Pixel P&L: Online Money Gaming Companies Choose Business Pivot Over Legal Battle in India

Welcome to another Pixel P&L edition. This issue takes 5 minutes to read. If you only have one, here are the 5 most important things:

• India's biggest real-money gaming companies Dream Sports, Zupee, and Gameskraft surrender to the country's sweeping online gaming ban without a legal fight.

• Roblox smashes records with 47.4 million concurrent users, officially surpassing Steam as the world's largest gaming platform.

• Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot summoned to French court in October harassment trial following executive convictions.

• Gamescom 2025 breaks attendance records with 357,000 visitors from 128 countries in Cologne.

• Tech brands are courting India's mobile gaming communities as BGMI and Free Fire MAX drive explosive market growth. 

Let's get into it.

Indian Gaming Giants Bow to Real-Money Ban Without Fight

India's three largest real-money gaming companies are choosing compliance over confrontation as the country's sweeping online gaming ban takes effect.

Dream Sports, parent of fantasy platform Dream11 with 260 million users, announced that it would not challenge the new legislation prohibiting deposit-based games. Zupee, operator of board games like Ludo with 150 million users, followed suit this week. Gameskraft, another major player, also confirmed it has no intention of pursuing legal action.

The coordinated acquiescence marks a stark shift for an industry that previously fought regulatory restrictions through the courts. All three companies have already discontinued paid gaming features and transitioned to free-to-play models while allowing existing users to withdraw remaining balances.

The operators are now redirecting resources toward social gaming platforms, viewing the ban as an opportunity to explore new revenue streams beyond real-money gaming in India's massive mobile gaming market.

Roblox Hits Record 47.4 Million Concurrent Users, Surpassing Steam

Roblox reached a milestone 47.4 million concurrent users this month, marking a 45% surge from July's previous record of 32.7 million and cementing its position as the world's largest gaming platform by simultaneous players.

The achievement follows explosive growth driven by breakout experiences like Steal a Brainrot, which became only the second Roblox game to hit 20 million concurrent users on August 23. The milestone follows Grow a Garden, which reached 21.1 million players earlier this year. The platform's peak now exceeds Steam's record 41.2 million concurrent users that it reached in March.

Developer rivalry between the two hit games has fueled engagement, with creators Jandel and Sammy trading public barbs across social media while their communities chose sides. The platform's concurrent user peak has grown 347% year-over-year from 10.6 million in Q3 2024.

Despite safety concerns and recent share price volatility, Roblox's stock has more than doubled since January 2025.

⚡️Quick Bytes

Tech Brands Court India's Mobile Gaming Communities

Consumer technology companies are increasingly targeting India's mobile gaming audience as titles like BGMI and Free Fire MAX fuel industry growth. Smartphone maker iQOO recently held what it claims was India's first consumer tech community event in Leh, Ladakh. The company has organized gaming meetups across 30 cities this year, reflecting broader industry efforts to capture the lucrative mobile gaming market through direct community engagement.

Ubisoft CEO Summoned to French Court Over Harassment Case

Ubisoft Chief Executive Yves Guillemot has been summoned to appear before a French court on October 1 in connection with a harassment trial that resulted in convictions of three former executives in July. The union Solidaires Informatiques and four civil parties filed the subpoena relating to the same harassment allegations that led to suspended prison sentences for former executives Serge Hascoët, Tommy François, and Guillaume Patrux.

Gamescom 2025 Sets Records With 357,000 Visitors

Gamescom 2025 wrapped up in Cologne with a record 357,000 visitors from 128 countries, cementing its place as the world’s largest gaming trade fair. The event drew 1,568 exhibitors, 70% from abroad, while digital reach topped 630 million views. Organizers said Gamescom 2026 will return Aug. 26–30.

⚔️Side Quest

📺 Watch: Gamescom 2025 brought countless interviews, but Atari CEO Wade Rosen's interview with Nintendo World Report TV stood out for me. From reviving "bad" IP like Bubsy as creative challenges to strategic acquisitions for scaling, Rosen offers rare candid perspectives on portfolio management, financial discipline during industry volatility, and balancing nostalgia with innovation. 

🎮 Play: With Silksong finally on the horizon, there's no better time to experience the modern metroidvania masterpiece that started it all. At 50% off, Hollow Knight offers unparalleled artistic beauty and razor-sharp gameplay that defined a generation. This essential classic remains captivating after nearly a decade, perfect preparation for its highly anticipated sequel.

📚 Read: Sony is reshaping its PlayStation strategy, balancing creative freedom with tighter oversight after costly missteps like Concord. The Financial Times explores how first-party studios are being pushed to deliver blockbusters like Astro Bot while fueling long-term franchises. A must-read on the future of Sony’s $32bn gaming empire.

💡Did You Know

After legendary video game developer Hideo Kojima was named one of Newsweek's "Top 10 People To Watch In 2003" following Metal Gear Solid 2's success, his 70-year-old mother decided to experience his games firsthand. She spent an entire year playing through Metal Gear Solid 3, enlisting help from her friends along the way. Upon finally defeating The End, one of the game's most challenging bosses, she called her son with just three words: "It is finished." This touching moment shows how gaming can bridge generations, with a proud mother determined to understand her son's acclaimed work.

📜 Quote of the Day

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