Pixel P&L: Investors Bet $1.2M on Indian Startup’s Hybrid Casual Gaming Vision
In today’s Pixel P&L, we cover an Indian gaming startup securing $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to develop hybrid casual puzzle games for global markets. Also in focus: The Pokémon Company’s lawsuit settlement over IP infringement, S8UL Esports’ return to VALORANT, and Warner Bros. Games shutting down three studios as part of a broader restructuring.
Triple Tap Games Secures $1.2 Million Pre-Seed Funding for Hybrid Casual Games
Mumbai-based gaming startup Triple Tap Games has raised $1.2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Eximius Ventures and Kalaari Capital, with participation from angel investors. The company plans to use the funding to develop hybrid casual puzzle games targeting global markets, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
Triple Tap was founded in 2024 by Karan Khairajani, who previously co-founded Firescore Interactive, a studio behind hypercasual games such as Soap Cutting and Acrylic Nails, which accumulated over 400 million downloads. After exiting Firescore, which was acquired by Israel-based Crazy Labs, Khairajani launched Triple Tap to focus on the emerging hybrid casual segment.
The capital infusion will be used to develop rapid prototyping, data analytics, distribution, and monetization strategies.
Pokémon Company Settles Lawsuit Over Copyright Dispute
The Pokémon Company has reached a settlement in its lawsuit against the developers of Pocket Monster: Remake, a mobile game accused of infringing its intellectual property. The agreement follows a ruling by the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court in September, which upheld The Pokémon Company’s copyright claim and ordered Guangzhou Maichi Network Technology and Khorgos Fangchi Network Technology to pay $15 million in damages. While the defendants initially appealed the judgment, both sides have now resolved the dispute through mediation, resulting in a settlement for a “huge sum” and public apologies, according to Automaton.
Released in 2015, Pocket Monster: Remake featured characters and creatures bearing a strong resemblance to Pokémon and was estimated to generate $42 million annually. The settlement comes as the company and Nintendo continue to pursue legal action against Palworld developer Pocketpair over alleged similarities to the Pokémon franchise.
Quick Bytes
S8UL Esports Reenters Valorant Esports
The organization previously fielded a roster in 2021 but exited later that year. Its return comes as VALORANT continues to gain traction in India, with increased publisher support and rising audience engagement.
Pokémon TCG Pocket Won’t Join Competitive Circuit
In an interview with VGC, The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon TCG Pocket will not be added to its competitive esports lineup, despite its strong financial performance. While the company remains open to evaluating new titles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Go, Pokémon Unite, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game will continue as the core competitive games.
Warner Bros. Games Shuts Down Three Studios, Cancels Wonder Woman
Warner Bros. Games is closing Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB Games San Diego as part of a “strategic change in direction.” The decision follows Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent $100 million impairment charge related to the underperformance of MultiVersus. The closures also halt development on Monolith’s Wonder Woman game, which was initially positioned as a major title. The company says it is refocusing resources on core franchises like Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones, while aiming for profitability in 2025.
💡Did You Know
There’s a video game where you play as a blind protagonist, relying entirely on sound to navigate the world. A Blind Legend, developed by French studio DOWiNO, immerses players in the role of a knight who must rescue his kidnapped wife—without sight. The game’s screen remains dark, using binaural 3D audio to create a detailed environment where players rely on sound cues to move, fight, and explore. Originally crowdfunded, A Blind Legend was developed with input from visually impaired organizations to ensure an accessible yet challenging experience for all players.
📜Quote of the Day
“Days like today... Days when I did nothing. They're all important days."
Yosuke, Persona 4 Golden
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