Gaming firm Nazara Technologies announces $100M investment plan for merger and acquisition

Nazara Technologies, India's first publicly-listed gaming company, has unveiled plans to invest $100 million in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) over the next 24 months.

The company said the investment will bolster its global footprint, focusing on the gaming, esports, and adtech sectors. With a keen eye on established gaming IPs and studios and emerging technologies like Web3, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, Nazara is set to enhance its portfolio and technological capabilities.

The development comes after the company raised Rs 760 crore via a preferential allotment that attracted marquee investors such as Nikhil Kamath, ICICI Prudential MF and Plutus Wealth Management, among others.

Targeted investment areas 

The company's investment strategy is not just broad but targeted, emphasizing the acquisition of gaming studios worldwide. "We are particularly focused on investing in and acquiring gaming studios globally with a specific focus on India’s 500 million gamers as well as the large North American market," said Nitish Mittersain, founder of Nazara Technologies. 

Strategic focus on diverse gaming ecosystem

Nazara operates across various gaming and esports domains, including popular platforms like the World Cricket Championship, Kiddopia, and Nodwin Gaming. 

The company's decentralized model has been pivotal in scaling these platforms, allowing them to operate autonomously while contributing to Nazara's overall growth. Mittersain highlighted the success of this model, particularly in the post-acquisition growth of entities like Kiddopia and Nodwin Gaming.

"Our unique decentralised model allows these businesses to operate autonomously by strong management and provides us with significant bandwidth to scale the platform we have created," Mittersain added.

Venturing into gaming-focused adtech companies

Besides expanding its gaming and esports portfolio, Nazara Technologies is also venturing into gaming-focused adtech companies and media buying agencies. 

The diversified approach aims to deepen the company's market penetration in developed regions, ensuring a healthier, stronger business with robust cash flows. Additionally, Nazara's publishing unit, launched to capitalize on India's potential as a global gaming hub, plans to introduce up to 20 games across various platforms, further solidifying its position in the gaming industry.