Online Gaming Ban
Established in 2012 as a youth-focused alternative to WhatsApp, Hike quickly gained popularity, peaking at more than 40 million monthly users. By 2016, it was valued at $1.4 billion and backed by major investors such as SoftBank, Tiger Global, and Tencent. However, with WhatsApp’s growing dominance, Hike Messenger was discontinued in 2021. Once hailed as one of India’s top startups with unicorn status, Hike has now officially shut down. The company was founded by Kavin Bharti Mittal, son of Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal.
The Gaming Pivot: Real-Money and Rush Bets
“Although we could raise capital, the real question is whether it would be worthwhile. For the first time in thirteen years, my answer is no,” Mittal wrote in a blog post. “Not for our investors, not for my team, and not for me. It’s a tough outcome and a disappointment, but I prefer to see the bright side: the lessons learned are priceless, and I am even more convinced about what lies ahead.”
After shutting down its messenger, Hike pivoted to real-money gaming through Rush, a platform where users could win cash rewards by playing casual games such as ludo and carrom. Over four years, Rush attracted about 10 million users and generated significant traction.
The Law That Changed Everything
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, introduced last month, banned all real-money games—whether based on skill or chance. While the act encouraged subscription-based esports and social gaming, it prohibited platforms dependent on wagering.
The government justified the ban on the grounds of national security, addiction risks, and social impact. In response, major players such as Dream11, Winzo, and Zupee scaled back or halted their money-gaming operations.
For Hike, the decision was final. “We could raise money, but the true question is whether it would be worthwhile,” Mittal reiterated in his emotional post.
He added that while the world is moving toward “nation-type models in gaming and Web3,” this is not the right moment to commit fully because global cryptocurrency regulations remain uncertain. Instead, Mittal highlighted advancements in AI and energy as the next big opportunities.
An Ending with Lessons
Hike’s journey serves both as an inspiration and a cautionary tale. The company embodied India’s entrepreneurial spirit—first challenging WhatsApp, then betting on real-money games. Although this bold experiment has ended, the lessons learned may guide the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs.
