India's gaming economy — studios, esports, policy and platforms.
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.
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.
Animation Xpress reports on industry reactions to India's Union Budget 2026 across the animation, VFX, gaming and comics sectors. The publication gathered responses from professionals and stakeholders in these AVGC segments following the budget announcement. Specific policy measures, funding allocations, or tax implications affecting the sector are detailed in the source coverage.
via Animation Xpress
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 pivoting after a ban. No further details about the companies, timing, or nature of the pivot are provided in the available text.
via Forbes India
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
The New Indian Express reports that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has committed to developing the state into a hub for creative industries.
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
Cinema Express reports that Omar Abdullah has stated local talent must be created to make Jammu and Kashmir an attractive filmmaking destination.
via Cinema Express
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
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
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.
ANI News reports that KRAFTON India has honoured India's gaming champions at the inaugural KRAFTON India Awards 2025, held with iQOO as partner.
via ANI News
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 asks whether esports could emerge as India's next major gaming sector following the ban on real-money gaming. The publication poses the question for 2026.
via Fortune India
Hindustan Times reports that MAAC is hosting the 24FPS Creators Fest and International Animation Awards 2025, highlighting India's creative and AVGC-XR ecosystem.
via Hindustan Times
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
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
ANI News reports that HKI Media has joined with CM Yuva Yojana to launch 500 AVGC-XR studios across Uttar Pradesh.
via ANI News
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
Outlook Respawn reports that Royal Challenge has signed esports star Mortal for a national campaign.
via Outlook Respawn
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
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 Press Information Bureau reports that India is becoming a hub for global filmmaking, with the government working to facilitate and simplify processes for the sector.
via PIB
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
YourStory.com reports on the collaborative format of Rajasthan DigiFest × TGS 2026, where creators and founders will participate together. The event brings together digital content creators and entrepreneurial leaders on a shared platform, reflecting the growing convergence of creative talent and business leadership within India's digital and gaming sectors in Rajasthan.
via YourStory.com
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.
PIB reports that stakeholder consultations on the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 have concluded. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan stated the government believes in wide and extensive consultations.
via PIB
Animation Xpress reports that India is developing esports guidelines and growth plans to establish itself on the global stage. The initiative addresses the competitive gaming sector's expansion within the country, signalling policy support for the esports industry as part of broader gaming sector development efforts.
via Animation Xpress
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
IGN India reports that the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association has called on media outlets to stop conflating real-money gaming (RMG) with the legitimate gaming industry. The association seeks clearer distinction in coverage to protect the sector's reputation and ensure accurate reporting on gaming development and publishing activities in India.
via IGN India
Outlook Respawn examines how India's various state-level AVGC (animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR) policies align with and differ from the national vision for the sector. The piece compares regulatory frameworks, incentives, and support mechanisms across states, offering insight into the fragmented landscape of India's audiovisual and digital content ecosystem at both state and central levels.
via Outlook Respawn
The Hindu reports on India's gaming sector outlook. The article examines positive developments in the Indian gaming industry following regulatory changes regarding betting and gaming practices. The piece explores how the sector is positioned for growth and improved prospects moving forward.
via The Hindu
KRAFTON India has announced the first-ever Gaming & Esports Awards 2025, according to Passionate In Marketing. The awards programme marks a significant milestone for the gaming and esports industry in India, recognising achievement and talent within the sector. Details regarding award categories, eligibility criteria, and the awards ceremony date remain to be announced.
Exchange4Media reports that India's gaming industry is setting ambitious growth targets, aiming to reach $4 billion in revenue by fiscal year 2030. The report outlines strategic initiatives and expansion plans driving this projection. This reflects the sector's confidence in sustained growth driven by increased smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and growing player engagement across casual and competitive gaming segments in India.
via Exchange4Media
The Economic Times reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and YouTube have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Create with AI programme, aimed at boosting skills in the AVGC-XR sector.
The Press Information Bureau reports on initiatives powering India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. The announcement underscores government backing for the AVGC-XR industry, a key growth area for India's digital economy and creative exports. Details on specific policy measures, infrastructure support, or sector targets remain within the official communication.
via PIB
News On AIR reports that India's media and entertainment sector is among the country's fastest-growing industries. The sector, which encompasses animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR technologies, continues to expand as demand for digital content and immersive experiences grows domestically and internationally. This growth reflects increasing investment in AVGC-XR infrastructure, talent development, and production capabilities across the Indian market.
via News On AIR
Exchange4Media reports that a significant policy shift has transformed India's gaming landscape over the past year, catalysing a $9 billion esports revolution. The development marks a pivotal moment for the country's gaming industry, reflecting growing regulatory support and investment momentum. The policy change has created favourable conditions for esports expansion, attracting substantial capital and enabling industry growth. This shift underscores India's emerging position as a key player in the global esports ecosystem.
via Exchange4Media
The New Indian Express reports that Tamil Nadu is planning a centre of excellence to accelerate growth in gaming and extended reality sectors. The initiative aims to foster development within these emerging technology domains, supporting the state's broader efforts to strengthen its position in the AVGC-XR ecosystem and attract industry talent and investment.