Company:Nazara Technologies

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Nazara Technologies
TypePublic
ISININE418L01021
Industry
Founded1999; 27 years ago (1999)
FounderNitish Mittersain
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra, India[1]
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
RevenueIncrease ₹1,138 crore (US$160 million) (FY24)[3]
Increase ₹89 crore (US$12 million) (FY24)[3]
Subsidiaries
Websitewww.nazara.com

Nazara Technologies is an Indian multinational technology company that has business interests in mobile games, esports, and sports media. It is based in Mumbai.

History

Nazara Technologies was founded by Nitish Mittersain in 1999 as an online gaming portal. In 2002, it switched to providing mobile entertainment VAS for telecom operators, including WAP content downloads of comic strips and mobile games.[4][5][6] Early likeness rights partnerships to deliver mobile content included those with Archie Comics,[7] Sachin Tendulkar,[8] MS Dhoni[9] and Cartoon Network.[10]

Nazara later expanded mobile games VAS into the Middle East and Africa, also becoming the licensed distributor of EA Mobile's games in these regions apart from South Asian countries.[11][12]

In 2015, Nazara obtained the license from Green Gold Animations to create mobile games based on Chhota Bheem animated television series.[13] In 2016, Nazara tied up with Indian comics company Amar Chitra Katha to develop mobile games on Tinkle characters like Shikari Shambu.[14]

In 2018, Nazara acquired a majority stake in Nextwave Multimedia, a Chennai-based mobile game developer known for World Cricket Championship titles.[15] It also acquired 55% stake in esports firm Nodwin Gaming.[16] Nazara was planning to go public in 2018 and had obtained approval from the market regulators, but halted the process.[17]

In 2019, Nazara Technologies purchased a 67% stake in Sportskeeda for ₹44 crore.[17] It acquired a 51% stake in Paper Boat Apps, the developer and publisher of gamified early learning app Kiddopia, for ₹83.5 crore in the same year.[18]

In March 2021, Nazara was listed on the NSE and BSE after its initial public offering.[19] Later the same year, it acquired the Hyderabad-based real-money gaming company OpenPlay for ₹186 crore.[20]

In 2022, Nazara acquired a 55% stake in Datawrkz, an advertising technology company based in Bangalore, for ₹124 crore.[21] Later that year, it bought out the US-based kids gaming company WildWorks for $10.4 million.[22]

In 2023, Nazara Technologies joined the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) as a principal member.[23] In 2024, Nazara acquired Comic Con India for ₹55 crore through its subsidiary Nodwin Gaming.[24]

On August 8, 2024, it had been announced that Nazara has acquired UK based Fusebox Games for $27.2 million. The company is known for making Love Island-themed games since 2018.[25]

In September 2024, Nazara Technologies acquired 47.7% stake in Moonshine Technology, the parent company of PokerBaazi for Rs 832 crore.[26]

In January 2025, Nazara Technologies bought two mobile games King of Thieves and Software:CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars from Zeptolab for USD 7.7 million.[27]

In May 2025, Nazara Technologies acquired Smaaash Entertainment, an arcade franchise from India, Smaash provides on-venue activities like bowling, go-karting, arcade gaming as well as dining and drinking.[28][29] Smaash has been rebranded as Zoreko.[30]

In May 2025, Nazara Technologies acquired British indie game publisher Curve Games, whose released titles include Software:Human: Fall Flat.[31]

Subsidiaries

Sportskeeda

File:Sportskeeda.svg
Sportskeeda logo

Sportskeeda is a global sports and esports media subsidiary of Nazara Technologies headquartered in Bangalore, India. It features news, articles, and live coverage of sports such as cricket, association football, American football, basketball, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling.[17][32]

In 2009, the company was founded by Porush Jain. After a few months, the company raised an undisclosed amount of funding from angel investors.[33] In 2011, an early stage venture capital funding company, Seedfund, invested ₹2.8 crore.[34]

In 2019, Nazara Technologies acquired a 67% stake in Sportskeeda for ₹44 crore, valuing Sportskeeda at ₹65 crore.[17] In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched two video series: Freehit and SKlive, featuring interviews with prominent sportspeople.[35]

In May 2022, Nazara set up its subsidiary Sportskeeda Inc. in Delaware, US.[36] In November 2022, Porush Jain resigned as CEO and Ajay Pratap Singh was promoted to take his place.[32]

In 2023, Sportskeeda acquired a 73.27% stake in Pro Football Network LLC, a US-based sports analysis website that covers the National Football League (NFL) and college football, for ₹16 crore (US$1.82 million).[37]

In 2024, Nazara Technologies further acquired 19.35 % for ₹145.5 crore in Absolute Sports, the parent company of Sportskeeda, increasing its total ownership to 91%.[38]

In 2025, Nazara Technologies acquired Curve Games, the parent company of Sportskeeda, 100% for ₹247 crore, increasing its total ownership to 100%.[39]

Games

References

  1. ↑ Khan, Taslima (22 December 2017). "For Nazara's IPO run, a long-haul horse". The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/people/for-nazaras-ipo-run-a-long-haul-horse/articleshow/62207750.cms. 
  2. ↑ "About - Nazara Technologies". https://www.nazara.com/about. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Nazara Technologies' Q4 profit shrinks to Rs 0.18 cr, revenue declines to Rs 266.2 cr". Moneycontrol. 25 May 2024. https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/nazara-technologies-q4-profit-shrinks-to-rs-0-18-cr-revenue-declines-to-rs-266-2-cr-article-12731783.html. 
  4. ↑ Talukdar, Tapash (23 January 2009). "Nazara: From gaming portal to mobile content". The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/nazara-from-gaming-portal-to-mobile-content/articleshow/4019339.cms. 
  5. ↑ Dash, Jayajit (22 September 2009). "Nazara plans new games for festive season". http://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/nazara-plans-new-games-for-festive-season-109092200036_1.html. 
  6. ↑ Chettri, Diwaskar (24 January 2010). "Updated: RCOM Launches Comics On Mobile For GSM". Medianama. https://www.medianama.com/2010/01/223-reliance-communication-launches-comics-on-mobile-gsm-only/. 
  7. ↑ "Nazara, Archie Comics tie up". The Economic Times. 1 March 2005. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nazara-archie-comics-tie-up/articleshow/1037024.cms. 
  8. ↑ Lohade, Nikhil (12 January 2005). "Catch Sachin on your cell" (in en). Rediff (Business Standard). https://www.rediff.com/money/report/sachin/20050112.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Nazara to distribute mobile content of 'Dhoni's liking'". Oneindia News. 24 February 2006. https://www.oneindia.com/2006/02/24/nazara-to-distribute-mobile-content-of-dhonis-liking-1140787781.html. 
  10. ↑ Chettri, Diwaskar (17 December 2009). "Comic VAS: Nazara Brings Cartoon Network To Mobiles". MEDIANAMA. https://www.medianama.com/2009/12/223-comic-vas-nazara-brings-cartoon-network-to-mobiles/. 
  11. ↑ "Nazara Extends Games Distribution Partnership With EA To The Middle East" (in en). Techcircle. 16 April 2012. https://www.techcircle.in/2012/04/16/nazara-extends-games-distribution-partnership-with-ea-to-the-middle-east. 
  12. ↑ "Nazara, EA sign distribution deal". ITWeb. 17 March 2014. https://www.itweb.co.za/article/nazara-ea-sign-distribution-deal/2JN1gP7OjX9vjL6m. 
  13. ↑ "Nazara creates gaming franchisee with 'Chota Bheem' owner; to invest $7.6M" (in en). Techcircle. 17 August 2015. https://www.techcircle.in/2015/08/17/nazara-creates-gaming-franchisee-with-chota-bheem-owner-to-invest-7-6m. 
  14. ↑ Ganguly, Shramana (19 January 2016). "Amar Chitra Katha ropes in Nazara Games to develop character- based mobile games". The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/amar-chitra-katha-ropes-in-nazara-games-to-develop-character-based-mobile-games/articleshow/50638932.cms. 
  15. ↑ "Gaming firm Nazara acquires majority stake in Chennai-based Nextwave" (in en). BusinessLine. 8 January 2018. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/gaming-firm-nazara-acquires-majority-stake-in-chennaibased-nextwave/article10020449.ece. 
  16. ↑ Malik, Yuvraj (24 January 2018). "Nazara acquires majority stake in NODWIN Gaming" (in en). mint. https://www.livemint.com/Companies/j6duyK7r4RlXNBfuydHUCK/Nazara-acquires-majority-stake-in-NODWIN-Gaming.html. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Gaming firm Nazara acquires Sportskeeda" (in en). 2019-08-21. https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/gaming-firm-nazara-acquires-sportskeeda/story-jXi2U3rOZsLfrKLRsgVH2L.html. 
  18. ↑ "Nazara acquires majority stake in Paper Boat Apps". The Times of India. 17 October 2019. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/nazara-acquires-majority-stake-in-paper-boat-apps/articleshow/71629399.cms. 
  19. ↑ "Nazara Technologies shares list at 81% premium over issue price; Jhunjhunwala stake valued at Rs 656 crore" (in en). The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/ipos/fpos/nazara-tech-shares-list-at-81-premium-over-issue-price-jhunjhunwala-stake-valued-at-rs-656-crore/articleshow/81753196.cms. 
  20. ↑ Sneha Shah (August 28, 2021). "Nazara Technologies acquires OpenPlay for Rs 186 crore". https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/nazara-technologies-acquires-openplay-for-rs-186-crore/articleshow/85689708.cms. 
  21. ↑ "Nazara acquires majority stake in Datawrkz for Rs 124 crore". The Economic Times. 18 January 2022. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/companies/nazara-acquires-majority-stake-in-datawrkz-for-rs-124-crore/articleshow/88968567.cms. 
  22. ↑ Vardhan, Gyan (30 August 2022). "Nazara acquires US-based gaming company WildWorks". Entrackr. https://entrackr.com/2022/08/nazara-acquires-us-based-gaming-company-wildworks/. 
  23. ↑ Teena Jose (May 17, 2023). "Nazara Technologies Joins All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF)" (in en-US). Entrepreneur India. https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/nazara-technologies-joins-all-india-gaming-federation-aigf/452311. 
  24. ↑ "Nazara Technologies to acquire Comic Con India via Nodwin Gaming". The Economic Times. 24 January 2024. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/nazara-technologies-to-acquire-comic-con-india-via-nodwin-gaming/articleshow/107098669.cms. 
  25. ↑ "Nazara buys UK's Fusebox Games in $27-million all-cash deal". The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/nazara-buys-uks-fusebox-games-in-27-million-all-cash-deal/articleshow/112375587.cms?from=mdr. 
  26. ↑ "Nazara Tech acquires 47.7% stake in PokerBaazi parent in Rs 832 crore deal". The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/nazara-picks-up-47-stake-in-pokerbaazi-parent-moonshine-for-rs-832-crore/articleshow/113311951.cms?from=mdr. 
  27. ↑ "Nazara Technologies Secures INR 495 Cr in Strategic Stake Sale, Eyes Global Expansion" (in en). 2025-01-21. https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/nazara-technologies-secures-inr-495-cr-in-strategic-stake/485835. 
  28. ↑ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/nazaras-resolution-plan-to-acquire-smaaash-gets-nclt-nod/articleshow/120970416.cms
  29. ↑ https://www.fortuneindia.com/markets/zerodhas-nikhil-kamath-backed-nazara-technologies-shares-rise-after-nclt-clears-smaaash-acquisition/122870
  30. ↑ https://www.afaqs.com/news/mktg/gaming-and-entertainment-center-smaaash-rebrands-itself-to-zoreko-original-gamers
  31. ↑ Scullion, Chris (2025-05-20). "Human Fall Flat publisher Curve Games has been acquired by Nazara Technologies for £21.6m" (in en-US). https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/human-fall-flat-publisher-curve-games-has-been-acquired-by-nazara-technologies-for-21-6m/. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 SN, Vikas (2022-11-16). "Nazara's Sportskeeda appoints Ajay Pratap Singh as CEO; founder Porush Jain resigns" (in en). https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/nazaras-sportskeeda-appoints-ajay-pratap-singh-as-ceo-founder-porush-jain-resigns-9549331.html. 
  33. ↑ Ghosh, Aparna (2014-08-20). "Online retail: Counting on sports lovers" (in en). https://www.livemint.com/Companies/PAvZ3lHzFtH6e97hAJ6hOK/Online-retail-Counting-on-sports-lovers.html. 
  34. ↑ N. Ramakrishnan (2012-09-23). "A social way of covering sports" (in en). https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/A-social-way-of-covering-sports/article20505160.ece. 
  35. ↑ Sabherwal, Simran (11 Sep 2020). "We want to be lean, yet grow fast: Porush Jain, Sportskeeda" (in en). https://www.exchange4media.com/marketing-news/we-want-to-be-lean-yet-grow-fast-porush-jain-sportskeeda-107512.html. 
  36. ↑ "Sportskeeda establishes an entity in the US; to invest USD 4 million into operations" (in en-US). 2022-05-27. https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/sportskeeda-establishes-an-entity-in-the-us-to-invest-usd-4-million-into-operations/973644/. 
  37. ↑ Gupta, Aryaman (2023-03-22). "Nazara arm Sportskeeda pays $1.8 mn for 73.27% stake in NFL-focused US firm" (in en-US). https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/sportskeeda-acquires-majority-stake-in-nfl-focused-us-firm-for-1-8-mn-123032201122_1.html. 
  38. ↑ "Nazara Technologies raises stake in Sportskeeda parent to over 90% with ₹145.5 crore deal - CNBC TV18" (in en). 2024-09-18. https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/nazara-technologies-buys-additional-19-4-stake-in-absolute-sports-for-rs-145-5-crore-19478681.htm. 
  39. ↑ "Nazara Tech bets on $100 billion console market with Curve Games acquisition - CNBC TV18" (in en). 2024-09-18. https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/nazara-tech-bets-on-dollar-100-billion-console-market-with-curve-games-acquisition-19607728.htm. 



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