Indian gaming company WinZO has pivoted sharply after India’s online gaming regulations forced a halt to its real-money operations. The company has launched ZO TV, a short-video content platform, and expanded into the US market, its first entry into North America.The move comes days after WinZO discontinued cash-based games in India. By stepping into the world’s largest gaming market, the company is targeting new revenue streams and visibility for Indian game developers. It now operates in two major markets, the US and Brazil, both considered high-growth hubs for mobile gaming.
“Our vision has always been to empower Indian game developers to reach global audiences. Entering the US, the world’s largest and most influential gaming market is a decisive step towards that mission. We are equally excited to introduce ZO TV, our new short video format, which further diversifies our content offerings and strengthens WinZO’s position as a global hub and one-stop destination for interactive entertainment,” WinZO Co-Founders Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda said.
ZO TV is built into the WinZO app and offers short entertainment clips, micro-dramas, and interactive content aimed at increasing user retention. The company is betting that video-led engagement, combined with global distribution, will keep users hooked despite regulatory challenges in its home market.The expansion signals a clear shift in strategy. India’s new Online Gaming Act has tightened rules on money-based gaming, forcing industry leaders like WinZO and Dream11 to explore non-gambling verticals. WinZO recently posted strong FY24 earnings but now needs to rebuild momentum without its core revenue driver.
“Our vision has always been to empower Indian game developers to reach global audiences. Entering the US, the world’s largest and most influential gaming market is a decisive step towards that mission. We are equally excited to introduce ZO TV, our new short video format, which further diversifies our content offerings and strengthens WinZO’s position as a global hub and one-stop destination for interactive entertainment,” WinZO Co-Founders Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda said.
ZO TV is built into the WinZO app and offers short entertainment clips, micro-dramas, and interactive content aimed at increasing user retention. The company is betting that video-led engagement, combined with global distribution, will keep users hooked despite regulatory challenges in its home market.The expansion signals a clear shift in strategy. India’s new Online Gaming Act has tightened rules on money-based gaming, forcing industry leaders like WinZO and Dream11 to explore non-gambling verticals. WinZO recently posted strong FY24 earnings but now needs to rebuild momentum without its core revenue driver.
By moving fast into content and international markets, WinZO is positioning itself as more than a gaming platform — a discovery and entertainment ecosystem. The question now is whether this pivot can sustain growth and protect its developer network as the Indian gaming industry resets.
