Bengaluru, India – Mobile Premier League (MPL), a leading mobile esports and gaming platform, is set to lay off nearly 60% of its employees in India as part of a cost-cutting and restructuring drive. The MPL layoff move comes in response to rising compliance costs, new taxation rules, and growing uncertainty around fantasy gaming apps in India.
MPL Layoff: Why It Matters
Founded in 2018, MPL quickly became one of India’s largest online skill-based gaming platforms, backed by marquee investors like Sequoia Capital and RTP Global. However, earlier this month, the ban on paid online games created severe financial pressure on the industry.
MPL layoff decision will impact hundreds of employees, mainly in non-core roles. The company is now focusing on sustainability and profitability instead of aggressive expansion.
Fantasy Gaming Apps Under Pressure
The layoffs reflect a larger crisis in India’s gaming ecosystem. Fantasy gaming apps like MPL, Dream11, and My11Circle are grappling with a ban on fantasy playing apps, citing addiction risks and financial losses among youth.
This changing landscape has forced companies like MPL to rethink business models, reduce costs, and focus on international markets, such as the U.S. and Europe.
MPL Layoff Summary
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Workforce Reduction | 60% job cuts (~300 of 500 employees) |
| Primary Reason | Ban on real-money online gaming in India |
| India Revenue Impact | 50% decline in revenue (~$100M annually) |
| New Focus Markets | Europe (free-to-play), U.S., Brazil |
| Employee Support | CEO assured internal assistance for affected staff |
