Krafton Surpasses $2.3 Billion Revenue Milestone Amid Global Expansion
SEOUL, 12 February 2026 — South Korean gaming powerhouse Krafton, Inc. has officially entered a new era of financial dominance, reporting record-breaking annual revenue exceeding $2.3 billion for the first time in its history. The parent company of the global phenomenon PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS disclosed its 2025 fiscal results this week, highlighting a robust performance driven by its flagship franchise, even as the firm navigates a complex landscape of shifting net profits and aggressive studio acquisitions.
Record-Breaking Financials and Shareholder Returns
In a financial briefing held just two days ago, Krafton confirmed that its 2025 earnings were propelled by the enduring popularity of the PUBG IP across PC and mobile platforms. Despite the record revenue, the company noted a significant 43.7% decrease in net profit, which settled at 733.7 billion won (approximately $502.7 million). Analysts attribute this dip to increased operational costs and heavy investment in new R&D projects.
The Trillion-Won Shareholder Program
To bolster investor confidence following the profit report, Krafton announced a massive shareholder return program on 8 February 2026. The company intends to distribute at least KRW 1 trillion between 2026 and 2028. This initiative commenced on 10 February with an initial share buyback valued at KRW 200 billion.
Strategic Acquisitions and Portfolio Diversification
Krafton continues to move away from being a “one-hit-wonder” by expanding its collective of independent studios. Following its vision to remain a household name in fantasy and action gaming, the company has recently integrated new talent into its fold.
- Eleventh Hour Games: In July 2025, Krafton acquired the developer behind the successful action RPG Last Epoch, signaling a deeper push into the Western PC gaming market.
- Subnautica Expansion: The company remains the parent of Unknown Worlds, the creators of Subnautica, with ongoing support for the franchise’s future iterations.
- Project Black Budget: Internal reports highlight “Project Black Budget” as a key upcoming title expected to diversify the company’s shooter portfolio beyond the traditional battle royale format.
Regional Highlights: India and Mobile Dominance
The Indian market remains a critical pillar for Krafton’s mobile strategy. After a period of regulatory scrutiny, the company secured approval from Indian authorities last week to resume full operations of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI).
BGMI and PUBG Mobile Updates
In the past seven days, Krafton India has been active with community engagement, releasing several “Redeem Codes” for BGMI players to unlock exclusive items like the Labyrinth Scale – M24. Meanwhile, the global version of PUBG Mobile recently launched a collaboration with the British automotive brand Lotus Group, introducing high-performance vehicle skins to the game.
Company History and Structure
Founded by Chang Byung-gyu in Seoul in March 2007, the company was originally known as Bluehole Studio Inc. It underwent a significant rebranding in November 2018, establishing Krafton as the parent entity to manage its growing list of subsidiaries and independent studios. Today, it operates as a public company (KRX: 259960) and is recognised as a premier global publisher of console, mobile, and computer games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who founded Krafton?
Krafton was founded by Chang Byung-gyu in March 2007. It was originally established as Bluehole Studio before rebranding in 2018.
What is Krafton’s most successful game?
The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS franchise (including its mobile variants) remains the company’s most successful and highest-grossing intellectual property.
Is BGMI available in India in 2026?
Yes, as of February 2026, Krafton has secured the necessary approvals from Indian authorities to operate BGMI, and the game continues to receive regular content updates and promotional events.
What is the “Shareholder Return Program”?
It is a financial strategy announced in February 2026 where Krafton plans to spend at least KRW 1 trillion on share buybacks and dividends over a three-year period to increase value for its investors.