking a historic moment for the country’s esports industry.

The Grand Finals of BGMS Season 4 will be held from September 12 to 14, bringing together the top 16 teams in the country to compete in a high-octane LAN Final. Tesla, which recently entered the Indian market by opening experience centers in BKC, Mumbai, and Worldmark Aerocity, Delhi, will showcase one of the world’s best-selling cars, the redesigned Model Y, at the event, giving fans a firsthand look at one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. The Grand Finals will open with the Tesla Light Show, which has become a viral cultural phenomenon at global events over the years.

Both Tesla and NODWIN Gaming share a forward-looking identity of innovation, disruption, and technology leadership. Tesla’s integration of software, EV technology, and even gaming into its cars mirrors the digital-first mindset of esports. Collaborating with NODWIN Gaming for BGMS enables Tesla and NODWIN to mutually enhance their presence in India, engaging directly with a vibrant, youth-first community at the forefront of digital entertainment. As the only esports tournament in India broadcast on national television, the entire collaboration created unparalleled visibility among Gen Z and millennial audiences, highlighting the growing cultural and commercial significance of esports in the country.

“At NODWIN Gaming, every season of BGMS is about pushing boundaries, and this year we’re proud to have Tesla join the journey. Their association reflects how esports in India has grown into a mainstream cultural and commercial platform that forward-looking brands want to engage with. Together, we’re shaping how global brands and gaming communities connect, here in India and beyond. Collaborations like this show what’s possible when innovation and culture come together,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.

According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports in India is expected to grow from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, fueled by new titles, larger tournaments, and deeper engagement with youth audiences. Season 4 of BGMS is a testament to this surge, with a powerful line-up of partners including OnePlus as Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, Android as Co-Title Sponsor, and TVS Motor Company entering its third consecutive year. The tournament also features Red Bull, Duolingo English Test, Swiggy, and Bisleri, further proving the sector’s growing ability to attract marquee global and Indian brands.

The BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from September 12 to 14, airing during prime-time from 5 PM to 8 PM IST.

Sony LIV Secures Hindi & English Rights for Esports World Cup 2025 via NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading esports and gaming company, has announced that Sony LIV has acquired the Hindi and English language media rights for select matches of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, further amplifying the tournament’s reach and representation across India.

As part of the partnership, Sony LIV will stream select matches from the Esports World Cup in India, bringing the action to millions of fans in languages they resonate with. Coverage begins with Chess in Hindi on July 24, followed by a Hindi livestream of EWC matches starting July 25, featuring India’s BGMI team Aryan x TMG Gaming among others. Tekken 8 kicks off on August 13.

The Hindi-language broadcast will be available exclusively on the Sony LIV app and official website.

In addition, Sony LIV will also stream the weekly shows, behind-the-scenes features, and player interactions spotlighting EWC athletes and teams, curated for both core and casual esports audiences. This collaboration follows NODWIN Gaming’s recent partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights and regional distribution across South Asia.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Our goal is to bring the Esports World Cup to as many passionate fans across South Asia as possible, and this partnership with Sony LIV is a major step in that direction. It combines Sony LIV’s incredible reach with NODWIN’s focus on building localized, fan-first esports experiences. With both Hindi and premium English content, we are creating a viewing experience that feels personal, immersive, and truly regional.”

The Esports World Cup 2025, organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, featuring the world’s top esports clubs and players across multiple formats. With a record-breaking global prize pool of $70.45 million (over INR 600 crore) and an ever-expanding international audience, the tournament continues to raise the bar for competitive gaming worldwide.

With the addition of Sony LIV as the exclusive Hindi broadcast partner and NODWIN Gaming as the strategic regional media and marketing partner, the EWC is poised to reach unprecedented heights in South Asia. This aligns with the mission of making esports more inclusive, accessible and locally relevant.

The momentum in India is already building as the country gears up for its first-ever representation at the Esports World Cup. AxTMG were recently crowned BMPS 2025 champions, earning their place to represent the country at the Esports World Cup. In chess, Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi made history as the first Indian to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025 and will compete under the banner of global esports powerhouse Gen.G Esports. Joining him are Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa (India Rank: 1, World Rank: 4), Aravindh Chithambaram (India Rank: 4, World Rank: 11), Vidit Gujrathi (India Rank: 6, World Rank: 26) and Nihal Sarin (India Rank: 8, World Rank: 40), all representing the homegrown esports giant Team S8UL. Rising prodigy Aarav Dengla rounds out the contingent, making this India’s most formidable chess lineup ever on the global esports stage. 

With top-tier Indian talent competing across multiple titles, the Esports World Cup 2025 presents a unique opportunity to showcase India’s growing presence in global esports and to unite audiences around a shared national dream.

PublishMe Acquired By NODWIN Gaming’s Singapore Arm from Nazara Technologies

The Singapore subsidiary of NODWIN Gaming — South Asia’s leading gaming and esports media companies, a material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd (BSE: NAZARA), has acquired a 100% stake in game marketing agency PublishME for a sum of USD 2 mn from its existing shareholders Nazara Technologies Limited and Ozgur Ozalp.

The integration and acquisition of PublishME into NODWIN Gaming's global emerging market network are poised to enhance NODWIN Gaming’s existing solutions capabilities for publishers and brands alike. This acquisition will provide the essential tailwinds for NODWIN Gaming to drive its mission of leading the emerging market sports media landscape.

Commenting on the acquisition, Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming said, “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to PublishME as a valued addition to the NODWIN Gaming family. This strategic acquisition not only brings in a host of new opportunities but also paves the way for a multitude of fresh possibilities for us as a leading gaming and esports media company. As NODWIN Gaming continues to expand its presence across the globe, with particular emphasis on pivotal emerging markets the new BRICS global network. The inclusion of PublishME stands as a natural and integral progression to allow us to help Publishers and Brands understand and access this emerging market."

Nazara CEO Nitish Mittersain commented on the transaction “We see significant synergies between Nodwin Gaming and PublishME and this transaction will enable Nodwin to get a stronger foothold into the Middle East esports market. ”

PublishME is a gaming marketing agency with offices in Turkey and UAE. It excels in crafting engaging and effective communications to connect brands with gamers. It offers Game Launch plans, social media management, sponsorship, and activations to its partners. The agency’s expertise in navigating the Middle East and Turkish markets, combined with NODWIN Gaming's robust relationships with publishers and brands, as well as their ability to create world-class esports events and secure media rights opportunities, forges a remarkable synergy creating exceptional value for the entire ecosystem.

PublishME will also rename itself to NODWIN Gaming in the Middle East but retain the PublishME name in its original market in Turkey. PublishME founder Ozgur Ozalp will also transition over to NODWIN Gaming as the CEO of NODWIN Gaming Dubai.