Microsoft is reportedly in talks to invest in Zupee, an Indian gaming platform that focuses on play-to-earn gaming. It seems Microsoft is looking to lead a funding round that will value over $100 million. Two sources close to the situation told TechCrunch Microsoft is looking at the investment to further its cloud services gaming products in overseas markets.
However, Microsoft has yet to reach an agreement with Zupee, so there remains a chance the deal will not happen. There is some concern within Microsoft where some team members think the optics around betting with Zupee games goes against the kinds of products wants to be known for.
Neither Zupee nor Microsoft has made a comment on the potential deal. If an investment is made, Microsoft will almost certainly want the platform to use its Azure cloud services to deliver cloud gaming. That is what the company got from a similar investment in fellow Indian startup Oyo.
Zupee
Zupee is based in New Delhi and has already been able to raise $120 million in previous funding rounds. That includes a $100 million Series B at the start of the year. The company's gambling components within its games are controversial.
Although, the developer insists its games are “skill-based casual gaming”. Games from Zupee include classics like snakes and ladders, as well as ludo. These and other titles have over 70 million downloads.
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