India's gaming economy — studios, esports, policy and platforms.
Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming industry encompasses much more than competitive esports. The publication explores how the broader gaming landscape in India includes diverse segments and opportunities beyond tournament-focused gaming, highlighting the sector's wider economic and cultural significance to the country's AVGC ecosystem.
via Outlook Respawn
Exchange4Media reports that brands are redirecting advertising budgets towards gaming and AVGC-XR sectors as India's creative economy expands. The shift reflects growing recognition of these segments' commercial potential and audience reach. The movement underscores how India's animation, VFX, gaming, and extended reality sectors are increasingly attracting mainstream marketing investment and becoming integral to brand strategy in the region.
via Exchange4Media
ET Edge Insights reports that the India AI Impact Summit 2026 featured WAVES Creators' Corner, a dedicated showcase highlighting artificial intelligence's applications across media, gaming, and extended reality sectors. The event underscores growing industry focus on AI integration within India's audio-visual, gaming, and immersive technology landscape, demonstrating the sector's evolution towards technology-driven content creation and development.
via ET Edge Insights
The Press Information Bureau reports that Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the 'WAVES Creators' Corner' at India AI Impact Summit 2026. The initiative appears designed to support creative professionals working at the intersection of AI and digital content creation, aligning with India's broader push to develop its AVGC-XR sector through technology integration and policy support.
via PIB
KNN India reports that 51 AVGC-XR startups will present AI-driven innovations at the WAVES Creators Corner during the India AI Impact Expo. The showcase represents a significant platform for the Indian animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sector to demonstrate technological advancement and industry applications of artificial intelligence across creative disciplines.
via KNN India
The Press Information Bureau reports on the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which will convene government officials, startups, and creators. The event represents a significant confluence of stakeholders in India's technology ecosystem. While the feed summary provides limited detail, the summit's focus on AI and creator participation suggests relevance to India's AVGC-XR sector, where artificial intelligence is increasingly influential in animation, VFX, gaming, and related creative industries.
via PIB
Adgully.com reports that India's media and entertainment sector is experiencing significant growth, with projections to reach ₹3,067 billion by 2027. Animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR (AVGC-XR) are identified as key growth drivers powering this expansion. The report highlights the sector's robust trajectory and the increasing importance of digital and immersive technologies in India's entertainment landscape, positioning the country as a major player in the global AVGC-XR market.
via Adgully.com
The Press Information Bureau has released a statement positioning creative industries as key growth drivers for India's economy. The PIB announcement underscores the government's recognition of the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors' potential to contribute to economic development and job creation. This reflects India's strategic focus on AVGC-XR sectors as priority areas for growth and investment.
via PIB
The Policy Edge examines how creative industries, encompassing animation, VFX, gaming, and comics, are emerging as significant economic growth drivers through the orange economy framework. The piece explores policy approaches to scaling these sectors, which are integral to India's AVGC-XR landscape. Orange economy models typically focus on monetising creative output and intellectual property whilst fostering entrepreneurship within creative sectors.
via The Policy Edge
The Press Information Bureau reports that Indian AI and gaming startups are taking centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The event highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming within India's startup ecosystem, showcasing innovations and developments in the sector. The summit provides a platform for emerging companies to demonstrate their capabilities and potential impact on the gaming industry's evolution.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has organised a workshop focused on talent development in animation, VFX, gaming, and comics (AVGC) sectors. The initiative aims to establish content creation labs across 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, broadening access to AVGC education and nurturing early-stage talent pipelines nationwide.
via PIB
Homegrown.co.in reports that AniMela 2026 could mark a significant turning point for India's animation, VFX, gaming, and XR industries. The event is positioned to showcase the sector's growth and emerging opportunities, potentially strengthening India's position in the global AVGC-XR market. The publication suggests the gathering may catalyse industry collaboration and innovation across multiple creative domains within the country's thriving digital content ecosystem.
via homegrown.co.in
EventFAQs reports that Phase 1 Events will organise Bengaluru GAFX 2026, furthering Karnataka's position as a hub for India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality sectors. The event underscores the state's commitment to strengthening the AVGC-XR industry through large-scale gatherings that convene professionals, studios and stakeholders across the region's creative economy.
via EventFAQs
Business Standard reports that a gaming industry body has formed a council to boost governance and policy advocacy. The move aims to strengthen the sector's institutional framework and enhance engagement with policymakers. Details on the council's specific composition, mandate, and timeline for implementation were not provided in the report.
Animation Xpress reports that GAFX 2026, Bengaluru's premier animation, VFX, gaming, and comics festival, will take place from 27 February to 1 March under the theme 'Evolution Reloaded'. The event, held in Karnataka's tech hub, continues to serve as a key platform for India's AVGC sector, bringing together industry professionals, studios, and talent for networking, showcases, and knowledge exchange.
via Animation Xpress
Outlook Respawn reports that India's 2026 budget includes measures to establish the country as a global gaming creation centre. The initiative aims to strengthen India's position in the gaming industry through policy support and infrastructure development, capitalising on the nation's growing talent pool and technical capabilities in game development and digital entertainment sectors.
via Outlook Respawn
Digital Studio India reports that India's Union Budget 2026 includes provisions to boost the AVGC and creative economy by establishing AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools nationwide. The initiative aims to nurture talent and foster growth in the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors by providing infrastructure and training opportunities at the grassroots level.
BestMediaInfo reports that industry stakeholders view Budget 2026's animation, VFX, gaming and comics focus as addressing a critical talent pipeline shortage in India's AVGC sector. The budget allocation is seen as a strategic step to develop the skilled workforce necessary for India's growing animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics industries, reinforcing the country's position in the global AVGC-XR market.
ETV Bharat reports that Priyank Kharge has announced Bengaluru GAFX 2026, highlighting Karnataka's expanding creative economy. The announcement underscores the state's growing prominence in the animation, VFX, gaming, and related creative sectors. GAFX, a significant industry event, is positioned to further strengthen Karnataka's position as a hub for digital content creation and AVGC-XR industries in India.
via ETV Bharat
The Hindu reports that Karnataka developed its creative sector infrastructure well ahead of the 'Orange Economy' terminology gaining political currency. Priyank Kharge highlighted the state's long-standing commitment to building capabilities in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and related creative industries, positioning Karnataka as a foundational hub for India's AVGC-XR ecosystem development.
via The Hindu
The Quint reports that a Krafton director has compared India's current esports landscape to the country's transformative 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, suggesting the gaming sector is at an inflection point. The comparison underscores the perceived significance of India's emerging esports ecosystem and its potential for substantial development and mainstream adoption in the coming years.
via The Quint
BusinessLine reports that Karnataka has set an ambitious target to create 50,000 jobs in the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors by 2028 through its dedicated AVGC-XR policy. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to positioning itself as a hub for India's digital creative industries and supporting talent development across these high-growth segments.
via BusinessLine
Analytics India Magazine outlines expectations for the Bengaluru GAFX 2026 Summit, a key industry event for India's animation, VFX, gaming, and XR sectors. The summit will bring together professionals, studios, and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities in graphics and interactive media. The event underscores Bengaluru's growing prominence as a hub for India's AVGC-XR industry.
The Economic Times reports that India's gaming industry has welcomed a Budget 2026 proposal to establish creator labs in schools and colleges. The initiative aims to foster talent development and skill-building in the gaming sector among students, potentially strengthening the pipeline of creators and developers for India's growing gaming ecosystem.
Exchange4Media reports that India's Budget 2026 has announced support for AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, XR) labs, receiving a positive response from the gaming industry. The initiative aims to bolster infrastructure and capabilities within the animation, VFX, gaming, and extended reality sectors, reinforcing India's position as a hub for digital content creation and technology-driven entertainment.
via Exchange4Media
The Press Information Bureau announces that the Divyang Kaushal Yojana will offer customised training programmes for persons with disabilities across IT, AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, comics), and hospitality sectors. The scheme aims to enhance skill development and employment opportunities for divyangjan in these growing industries, supporting India's broader workforce development and sectoral growth objectives.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau reports that Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, includes significant announcements targeting India's orange economy and creative education sector. The orange economy encompasses animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR industries. Specific allocations and initiatives aim to strengthen creative talent development and support the broader AVGC-XR ecosystem in India.
via PIB
ThePrint reports that India's Budget 2026-27 includes a focus on skilling initiatives within the Orange Economy sector. Karnataka is positioned to capture approximately 20% of the AVGC-XR market share, reflecting the state's growing prominence in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The budget allocation signals government backing for talent development in India's creative industries.
via ThePrint
Moneycontrol.com reports that India's budget proposal for AVGC labs has been welcomed by top executives in the sector. Industry leaders have described the initiative as a landmark step that will expand the creative talent pool. The proposal aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR capabilities by establishing dedicated labs to foster skill development and innovation in these growing digital creative sectors.
via Moneycontrol.com
Moneycontrol reports that the Indian government has proposed establishing content creator labs as part of Budget 2026, allocating Rs 250 crore for talent development in the AVGC sector. The initiative aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, and digital content creation ecosystem by investing in infrastructure and human resource development. This reflects the government's commitment to supporting the domestic creative industries and building a skilled workforce for the rapidly growing sector.
via Moneycontrol.com
Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming industry is looking to the Union Budget 2026 for policy guidance following the real-money gaming (RMG) ban. The sector seeks clarification on regulatory frameworks and support measures to help studios navigate the changing landscape. The budget is expected to address concerns from gaming companies operating in India regarding the restrictions and future growth prospects.
via Outlook Respawn
TheTechPanda reports on gaming industry expectations surrounding the Union Budget in light of real-money gaming bans. The piece examines how policy developments restricting real-money gaming platforms may shape the sector's fiscal and regulatory outlook. Industry stakeholders anticipate budget announcements addressing gaming's broader ecosystem, including skill-based gaming segments and digital entertainment infrastructure investments that could support India's gaming growth trajectory.
via TheTechPanda
Outlook Respawn reports that the Delhi government plans to launch an AVGC-XR centre aimed at supporting growth in India's gaming sector. The initiative is positioned to bolster the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries within the state, contributing to broader efforts to develop India's creative economy and talent base in these high-growth sectors.
via Outlook Respawn
Analytics India Magazine examines Tamil Nadu's role in India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality industries. The report analyses whether the southern state is emerging as a hub for AVGC-XR development and innovation. Tamil Nadu has been developing infrastructure and talent pipelines to support digital creative sectors, positioning itself among India's key technology and creative economy centres.
Forbes India reports on how online gaming companies are adjusting their business models in response to recent regulatory bans. The publication examines the strategic pivots undertaken by gaming firms operating in the Indian market as they navigate the changing regulatory landscape and comply with new restrictions on online gaming operations.
via Forbes India
Exchange4Media reports that India's gaming industry is advocating for goods and services tax relief and increased funding for the animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sector ahead of the 2026 budget. The industry seeks policy support to enhance competitiveness and growth in the AVGC-XR space, highlighting the need for fiscal measures that can strengthen India's position in the global creative industries market.
via Exchange4Media
Moneycontrol reports that India's gaming and esports sector is seeking government support and clarity on the tax framework in the forthcoming Budget 2026. The industry is advocating for policy measures that would provide a clearer regulatory environment and financial incentives. This comes as the gaming sector continues to grow, with stakeholders pushing for government recognition and supportive fiscal policies to strengthen India's position in the global gaming market.
via Moneycontrol.com
Adgully.com reports that KRAFTON is committing ₹6,000 crore to India as part of a long-term strategic bet. In an interview, Minu Lee outlines why India represents a crucial market for the gaming company's future growth and operations. The investment underscores KRAFTON's confidence in India's gaming sector potential and its commitment to establishing deeper roots in the country's rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.
via Adgully.com
Storyboard18 reports that India's gaming industry is making pre-budget submissions seeking tax parity with other sectors, dedicated intellectual property funding, and export promotion measures. The industry is advocating for policy measures to boost growth and competitiveness ahead of the 2026 Union budget, highlighting the sector's need for fiscal and regulatory support to strengthen its global position.
via Storyboard18
Passionate In Marketing reports on the Krafton India Awards, which honour achievements within India's gaming industry. The awards programme recognises and celebrates excellence among Indian gaming studios, developers, and professionals, highlighting the sector's growing talent pool and creative output. Krafton's initiative underscores the company's commitment to nurturing India's gaming ecosystem.
TheWire.in reports that KRAFTON India has launched the KRAFTON India Awards 2025, honouring the country's gaming champions. The inaugural awards ceremony is held in partnership with iQOO. The initiative recognises talent and achievement within India's gaming sector, supporting the growth of the domestic gaming industry and fostering recognition for gaming professionals and studios.
via TheWire.in
IGN India reports that Krafton, publisher of BGMI, has announced its first-ever Krafton India Awards to honour esports athletes and recognise contributions to India's gaming ecosystem. The event marks a significant milestone for the publisher's engagement with the Indian esports community, celebrating players and other industry figures who have shaped competitive gaming in the country.
via IGN India
TheTechPanda reports on the outlook for India's gaming and esports sector in 2026, identifying both significant growth opportunities and substantial challenges ahead for the industry. The report examines market dynamics, competitive pressures, and strategic considerations shaping India's position in the global gaming landscape, though specific details on policy, studios, or concrete developments remain to be detailed in the full article.
via TheTechPanda
The Press Information Bureau reports that India is hosting WAVES 2025, a pioneering initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that brings together over 90 countries. The event underscores India's role in advancing the audiovisual and media sectors on a global stage, potentially fostering international collaboration and partnerships for India's growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.
via PIB
IMARC Group examines the trajectory of India's gaming industry, analysing key growth drivers, market dynamics, and future opportunities for the sector. The report provides insights into emerging trends and potential directions for India's gaming landscape. This forward-looking analysis helps stakeholders understand the evolving opportunities and challenges shaping India's gaming market as it continues to expand and mature.
via IMARC Group
Fortune India explores whether esports can become India's next major gaming driver following the real-money gaming ban. The publication examines the sector's potential to fill the gap left by RMG restrictions and discusses prospects for esports expansion in 2026, highlighting opportunities for growth in India's competitive gaming landscape and revenue generation.
via Fortune India
Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming sector is poised to evolve its metrics and success measures in 2026, moving beyond traditional player count benchmarks. The publication suggests the industry will increasingly emphasise deeper engagement metrics, monetisation strategies, and broader economic impact assessments. This reflects growing maturity within India's gaming landscape as stakeholders seek more sophisticated indicators of sector health and sustainability.
via Outlook Respawn
Bestmediainfo reports on how regulatory changes and esports recognition have transformed India's gaming sector. The article examines the impact of government policies and formal acknowledgement of esports on the industry's evolution, highlighting how these developments have reshaped the competitive gaming landscape and business environment for gaming studios and operators operating in the country.
Mobidictum reports that India's gaming sector has wrapped up 2025 following a year marked by structural changes and market realignment. The report reflects on shifts within the industry throughout the year, noting how the sector has undergone significant transitions. Details on specific areas of realignment and the nature of structural changes driving these shifts remain central to understanding the gaming landscape's evolution in India during this period.
via Mobidictum
TheTechPanda reports on India's gaming and esports sector's trajectory into 2026, highlighting anticipated government recognition and growing international competitiveness. The article examines how India's gaming industry is gaining legitimacy through policy support whilst simultaneously achieving success on the global stage. This recognition could reshape the regulatory landscape and investment outlook for domestic studios and esports organisations competing internationally.
via TheTechPanda
ANI News reports that HKI Media has partnered with the CM Yuva Yojana initiative to launch 500 AVGC-XR studios across Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration aims to expand the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sector infrastructure in the state, supporting studio establishment and development under the government-backed youth entrepreneurship scheme.
via ANI News
Fortune India reports that KRAFTON is pursuing international expansion opportunities leveraging Indian gaming intellectual properties, including the Real Cricket franchise. The development marks a strategic push by the South Korean gaming giant to establish Indian-developed titles in global markets, positioning homegrown gaming IPs as vehicles for international growth and revenue diversification beyond domestic audiences.
via Fortune India
The Press Information Bureau reports that India's animation, gaming, and XR ecosystem has been strengthened through the WAVES platform. The initiative positions India as a global hub of creativity within the AVGC-XR sectors. The report underscores efforts to consolidate India's standing in these rapidly growing creative industries on the international stage.
via PIB
PwC India reports that the Government of Maharashtra has formally notified the Maharashtra Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality Policy 2025. The policy aims to strengthen the state's position in India's creative industries by providing a regulatory framework and incentives for AVGC-XR studios and talent. The initiative is expected to attract investment and create employment opportunities across the sectors.
via PwC India
BW Marketing World reports on the growing acceptance of gaming as a professional career option among Indian youth. The piece explores how the gaming industry is attracting talent in India, reflecting broader shifts in how young people view employment opportunities within the sector. This trend underscores the expanding economic significance of gaming within India's AVGC ecosystem and the sector's capacity to generate sustainable livelihoods for emerging talent pools across the country.
Economic Times reports on India's gaming landscape in 2025, marked by regulatory shifts and competitive esports developments. The article examines how real-money gaming restrictions are reshaping the sector whilst esports continues to gain momentum. The piece traces the industry's trajectory through policy changes and competitive gaming achievements throughout the year.
The Hindu reports that the RTIH CEO has highlighted the substantial opportunities within the AVGC-XR sector for young professionals in Andhra Pradesh. The statement underscores the region's potential to develop a skilled workforce in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality segments, positioning the state as an emerging hub for creative talent within India's digital media landscape.
via The Hindu
Sigma.world reports on how 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year for India's esports industry. The publication highlights key developments reshaping the competitive gaming landscape in the country, though specific details on policy changes, major tournaments, or industry milestones remain to be detailed in the full article. The piece suggests significant momentum building within India's gaming ecosystem.
via sigma.world
The Times of India reports that Korean gaming company Krafton plans to invest Rs 1,800 crore in India over the next three to four years. The investment underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in India's gaming sector. Krafton, known for titles like PUBG Mobile, is strengthening its footprint in one of the world's largest gaming markets by user base.
Outlook Respawn examines whether India's gaming studios are experiencing talent attrition to the OTT and VFX sectors. The report explores the competitive dynamics within India's AVGC ecosystem, where professionals may be drawn to higher-paying or more established opportunities in content production and visual effects rather than game development. This trend could have significant implications for the growth trajectory of India's gaming industry.
via Outlook Respawn