WinZO's journey to becoming an INR 1,000 Cr+ gaming empire was inspired by Netflix's India entry in 2016, with the founder Paavan Nanda sharing insights on the evolution of the platform since its inception in 2018.
Observing the surge in content consumption post Jio's free internet initiative, WinZO identified the white space in gaming and aimed to create a centralised gaming platform akin to Netflix for movies.
Initially focusing on casual games instead of established models like rummy or fantasy sports, WinZO's approach of low-entry barriers, vernacular-first content, and trust-building strategies led to rapid growth.
The platform's revenue growth surpassed 10X post the pandemic, reaching INR 1,055.20 Cr in FY24, and the addition of MS Dhoni as a brand ambassador further boosted user acquisition.
Despite challenges from the revised 28% GST on RMG companies, WinZO aims to offset domestic pressures through international expansion into markets like Brazil, focusing on sustained growth and market share.
Undergoing audits for FY25 revenue, WinZO's strategic recalibration amidst evolving regulatory frameworks and market dynamics will play a pivotal role in its global positioning in the online gaming sector.