Qila Games: A giant in Indian Gaming
Founders & Vision
Qila Games was founded in 2024 by Dhananjai Hari (Co-Founder & CEO) and Neeraj Mishra (Co-Founder & CPO), both passionate about building original, engaging gaming experiences for Indian and global audiences.
Their vision is to bridge the gap between simple, casual games and more complex, mid-core titles—creating “hybrid-casual” games that are easy to pick up but offer deeper strategy and progression.
How the Idea Came & Backstory
Hari and Mishra noticed that while casual games attract massive audiences, they often become repetitive, while mid-core games can be intimidating for new players. Inspired by this gap, they set out to craft games that combine the accessibility of casual play with the challenge and satisfaction of deeper mechanics. Their goal: to make gaming more immersive, social, and rewarding for Indian players.
How They Reached Here ?
Starting from their base in Bengaluru, the Qila Games team (now 7 members strong) focused on building new intellectual properties (IPs) and a portfolio of hybrid-casual games. Their debut title, Ludo Hero, launched in February 2025, reimagines the classic Ludo with strategic battles, hero powers, and social features like leaderboards and daily events—offering both nostalgia and fresh excitement.Milestones & GrowthRaised $1 million in pre-seed funding in March 2025, led by Chimera VC with participation from Visceral Capital, Atrium Angels, Ventana Ventures, 91 Ventures, and Untitled Ventures, plus several prominent angel investors. Funds are being used to expand the game portfolio, invest in technology and design, and develop more original IPs.Qila Games is recognized for striking the perfect balance between bite-sized entertainment and meta-progression, driving high user retention and engagement.
Where They Are Now ?
Qila Games is quickly emerging as a leader in India’s hybrid-casual gaming space, with plans to launch more socially engaging, high-quality games tailored for Indian and emerging market audiences. Their consumer-centric approach and focus on innovation position them at the forefront of India’s mobile gaming revolution.
In Short: Founded by Dhananjai Hari and Neeraj Mishra, Qila Games is redefining mobile gaming in India with hybrid-casual titles that blend the fun of casual play with the depth of strategy. Backed by top investors and a talented team, they’re on a mission to create the next wave of addictive, social, and uniquely Indian gaming experiences.