Afsar Ahmad and Govind Agarwal: The IIT Graduates Behind India’s Mobile Gaming Success Story

In a world where mobile gaming has captured the hearts and screens of millions, two enterprising IIT graduates, Afsar Ahmad and Govind Agarwal, have been at the forefront of this revolution. Co-founders of Gameberry Labs, the duo has made a significant mark in the mobile gaming industry with their popular games, Ludo Star and Parchisi Star. Afsar Ahmad and Govind Agarwal’s journey into the mobile gaming world began during their time at IIT-Kharagpur. With a shared passion for creating engaging and timeless mobile games, they set out to develop games that would resonate with players of all ages. Their vision was clear: they aimed to build games that people would cherish and grow old with.

Their entrepreneurial journey commenced in 2017 when they founded Gameberry Labs. Recognizing the growing craze for Ludo in India, the co-founders decided to launch Ludo Star. Leaving their conventional jobs behind, they embarked on a mission to bring classic board games to mobile devices while fostering social connections between friends and family, even across vast distances. Fast forward to today, Gameberry Labs boasts two immensely popular social multiplayer games, Ludo Star and Parchisi Star. These games have garnered over 200 million downloads and an impressive user base of more than 5 million daily active players. With their engaging gameplay and social features, these games have succeeded in providing players with an avenue to unwind, connect, and compete with others, adding a touch of joy to their daily lives.

In an industry previously dominated by Western developers, Gameberry Labs and similar Indian game developers have tapped into the pulse of Indian gamers. They have introduced games that resonate with the diverse Indian audience, transforming the gaming landscape in the process. Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, acknowledges the groundbreaking work of developers like Gameberry Labs. He highlights that these companies are disrupting the gaming market in ways that were previously unimaginable, primarily by understanding and catering to the unique tastes of Indian gamers.

Gameberry Labs’ journey to success has been marked by remarkable growth. While the initial years from 2017 to 2019 exhibited steady growth, the company’s fortunes soared in 2020 and 2021. Last November, they celebrated crossing the $100-million mark in lifetime revenue. Despite the stiff competition in the mobile gaming space, Gameberry Labs has managed to set itself apart. The company’s profitability from the first year of operations and robust financial performance have allowed them to remain bootstrapped, with no reliance on venture capital funding. Their free-to-play business model, with in-game virtual currency called ‘gems’ for optional dice re-rolls, has driven their revenue. In-app purchases (IAPs) and rewarded ads contribute significantly to their earnings, with 70% of the revenue generated from IAPs.

Gameberry Labs has extended its presence to global markets, with Saudi Arabia, the US, and Spain ranking as the company’s top revenue markets. In addition to Ludo Star and Parchisi Star, the company is currently beta-testing two new games, Backgammon Friends and Word League, in Turkey and the UK. What sets Gameberry Labs apart is its deep understanding of player versus player (PvP) dynamics in mobile gaming. The company’s games are designed to appeal to players’ core motivations for engaging in PvP gaming, coupled with a monetization strategy that enhances player retention rather than hinders it.

Ludo Star, in particular, has transcended its role as a mere game and has evolved into a platform that connects and bonds people. Players have found life partners, reconnected with lost friends, and strengthened family ties through the game. The board in Gameberry’s games often tells a story, making the gaming experience more than just entertainment. Afsar Ahmad and Govind Agarwal’s commitment to providing players with a platform for connection and entertainment has indeed struck a chord with mobile gamers, making Gameberry Labs a trailblazer in the Indian gaming industry. In the coming 12-14 months, the company intends to double its team size and further invest in technology creation, ensuring that they continue to bring innovative and engaging games to players worldwide.

With over 500 million mobile gamers expected in India by 2023-24, the mobile gaming sector is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse within the media and entertainment industry. Industry experts believe that gaming and the metaverse will play a central role in India’s media and entertainment economy in the next decade. Afsar Ahmad, Govind Agarwal, and their company, Gameberry Labs, exemplify the potential and growth of India’s mobile gaming industry, making them pioneers in the quest to provide engaging and innovative entertainment to a diverse and ever-growing audience.