India’s gaming industry just got a major boost with the launch of LVL Zero, a new incubator designed to help early-stage gaming startups turn ideas into market-ready products. The initiative is led by MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and ChimeraVC.
With Google Play joining as the Knowledge Partner, the program offers mentorship, funding, and technical support to turn fresh ideas into polished products. Built as a launchpad for India’s emerging gaming creators, LVL Zero combines structured mentorship, technical support, and access to investors and publishers.
Ten startups in each cohort will receive $10,000 each, alongside guidance from global experts in areas such as game design, analytics, and live operations. The program also includes Demo Days, where developers get a chance to pitch their creations directly to top publishers and investors for funding and distribution deals.
The incubator’s goal is to compress years of learning into a focused 100-day sprint. It’s split into three phases: identifying challenges, refining through mentorship, and preparing for global exposure. Even after completion, startups will remain connected to the LVL Zero network for continued guidance and partnerships.
Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at Chimera VC shared that LVL Zero allows them to support founders even before they gain traction, and added“Most founders meet investors once they have momentum; LVL Zero lets them meet conviction first. It completes the loop for us, helping founders start earlier, think globally, and build more sustainably.”
Nitish Mittersain, Joint MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies emphasized that the program turns startup ambition into execution. “This collaboration allows us to bring publishing experience, analytics insights, and go-to-market knowledge directly to developers who are ready to take the next leap. The future of gaming in India will depend on how well we empower startups to build and own their success stories.”
“We’ve been impressed by the energy and creativity of India’s game developer community. Through LVL Zero, we aim not only to invest but also to contribute to the country’s broader ecosystem—supporting emerging talent to grow and building a lasting bridge between Japan and India’s gaming industries,” said Tomoharu Urabe, Managing Director of Investments at MIXI Global Investments, Inc.
With Google Play offering technical mentorship and insights into growth and monetization, LVL Zero arrives at a perfect time for India’s booming gaming market. Backed by the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, expanding 5G coverage, and a growing developer community, it aims to empower over 100 gaming startups in India over the next five years.
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