By Bl Bengaluru Bureau

Copyright thehindubusinessline

Real-money gaming company Gameskraft is laying off around 120 employees, as the company battles with the aftermath of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 due to ban on real-money games.

This also comes at a time when the company’s is battling crisis as the former CFO Ramesh Prabhu who has allegedly siphoned off funds amounting to ₹270.43 crore over nearly five years.

“This has been one of the most difficult decisions in Gameskraft’s journey,” said Founder and CEO Prithvi Singh. “While this step is driven entirely by the external environment and the need to adapt to a new reality, it in no way reflects on their talent or dedication. Our respect for our people remains unchanged, and we will try our best to support them as they transition into their next chapters.”

The layoffs span multiple teams and functions, and Singh acknowledged that further structural changes may be required as the sector adjusts to regulatory uncertainty.

Founded in 2017, Bengaluru-based Gameskraft was one of the country’s largest online skill-based gaming companies, offering titles across card games, casual formats and real-money gaming platforms. The sudden business suspension highlights the existential challenges facing such platforms as they grapple with heightened compliance obligations, taxation changes and tighter oversight.

Support package

In keeping with its “people-first” approach, the company has rolled out a support package for affected staff. This includes extended medical insurance until March 2026, continuation of wellness and health services until May 2026, and the option to convert group policies into individual covers. Impacted employees will also get leave encashment based on total salary, priority consideration in future hiring and outplacement support, including referrals and recommendation letters.

Gameskraft said it remains committed to adapting to the evolving environment and will focus on building a sustainable, innovation-first organisation. However, the developments mark one of the most visible consequences of the new gaming law, which has pushed several real-money gaming players into uncharted territory.

Published on September 18, 2025