India’s gaming startup Zupee has laid off nearly 170 employees, accounting for close to 30 percent of its workforce, as it navigates the challenges posed by the government’s recent ban on real-money gaming (RMG). The company described the move as a difficult but unavoidable step, driven by the regulatory changes that have disrupted the sector. In a statement, CEO Dilsher Singh Malhi said the decision was taken with a “heavy heart,” but added that Zupee remains committed to its long-term vision of reimagining social gaming in India.
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The Online Gaming Bill, passed last month, has dealt a major blow to real-money gaming platforms, where users once competed with money at stakes. Zupee, which built its popularity around culturally familiar games like Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, and Carrom, has also been directly affected. Revenue streams have been squeezed, forcing the startup-like many others in the industry-to cut costs and rethink its business model.
Despite this setback, according to a Moneycontrol report, Malhi stressed that the company’s broader mission of offering fun, locally inspired games remains unchanged.
To support employees impacted by the layoffs, Zupee has announced a package of financial and non-financial assistance. The employees affected by layoffs will receive additional monetary support based on their tenure, in some cases extending up to six months. Health insurance will remain active during this transition period, and the company has created a dedicated ₹1 crore medical support fund to help cover healthcare needs. Beyond finances, Zupee has also formed a team to assist affected employees in finding new opportunities and has assured them first priority if positions open up in the future.
Zupee layoffs aren’t an isolated case. Other companies tied to real-money games have also downsized in recent weeks. Meanwhile, many gaming startups are also pivoting towards ad-supported social gaming, subscription models, and new content offerings. Zupee, for instance, had recently introduced Zupee Plus, a paid subscription service, and has started experimenting with short-form drama content for its 150 million-plus users. These efforts are aimed at building fresh revenue streams that can withstand the absence of real-money gaming.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
