India’s real money gaming industry continues to reel from the shock of the new Online Gaming Act, 2025. Bengaluru-based Gameskraft is the latest to announce job cuts, laying off around 120 employees.
The law, which bans all online games involving monetary stakes while recognising esports as an official sport, has forced several companies to restructure their operations.
Gameskraft, known for platforms such as Rummyculture and Pocket52, was directly impacted as these services were shut or suspended. The company said the layoffs were unavoidable after its business model was rendered illegal under the new regulations. The cuts affected teams across operations, technology, marketing, finance and customer support.
To cushion the blow, Gameskraft has offered severance pay, leave encashment, and extended health insurance until March 2026 or until employees secure new jobs. Workers also have the option to convert group health coverage into individual policies, ensuring continued medical protection during the transition.
The layoffs are part of a wider trend in the sector. Industry estimates suggest nearly 2,000 jobs have already been lost since the ban came into effect. Major players such as MPL, Zupee, and Games24x7 have also trimmed their workforces, while smaller startups have shut down operations altogether.
While the move has sparked optimism for the growth of esports, it has left thousands of employees and entrepreneurs grappling with sudden career disruptions in one of India’s digital industries.
