Lead - Licensing & Partnerships

Описание вакансии

[ WHO WE ARE ]

Based out of South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is committed to discovering and globally publishing games that

deliver a uniquely fun experience with global production studios known for distinctive creatives. Founded in

2007, KRAFTON consists of PUBG STUDIOS, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, Striking Distance Studios,

Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds, 5minlab, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio and ReLU Games, each

trying to innovate the enjoyment of games through continuously embracing challenges and new

technologies, expanding our platforms and services to win the hearts of more fans.

KRAFTON India has established itself as a trailblazer in the gaming industry, driven by its unwavering

commitment to delivering distinctive and enjoyable gaming experiences. At the heart of KRAFTON India's

success lies a deep understanding of the Indian gaming community.

The company takes immense pride in its premier entertainment properties, which include highly popular

titles like BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), CookieRun India, Road To Valor: Empires, Defense Derby,

and New State Mobile. These games have not only captured the hearts of Indian players but have also played

a pivotal role in fostering a thriving e-sports ecosystem in the country.

With a focus on India, KRAFTON is dedicated to nurturing the gaming and start-up ecosystem. In line with

this commitment, KRAFTON initiated the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) in October 2023. KIGI aims

to support 6-10 teams annually, with program durations ranging from six months to one year. Additionally,

KRAFTON India has invested over $150 million in the Indian market in the past two years. It has committed

an additional $150 million to the Indian start-up ecosystem over the next three years.

Nautilus Mobile is an Indian game development studio based in Pune, known for building Real Cricket —

India’s most popular mobile cricket gaming franchise. Founded in 2013, the studio has consistently delivered

authentic, high-quality cricket simulation experiences to millions of players across India and beyond. Its

successful titles include Real Cricket 24, Real Cricket 22, Real Cricket GO, and the legacy favourite Real Cricket

Premier League. In April 2025, KRAFTON acquired a majority stake in Nautilus Mobile. This investment

reflects its commitment to unlocking opportunities for Indian game developers and supporting the growth of

India’s gaming ecosystem. Through this partnership, Nautilus Mobile continues to innovate at the

intersection of sport and gaming, shaping the future of interactive cricket entertainment.

[ ABOUT THE ROLE ]

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated professional to lead our licensing and partnership efforts

related to the cricket ecosystem in India, with potential to expand into broader regional and global cricket

gaming rights. This individual will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing licensing

opportunities ranging from smaller, tactical agreements to complex multi-party, multi-regional deals. The

pivotal to building a differentiated and authentic cricket gaming experience.

[ RESPONSIBILITIES ]

• Own end-to-end responsibility for licensing and partnership activities related to cricket teams,
• leagues, players, stadiums, and associated IPs.
• Identify, assess, and negotiate licensing opportunities in alignment with the company’s business
• and product goals.
• Drive and close deals with a wide range of stakeholders including cricket boards, clubs, players’
• associations, sports agencies, and rights holders.
• Build and nurture long-term strategic relationships across the cricketing ecosystem in India and
• beyond.
• Provide strategic insights on cricket licensing trends, competitive landscape, and market dynamics.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, legal, marketing, and publishing teams to align on deal
• terms and execution plans.
• Maintain an up-to-date repository of licensing agreements, rights coverage, and performance metrics.

[ REQUIREMENTS ]

• Minimum 10 years of experience in licensing, partnerships, or rights management within the gaming,
• sports, or entertainment industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing end-to-end licensing deals – from identification and evaluation
• to negotiation and closure.
• Strong understanding of the cricket landscape in India, including key stakeholders, regulatory bodies,
• and media rights.
• Proven track record of developing long-term strategic partnerships in a highly dynamic and
• competitive environment.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Deep business acumen with the ability to align licensing strategy with company goals.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to build and sustain long-term relationships with cricket
• boards, clubs, sports agencies, and rights holders

[ PREFERRED ]

• Prior experience working directly with cricket boards or associations.
• Background in video game publishing or mobile game licensing, particularly in the sports or cricket
• genre.
• Understanding of IP law and licensing frameworks in gaming and sports media.