Mobile Premier League Cuts 300 Jobs Following Gaming Restrictions in India

Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India's leading gaming and esports platforms, laid off 300 employees on August 31, 2025, following regulatory restrictions on paid gaming in several Indian states. The workforce reduction represents a significant downsizing for the Bengaluru-based company as it navigates increasingly challenging regulatory conditions in its home market.

The layoffs primarily affected MPL's local operations team, with approximately 60 staff members in India bearing the immediate impact of new gaming restrictions. The company cited regulatory uncertainty and declining user engagement in key markets as primary drivers behind the workforce reduction. MPL's decision reflects broader challenges facing India's real-money gaming sector amid tightening government oversight.

Context of the Decision

The Mobile Premier League layoffs stem directly from regulatory crackdowns on paid gaming across multiple Indian states. Recent government actions have severely limited MPL's ability to operate skill-based gaming tournaments with cash prizes, which formed the core of its business model. States including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh have implemented strict regulations or outright bans on online gaming platforms that involve monetary transactions.

These regulatory changes have forced MPL to restructure its operations significantly. The company had expanded rapidly during the pandemic gaming boom, hiring aggressively to support user growth and tournament operations. However, the shifting regulatory landscape has made many of these positions unsustainable, particularly roles focused on local market operations and user acquisition in affected regions.

Impact on Operations

The workforce reduction primarily targeted MPL's community management, regional marketing, and tournament operations teams. Local staff responsible for organizing state-level competitions and managing regional partnerships faced the heaviest impact. The company's customer support operations in vernacular languages also experienced cuts as user bases in restricted markets declined.

MPL's Bengaluru headquarters bore the brunt of the layoffs, though the company's international operations in markets like Indonesia and the United States remained largely unaffected. The gaming platform indicated it would maintain core development teams and focus resources on markets with clearer regulatory frameworks for skill-based gaming.

Company Financial Background

Mobile Premier League raised $150 million in its Series E funding round in 2022, achieving a valuation of approximately $2.3 billion. The company attracted investments from major players including Legatum Capital, Accrete Capital, and Moore Strategic Ventures. However, the regulatory challenges in India have significantly impacted its growth trajectory and revenue projections.

The gaming platform previously reported processing over $3.5 billion in gross gaming revenue annually, with India accounting for roughly 80% of its user base. The recent regulatory restrictions have forced MPL to explore alternative revenue streams, including advertising-based models and expanding its presence in international markets where regulatory conditions remain favorable.

MPL's financial performance has faced pressure as traditional real-money gaming revenues declined. The company has been exploring partnerships with traditional sports organizations and investing in blockchain-based gaming solutions to diversify its offerings beyond the restricted skill-gaming segment.

Industry Outlook

The Mobile Premier League layoffs reflect broader challenges across India's gaming and esports sector. Competitors including Dream11, Games24x7, and Nazara Technologies have similarly faced regulatory pressures, though the impact varies based on their specific gaming offerings and geographic focus.

The Indian gaming industry, valued at over $2.6 billion, has experienced significant turbulence as state governments implement varying approaches to online gaming regulation. Companies are increasingly pivoting toward casual gaming, esports tournaments without entry fees, and international expansion to maintain growth.

Industry experts anticipate continued consolidation as gaming companies adapt to the new regulatory reality. Platforms focusing on skill-based games with monetary components face the greatest challenges, while those emphasizing entertainment and advertising-based models show more resilience.

Conclusion

Mobile Premier League's workforce reduction signals a strategic shift toward sustainable operations under India's evolving gaming regulations. The company appears focused on preserving core capabilities while adapting its business model to regulatory constraints. Success will likely depend on MPL's ability to diversify revenue streams and expand internationally while maintaining its position in the Indian market where regulations permit. The layoffs, while significant, position the company for long-term viability in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.