Why Is Google Investing in Indian Gaming Platform STAN?

Google’s latest move in India’s tech space has turned heads: the company is now backing STAN, a rising star in Indian social gaming. The partnership arrives amid India’s rapid digital and mobile gaming boom.

STAN recently secured $8.5 million in funding. Alongside Google, major Asian gaming companies like Bandai Namco and Square Enix joined the round, a testament to the platform’s fast-rising influence.

India’s Mobile Gaming Revolution

India’s gaming landscape is transforming, with millions of Gen Z users driving record growth. STAN extends reach into mobile-first communities, offering rewards and engagement missing from older social gaming networks.

While apps like Discord focus on voice and chat, STAN lets users earn ‘Gems’ by winning matches in popular games like Battlegrounds Mobile India, Free Fire Max, and Minecraft. Gems are redeemable for real-world vouchers from top e-commerce firms.

Did you know?
STAN users can turn in-game Gems into vouchers for real e-commerce sites, a feature rarely seen in global social gaming apps.

Google’s AI Play: Beyond Moderation

Google’s AI Futures Fund, launched in 2025, targets startups pioneering new uses for artificial intelligence. With STAN, this means advanced content moderation already handling up to 80 percent of platform activity and upcoming tools like instant chat filters and AI-driven digital avatars.

STAN’s CEO Parth Chadha sees AI as the engine for safer, faster, and more creative community building. The technology also promises to supercharge creator-led experiences.

Creators at the Core

Unlike global platforms that prize participation, STAN’s business model thrives on rewarding both creators and regular players. Users earn in-app currency for contests, referrals, or club activities, while creators monetize fan engagement through premium club access.

This real-world utility bridging online actions with real-life rewards has set STAN apart, deepening loyalty with millions of monthly gamers and creators alike.

A Gateway to Global Growth

Currently based in Singapore but geo-restricted to Indian accounts, STAN already boasts over 25 million downloads and is used by more than 5.5 million monthly active users. About 5 to 6 percent of engagement comes from users outside India, reflecting future expansion ambitions.

Plans are in place to grow into Southeast Asia and Latin America next year. Google’s support boosts STAN’s credibility and provides fresh resources for scaling abroad.

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New Power Players and Monetization

Japanese gaming giants Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and Reazon Holdings also bet on STAN in this funding round. The platform teams up directly with game publishers, helping connect developers with a vibrant community eager for new titles and digital experiences.

Collaborations with Krafton, Garena, and Roblox have made STAN a preferred partner for global studios targeting Indian gamers.

Betting on the Future

After limited profitability in its early years, STAN has chosen to reinvest for future growth, aiming for renewed profitability by 2027. With a compact team of about 40, the focus is firmly set on technology, trust, and keeping India’s gaming spirit alive.

Google’s partnership is more than a big check. It is a vote of confidence in a distinctive Indian playbook blending AI, gaming, and the creator economy. As both companies look forward to new markets and smarter, safer communities, the STAN story is only just getting started.