Hike to shut down fully after online money gaming ban in India. Once seen as a strong WhatsApp challenger, Hike later pivoted into real-money gaming. Founder Kavin Bharti Mittal announced the closure after new rules banned money games.
Despite big investors and early US growth, Hike will end operations after thirteen years in business.
Hike’s Journey from Messaging to Gaming
Hike launched in 2012 as a WhatsApp rival. The app grew quickly, reaching 40 million monthly active users. In 2021, the messaging service was shut down permanently.
Afterward, the company created Rush, a new gaming platform. Rush hosted 14 mobile games offering cash rewards. The platform even added Web3 features like play-to-earn mechanics and digital ownership.
The shift to gaming attracted millions of Indian users. Rush generated more than $500 million in four years. Players won nearly $480 million annually from different competitions.
Hike became a popular name in the real-money gaming industry. However, this success was short-lived due to new national regulations.
India’s New Regulations End the Business
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, introduced strict changes. It banned all real-money games, whether skill-based or chance-based. The government cited addiction, social concerns, and national security issues.
Esports and subscription-based social games without wagers remained allowed. But platforms like Hike Rush became completely illegal in India.
Many leading platforms, including Dream11, MPL, and Zupee, closed operations. Others began shifting towards financial services and micro-content platforms. Hike also faced the same struggle and saw no future. Kavin Mittal said scaling globally now needed a full reset. He explained this was not worth the required time or money.
Hike had almost 100 employees across India, US, Dubai, and Singapore. Teams worked in small “SWAT” units for complex problems. Despite strong early performance in the US, growth plans failed. The company could not continue without its Indian market.
Investors, Achievements, and Mittal’s Future Plans
Hike had strong investor backing from global leaders. Its investors included SoftBank, Tencent, Tiger Global, Polygon, and Foxconn. Individual backers like Zynga founder Mark Pincus also supported.
These investors helped the company raise significant funds. But regulations made business unsustainable, forcing a complete shutdown.
Founder Kavin Bharti Mittal announced the closure of Substack. He admitted the decision was hard but necessary. He said the experience provided invaluable lessons for the future.
Mittal now plans to focus on artificial intelligence and clean energy. He believes future technology with intelligence and memory can transform lives. He called this the most exciting time to build software.Hike to shut down fully after online money gaming ban closes an important chapter in India’s startup history. For Mittal, this marks both disappointment and fresh ambition. Hike ends here, but his vision for technology continues forward.
