New Delhi: India’s gaming startup ecosystem just got a major boost. MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and ChimeraVC have teamed up to launch LVL Zero, a new incubator designed to help Indian gaming startups move from early ideas to investor and publisher readiness, all in just 100 days. The initiative, supported by Google Play as Knowledge Partner, offers mentorship, guidance, and technical resources to help creators scale their games faster.
The incubator arrives at a time when India’s gaming base is exploding, with more than 16 crore players as of 2025, projected to reach nearly 25 crore by 2027. Yet, very few Indian studios have transitioned to sustainable global operations. LVL Zero wants to change that by supporting more than 100 high-performing startups over the next five years.
A 100-day sprint for India’s gaming startups
LVL Zero will provide a USD 10,000 (₹8.7 lakh) equity-free grant to 10 selected startups per cohort, alongside mentorship, publishing access, and global exposure. Startups will go through a three-phase, 100-day program that focuses on product quality, analytics, and scalability. Each participant will work with mentors specialising in design, live operations, monetisation, and business strategy.
The program ends with a Demo Day, where developers pitch their games to publishers and investors. “LVL Zero allows us to start even earlier, at the stage where belief forms before traction,” said Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at Chimera VC. He explained that the initiative gives founders a chance to “meet conviction first,” long before they enter the traditional investor pipeline.
Backed by big names in the gaming world
The incubator’s structure is supported by some of the most influential names in the gaming industry. Nazara Technologies, India’s only publicly listed gaming company, brings its publishing experience and global reach. “India’s gaming story will be written by its startups,” said Nitish Mittersain, Joint MD and CEO of Nazara Technologies. “This collaboration allows us to bring analytics insights and go-to-market knowledge directly to developers who are ready to take the next leap.”
Tokyo-based MIXI Global Investments, known for popular mobile IPs and community-based gaming, adds global expertise and cross-market support. MIXI’s Managing Director of Investments, Tomoharu Urabe, said the company aims to “build a lasting bridge between Japan and India’s gaming industries,” while supporting local developers to engage with international audiences.
As Knowledge Partner, Google Play will offer technical mentorship and guidance on developer growth, helping studios improve discovery, retention, and monetisation.
Building India’s gaming future
LVL Zero’s mission goes beyond just financial support. The framework focuses on helping studios think long-term and build games that meet international standards. Each team will have checkpoints and data reviews throughout the 100-day sprint to ensure progress. After completion, they’ll remain connected to LVL Zero’s ecosystem for continued mentorship and funding introductions.
The launch of LVL Zero comes at a pivotal moment for Indian gaming, where cheap smartphones, better connectivity, and a growing appetite for interactive entertainment have made gaming a mainstream career path. The incubator’s blend of mentorship, funding, and publishing access could help local creators move beyond prototypes and make their mark globally.
If successful, the program could strengthen India’s position as a creative force in global gaming, improving investor confidence and paving the way for the next generation of studios to thrive.