Hike, once a prominent player in the messaging and gaming app space, has announced its global shutdown. The decision was confirmed by CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal, who cited regulatory hurdles and changing market conditions as key reasons behind the move. Among the most significant challenges was India’s recent ban on real-money gaming, which Mittal described as a turning point for the company’s future direction.

CEO Kavin Mittal Explains the Shutdown

In his announcement, Mittal explained that while Hike experienced early momentum in certain markets, particularly in the United States, sustaining long-term growth required extensive recapitalization. After careful consideration, he decided against pursuing another round of large-scale funding. Instead, he emphasized that the regulatory environment in India had made it increasingly difficult to operate profitably within the gaming sector.

Impact of India’s Real-Money Gaming Ban

The recent restrictions on real-money gaming in India were highlighted as one of the most critical factors influencing Hike’s closure. According to Mittal, these policies significantly reduced opportunities for platforms like Hike that relied on interactive and competitive digital experiences. The ban not only limited user engagement but also disrupted potential revenue streams that were vital for sustaining operations at scale.

Strong Start in the US Market

Despite challenges in India, Mittal noted that Hike’s business in the United States had shown promising signs of growth. The platform gained traction among users seeking innovative digital interactions and entertainment options. However, even with this progress abroad, Mittal concluded that continuing operations without a major infusion of capital would not be sustainable for long-term success.

Looking Ahead to New Frontiers

While announcing Hike’s closure may mark the end of one chapter, Mittal expressed optimism about what lies ahead. He shared his enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities across emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, energy innovation, and personal development technologies. These areas represent industries with transformative potential where he believes future breakthroughs can be achieved.

A Strategic Shift Toward Innovation

Mittal framed this decision not as a setback but as a strategic shift toward broader ambitions beyond messaging and gaming apps. By stepping away from Hike at this stage, he intends to redirect focus toward ventures that align with long-term global trends and technological advancements. His message reflected both gratitude for Hike’s journey and confidence in pursuing projects with greater impact on society and industry alike.

The closure of Hike underscores how rapidly evolving regulations and market dynamics can reshape the trajectory of digital platforms. While its exit marks the end of an era for many users who engaged with its services worldwide, Mittal’s forward-looking vision suggests that his next ventures may play a role in shaping future innovations across multiple sectors.