LightFury Games Secures $11 Million Funding
Game-tech startup LightFury Games has raised $11 million (₹103 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round, led by:
- Blume Ventures
- V3 Ventures
- MIXI
- Times Internet
The round also saw participation from prominent Indian cricketers including:
- MS Dhoni
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shreyas Iyer
This strong backing highlights growing investor interest in India’s gaming ecosystem.
Focus on AAA Mobile Gaming Experience
Founded in 2024 by Karan Shroff, Anurag Banerjee, and Tina Balachandran, LightFury Games is building AAA-quality mobile gaming experiences.
The startup aims to bridge the gap between console-quality gaming and mobile platforms.
Flagship Game: eCricket
The funding will primarily be used to complete development of its flagship title, eCricket, and build its live operations infrastructure.
Key Features of eCricket:
- Built on Unreal Engine 5
- Tactical batting and bowling systems
- Physics-driven gameplay
- AI-powered commentary
- Broadcast-style presentation
The game is expected to launch in 2026 for mobile platforms.
Global Player Licensing
LightFury Games has secured rights for over 600 professional cricketers, including:
- Chris Gayle
- Joe Root
- Ben Stokes
- Kane Williamson
- Pat Cummins
This extensive roster aims to deliver a realistic and globally appealing cricket experience.
Monetisation Strategy
eCricket will follow a free-to-play model, with monetisation through:
- In-app purchases
- Player cards
- Cosmetic upgrades
- Stadium enhancements
- Season passes
Importantly, the game will not include real-money gaming elements, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Building Live Gaming Infrastructure
Beyond game development, LightFury plans to invest in:
- Post-launch content pipelines
- Live operations systems
- Continuous player engagement features
This approach aligns with modern gaming trends where ongoing updates and live content drive long-term user retention.
India’s Growing Gaming Market
India’s gaming industry is witnessing rapid growth, driven by:
- Increasing smartphone penetration
- Affordable internet access
- Rising demand for high-quality games
The shift toward AAA mobile gaming experiences represents the next phase of evolution in the market.
Final Thoughts
LightFury Games’ $11 million funding round marks a significant step toward building premium mobile gaming experiences from India for a global audience.
With strong investor backing, licensed players, and advanced game development technology, eCricket has the potential to redefine cricket gaming on mobile platforms.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, startups like LightFury are positioning themselves at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and global scale.
