When Netflix launched in India in January 2016, it was a game-changer for digital content. But few could have predicted it would also inspire one of India’s biggest gaming success stories—WinZO. Today, WinZO boasts over 250 million users and crossed the INR 1,000 crore revenue mark in just 5-6 years, reshaping the gaming landscape in India and beyond.
The Birth of WinZO: Inspired by a Content Boom
A New Era of Internet and Smartphones
The years 2016-17 saw India’s digital consumption explode, thanks to affordable smartphones and free internet access. As millions of Indians got online, content platforms raced to capture eyeballs. But Paavan Nanda, WinZO’s founder, noticed a gap—while video streaming was booming, gaming platforms were fragmented and lacked a unifying experience.
The Netflix Analogy
Nanda envisioned a “Netflix of gaming”—a platform where users could access a wide variety of games, and developers could focus on building, leaving distribution and monetisation to WinZO. This model aimed to democratise gaming, making it accessible and rewarding for users across India, especially in Tier II to Tier V cities.
Building the WinZO Empire
From Trivia to Mass Appeal
WinZO’s journey began with a trivia app inspired by popular quiz shows, where users paid to play and win cash rewards. As user feedback poured in, the platform expanded its library, adding casual and skill-based games that resonated with India’s mass-market audience. Unlike rummy or fantasy sports, WinZO focused on simple, addictive games—think crushing candies or shooting bubbles—with real rewards.
Innovative Monetisation
WinZO experimented with subscription models, cash prizes, and even physical rewards like TVs and washing machines. Eventually, it settled on a microtransaction model—users could join games for as little as INR 2, making gaming affordable and engaging for everyone.
Hyperlocal Approach
Localization was key. WinZO supports 16 regional languages, ensuring even rural and small-town users feel at home. This strategy helped the platform capture nearly 40% of India’s online gaming audience and empowered thousands of creators and developers.
Financial Triumphs and Global Ambitions
Record-Breaking Growth
In recent years, WinZO’s revenue soared 70% to over INR 1,000 crore, while profit more than doubled—even as the sector faced a challenging tax regime. This growth was powered by a rapidly expanding user base and a diverse portfolio of over 100 games.
Expanding Horizons
After conquering India, WinZO set its sights on international markets, launching in Brazil and planning further global expansion. The company is also investing heavily to fund or acquire new games, aiming for global-quality offerings and innovative sports engagement formats.
The Indian Gaming Opportunity
Despite India accounting for a significant share of the world’s gamers, it contributes just a small fraction to global gaming revenue. WinZO’s success story highlights the untapped potential in the Indian market and the power of local innovation.