One of India’s largest mobile games publishers Nazara Technologies has acquired a 55 per cent stake in esports firm Nodwin Gaming.

Also based in India, Nodwin - which is a 50:50 venture between Akshat Rathee, Gautam Virk and Jetsynthesis - has worked on developing an ecosystem in the country to enable competitive online and offline gaming. The company has existing partnerships with the likes of ESL, Valve and many more.

Compatible ambitions

Nazara had previously pledged to invest $20 million in the esports space. It hopes to use that investment to build IP in the sector with Nodwin in emerging markets across disciplines such as soccer, cricket and other traditional sports.

The cost of the Nodwin deal was not disclosed.

"Through this acquisition we aim to provide Indian esports enthusiasts a robust player and community-orientated esports ecosystem, in which players can thrive, improve their skills and become top competitors at an international level,” said Nazara CEO Manish Agarwal.

Nodwin Gaming CEO Akshat Rathee added: “Esports is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. This acquisition by Nazara Games adds to the credibility of Nodwin and opens up a wide vista of opportunities for Indian esports players to build careers domestically and internationally.

"It strengthens our ability to provide our key stakeholders better experiences and bigger opportunities to engage with our community.”