In a dramatic turn of events, India’s online gaming world has been shaken to its core. Mobile Premier League (MPL), once a rising star in the gaming space and backed by cricket icon Virat Kohli, has announced massive layoffs—cutting 60% of its Indian workforce. Around 300 employees are being let go, and whispers suggest some divisions may face complete shutdowns.
The trigger? A sweeping new law—the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025—that bans all real-money gaming across the country. For MPL, whose fantasy sports and cash-based contests made up nearly half its revenue, the impact was immediate and brutal.
From Unicorn to Uncertain
MPL had once soared to a $2.3 billion valuation, boasting over 120 million users globally. But with real-money games like cricket, poker, and rummy now outlawed, the company’s core business has been wiped out. CEO Sai Srinivas expressed deep regret in an internal message, promising support for those affected—but the damage is done.
Now, MPL is pivoting hard. The focus shifts to free-to-play games and international markets like the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. It’s a survival strategy, but also a signal: the Indian gaming scene is entering a new era.
Industry-Wide Shake-Up
MPL isn’t alone. Dream11, India’s biggest fantasy sports platform, has also pulled the plug on paid cricket contests. Its parent company is diversifying fast—launching fintech apps like Dream Money and exploring new verticals in sports content and travel.
Other platforms—PokerBaazi, Zupee, My11Circle, and GamesKraft—have halted real-money operations. A23 is fighting back legally, but most are scrambling to adapt, betting on ad-driven models and global expansion.
A Billion-Dollar Blow
Between 2020 and 2022, India’s gaming sector attracted over $1 billion in investments, with projections soaring to ₹30,000 crore by 2029. That momentum has now hit a wall. Lawmakers cited addiction and financial risks as key reasons for the ban, especially among younger users.
For players, it means no more cash contests—only free games. Companies are racing to ensure wallet withdrawals and rework their platforms to stay compliant.
What’s Next? Reinvention or Retreat?
The layoffs at MPL are more than just numbers—they’re a wake-up call. Hundreds of skilled professionals now face uncertain futures. But in crisis, there’s also opportunity. As gaming firms pivot to esports, social play, and fintech, the next wave of innovation may already be brewing.
This moment marks a turning point. The Indian gaming industry must now prove its resilience—not just through flashy apps, but through bold reinvention. The game has changed. Now, it’s all about who adapts fastest.
