Head Digital Works Layoffs
Industry Consumer · Location Hyderabad · India · Subscribe (RSS)
Head Digital Works has 1 publicly reported layoff round on record (most recent September 4, 2025). A total of about 500 employees were affected across these rounds.
Layoff history
India's enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money gaming operations, forced Head Digital Works to shed roughly 500 employees in early September, leaving the company with around 200 staff, down from approximately 700. The cuts amounted to nearly two-thirds of the workforce and touched all three of its core products: A23 Rummy, A23 Poker, and Cricket.com. CEO Siddharth Sharma said the decision was made "with careful consideration" and pledged "meaningful severance and support" to those affected, though specific amounts were not disclosed. The company has filed a legal petition challenging the ban in Karnataka High Court and is exploring business opportunities outside gaming. Across the online skill gaming sector, industry observers estimated the legislation could result in more than 200,000 job losses in a market worth roughly 23,440 crore rupees.
Reason: India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 banning real-money gaming
Source: entrackr.com
Data for Head Digital Works is compiled from public WARN Act filings and reporting linked above. See our methodology.