Pixel P&L: Universal Studios is Building its First Indian Theme Park Inside a Delhi Mall

When Universal Studios executives were planning their first Indian theme park, they faced a problem that Disney never had to solve in Florida: how do you keep Hogwarts magical when it's 115°F outside? Their answer: build the entire thing inside a mall. The 300,000-square-foot indoor attraction near New Delhi's airport will let visitors experience butterbeer without heatstroke..

In today's email: 

🏰 Why theme parks are going indoors and what it means for entertainment real estate 

🎮 Nintendo's new console breaks records.

🌐 Quick Bytes: Dubai's gaming boom, VC funding freeze, and why your favorite indie dev might be thinking bigger than Stardew

Universal Studios Plans First India Theme Park in Delhi

Universal Studios is in advanced discussions to open its first Indian theme park, a 300,000-square-foot indoor attraction near New Delhi's international airport that would bring franchises like Harry Potter and Jurassic World to the world's most populous nation, according to a Times of India report.

The park would occupy space within Bharti Realty's planned 3-million-square-foot mall at Aerocity, part of a larger 17-million-square-foot development project near Indira Gandhi International Airport. The indoor format would allow year-round operations despite India's extreme seasonal weather variations.

Sources familiar with the matter said discussions between Bharti Realty and NBCUniversal are ongoing, though no official partnership has been announced. The attraction would feature rides based on popular Universal properties including Minions, Fast & Furious, and Harry Potter.

Universal currently operates theme parks in Hollywood, Osaka, Singapore, and Beijing, each tailored to local markets. The Delhi facility, expected to open by mid-2027, would similarly be customized for Indian audiences, eliminating the need for fans to travel internationally for Universal experiences.

Nintendo Switch 2 Sets Console Sales Record With 3.5 Million Units in Four Days

Nintendo Co.'s Switch 2 console sold 3.5 million units globally in its first four days, making it the Japanese gaming giant's fastest-selling hardware launch and demonstrating strong demand for the successor to its blockbuster original Switch.

The console, which launched June 5, outpaced its predecessor's early performance by 28%, surpassing the original Switch's first 29 days of sales in just four days. The device has already captured 26% of the failed Wii U's lifetime sales of 13.6 million units.

The Switch 2 features a larger screen, higher resolution, and magnetic Joy-Con controllers with mouse functionality. Mario Kart World serves as the flagship launch title, following Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's success with over 68 million copies sold on the original Switch.

Ampere Analysis projects the Switch 2 will reach 13 million units by year-end, representing an $8 billion content opportunity over two years. The strong debut follows the original Switch's 152 million lifetime sales.

⚡Quick Bytes

Dubai Gaming Sector Surges to 350 Companies Under 2033 Program

Dubai's gaming sector has expanded to over 350 companies since launching its Gaming 2033 Program, Dubai Media City shared in a post. With 260 specializing in game development, the initiative targeting 30,000 jobs and $1 billion GDP contribution has attracted 60 new firms, achieving 16.6% growth.

Gaming VC Funding Drops to $1.2B as Deal Count Hits Five-Year Low

Gaming venture capital funding fell 3% to $1.2 billion in Q1 2025 across 134 deals, the lowest quarterly deal count since 2019, according to PitchBook. Trump's tariffs threaten the $40 billion gaming hardware market, while AI-powered gaming platforms attracted increased investment despite broader sector headwinds.

Hershey's Partners with Pokémon for Collectible Chocolate Campaign

Hershey's launched special-edition Kisses chocolates featuring 151 collectible Pokémon foil wrappers from the original Kanto region. The collaboration includes a limited-edition Collector's Case and digital tracking platform at Hersheyland.com/Pokemon, representing another example of established brands targeting the gaming market through collectible merchandise strategies.

⚔️Side Quest

📺 Listen: Gaming legend Nolan North reveals how he transformed from soap opera actor to the voice behind Nathan Drake and Desmond Miles. His candid insights on breaking into voice acting, crafting iconic characters, and the importance of preparation make this essential listening for gaming and entertainment fans alike.

🎮 Play: Rainbow Six Siege X breathes new life into the tactical FPS with stunning visual overhauls, enhanced destruction mechanics, and a fresh 6v6 Dual Front mode. Whether you're a returning veteran or newcomer, this free revitalization has already drawn record player counts and proves the franchise's enduring appeal.

📚 Read: Stephen Totilo delivers exclusive hands-on impressions of Microsoft's first Xbox-branded handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally devices. His detailed analysis covers technical specs, market positioning against Steam Deck and Switch 2, and what this partnership strategy reveals about Xbox's evolving gaming future beyond traditional consoles.

💡Did You Know

Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone confirmed his upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier will be "larger" than Stardew Valley, which already offers 50+ hours of main content and 168 hours for completionists. Barone admits he "didn't want to just be the Stardew Valley guy," driving his work on the mysterious chocolate-themed sim since 2021.

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