GamesKraft Layoffs

India's new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act of 2025, which effectively banned real-money gaming, forced Bengaluru-based GamesKraft to eliminate more than 280 additional employees in November 2025, bringing cumulative job losses at the company to over 400 since the law took effect. GamesKraft, which operated platforms including RummyCulture and LudoCulture, said the cuts were driven by "business continuity considerations" following "a fundamental shift in the operating environment for real money gaming companies." Employees across teams and functions were affected. The company, which had previously employed roughly 600 people, offered laid-off workers one month's salary for each completed year of service (capped at three months), notice pay, leave encashment, extended insurance, placement assistance, and waivers on joining bonus and relocation cost recovery.

Reason: India's Online Gaming Act 2025 effectively banned real-money gaming

Source: inc42.com

GamesKraft laid off 120 employees in September 2025 after India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned real-money gaming and effectively forced the Bengaluru startup to halt core operations. Founder and CEO Prithvi Singh called it "one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskraft's journey," adding: "It is with a heavy heart that we part ways with some of our colleagues." The company was already under pressure before the ban, having paused its poker platform Pocket52 in May 2024 following a 28% GST hike on bet face value and written off Rs 270 crore in FY25. Affected workers received extended health insurance through March 2026, wellness services until May 2026, and outplacement support. GamesKraft joins Games24x7, MPL, Zupee, and others that shed staff after the same legislation.

Reason: India's real-money gaming ban (Online Gaming Act 2025)

Source: inc42.com