Amid the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Dream Game Studios, owned by Dream11 parent Dream Sports, has launched its first mobile game in India and Pakistan, following a launch in Bangladesh last month.

According to Dream Cricket’s social media announcements, the game, Dream Cricket 24, is available in open beta phase on Google Play.

“As the thrilling 2023 ODI World Cup commences, it’s our moment to pay respect to the clash of titans and bring that electrifying cricket action to your mobile screens,” Dream Sports said in a blogpost.

It must be noted that India will play against archrival Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 later today.

Dream Game Studios initially introduced the game title in August this year. It became available in Bangladesh just last month.

In August 2021, Dream Sports completed the acquisition of Pune-based mobile game developer Rolocule Games. Following this acquisition, the company rebranded Rolocule Games as Dream Game Studios, with its founder Rohit Gupta assuming the role of CEO for the mobile gaming studio.

Dream Cricket World Cup 2023, an update in the mobile game rolled out on October 13, players have the option to represent any of the 10 teams participating in the World Cup.

The game offers a minimum of 48 “Match of the Day” challenges, featuring diverse formats ranging from Super Over blitzes to 5-over ODIs. Players have the freedom to choose any of the participating teams and engage in matches as often as they desire, with each victory earning them coveted World Cup tickets.

The introduction of the “PLAY WITH FRIENDS” mode now enables players to extend invitations to their friends to participate in private matches.

The launch comes at a challenging period for Dream Sports as the tax department has issued its show-cause notice for goods and services tax (GST) claims exceeding INR 40,000 Cr linked to its flagship fantasy sports platform, Dream11.

Dream11 stands out as one of the startups that has been significantly affected by the aftermath of the government’s implementation of a 28% GST on real money gaming. Dream Sports has also decided to shut its corporate venture capital (CVC) arm, Dream Capital.

It must be noted that both free-to-play and paid video games are also subject to an 18 percent GST rate on app sales and in-app purchases.

Earlier this month, Inc42 reported gaming unicorn Dream11 acquired fantasy cricket platform Sixer.

Over the last few years, hardcore and midcore gaming have been growing in India. Limited access to gaming devices, like personal computers, consoles, and high-quality smartphones, and expensive internet connectivity hindered the growth of gaming in the country earlier. However, increasing internet penetration and access to smartphones have transformed
the gaming landscape.

According to a KPMG report, India’s online gaming market was estimated at INR 14,500-15,500 Cr at the end of FY22. There were 430-460 Mn gamers, with more than 90% being mobile or casual gamers.