4 SEPTEMBER,2025 – In a significant development for India’s online gaming industry, Mobile Premier League (MPL), a leading gaming platform, has announced plans to lay off approximately 60% of its India-based workforce. This decision comes in the wake of the Indian government’s recent enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money online games such as fantasy sports, rummy, and poker.
Impact on MPL’s Operations
MPL, headquartered in Bengaluru, was once a dominant player in India’s online gaming sector, generating around $100 million in annual revenue, with 50% of its income derived from the Indian market. The government’s ban has effectively eliminated MPL’s core revenue streams, compelling the company to restructure its operations. According to internal communications from MPL’s CEO, Sai Srinivas, the company will reduce its India workforce by about 300 employees, across various departments including marketing, finance, operations, engineering, and legal.
This move marks the first major corporate response to the new legislation, which aims to curb addiction and financial risks associated with online gaming. While some companies, like A23, have opted to challenge the ban legally, MPL and other industry giants such as Dream11 have chosen not to contest the law.
Broader Industry Implications
The government’s ban has sent ripples through the Indian gaming ecosystem, leading to widespread job losses. Industry experts estimate that over 2,000 professionals from various gaming companies are now actively seeking new employment opportunities. The abrupt policy shift has caused considerable uncertainty among workers in the industry, highlighting the broader employment and economic impact of regulatory decisions affecting online businesses.
MPL’s decision to downsize its workforce underscores the challenges faced by the online gaming sector in India. The company has indicated a shift in focus towards free-to-play markets in Europe and paid markets in the United States and Brazil. However, the long-term effects of the ban on the Indian gaming industry remain to be seen.
The recent developments highlight the delicate balance between regulation and industry growth. While the government’s intent is to protect consumers, particularly the youth, from the potential harms of online gaming, the immediate consequences have been detrimental to a thriving sector and its workforce. As the industry navigates this new regulatory landscape, the future of online gaming in India hangs in the balance.
