India's gaming economy — studios, esports, policy and platforms.
Outlook Respawn reports that Maharashtra has introduced a new AVGC-XR policy. The move aims to strengthen the state's position in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The policy is designed to support industry growth and attract talent and investment to Maharashtra's creative economy.
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
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
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
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
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
Investment Guru reports that the Tamil Nadu government plans to set up an AVGC-XR centre of excellence in Chennai to foster digital media innovation. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's capabilities in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors, positioning Chennai as a hub for creative industries and supporting talent development in these high-growth domains.
via Investment Guru
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.
According to bestmediainfo.com, OS Studios has established operations in India to strengthen its gaming and esports offerings. The move represents the company's commitment to expand its presence in the Indian gaming market and enhance its esports experience delivery capabilities in the region.
The Press Information Bureau announces IndiaJoy B2B 2025, an industry event powered by WAVES Bazaar and Aha, and organised by ProducerBazaar and IndiaJoy. The event is designed to strengthen India's creative economy by fostering B2B connections within the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. The initiative brings together stakeholders to facilitate business opportunities and collaborative ventures across India's growing AVGC-XR industries.
via PIB
Eventfaqs reports that GamingCon Bharat 2025 will convert NESCO venue into India's largest playable gaming universe. The event is positioned as a major gaming industry gathering in India, bringing together gaming studios, developers, and enthusiasts. Details on specific attractions, participating studios, and the scale of the event were not disclosed in the announcement, but the initiative underscores India's growing gaming sector prominence and industry investment in large-scale gaming events.
via Eventfaqs
MediaNews4U reports that India's gaming market is projected to cross 50 crore players in 2025, with player spending anticipated to exceed $1 billion. The forecast comes from market research firm Niko Partners, underscoring robust growth in the country's gaming sector. The expansion reflects increasing smartphone penetration, affordable data costs, and rising consumer engagement across casual and competitive gaming categories in India.
via MediaNews4U
AnimationXpress reports that MIDCCA will host a dialogue focused on the implementation of Maharashtra's AVGC-XR Policy. The initiative aims to facilitate discussion among stakeholders in the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors regarding policy rollout and industry engagement. This represents a significant step in Maharashtra's efforts to support and develop its growing AVGC-XR ecosystem through structured policy dialogue and industry collaboration.
via Animation Xpress
The Press Information Bureau reports that startup accelerator WaveX is inviting startups to participate in WAVES Bazar during IFFI Goa 2025, scheduled for 20–24 November. The initiative aims to showcase emerging ventures within India's creative and tech sectors at the prestigious International Film Festival of India, providing a platform for networking and investment opportunities within the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
via PIB
The New Indian Express reports that Tamil Nadu is set to launch a dedicated animation and gaming policy. The state's initiative aims to support and promote the AVGC sector within the region, though specific details of the policy framework remain to be announced. This development reflects growing recognition of Tamil Nadu's potential in India's animation and gaming industries.
The Times of India reports that gaming industry veterans have launched Game Insider, a platform designed to empower the next generation of gaming professionals in India. The initiative aims to provide resources, mentorship, and industry insights to emerging talent in the gaming sector, strengthening the professional development ecosystem within India's growing gaming industry.
The Hindu reports that Tamil Nadu's IT Minister has announced that an AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, XR) policy will be rolled out soon. The statement signals the state's commitment to developing its animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors, potentially positioning Tamil Nadu as a hub for digital creative industries.
via The Hindu
The New Indian Express reports that Tamil Nadu Minister Thiaga Rajan has announced plans to introduce an AVGC-XR policy shaped by industry stakeholders, with a focus on talent creation. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors through targeted workforce development and industry collaboration.
ET Government reports that India has unveiled 'India Gaming Vision 2035', a strategic initiative aimed at positioning the country as a global gaming powerhouse with a $100 billion target. The vision sets ambitious goals for industry growth and development, reflecting India's commitment to strengthening its gaming sector on the international stage.
via ET Government
AnimationXpress reports that Maharashtra has released its AVGC-XR Policy 2025, aimed at strengthening India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The policy is expected to have significant implications for the country's creative economy. Details on specific incentives, infrastructure support, and talent development measures remain to be outlined in further announcements from the state government.
via Animation Xpress
Passionate In Marketing reports that Krafton India has revealed its 2026 esports roadmap, which includes expanded tournaments and new awards to celebrate gaming talent. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to developing India's competitive gaming ecosystem and supporting professional esports players through enhanced opportunities and recognition programmes throughout the coming year.
The Press Information Bureau reports that WAVES Animation Bazaar and the 8th edition of IndiaJoy 2025 have been inaugurated in Hyderabad. The events are significant gatherings for India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors, bringing together industry professionals, studios, and stakeholders. IndiaJoy is a flagship platform showcasing India's creative industries on a global stage, whilst WAVES focuses specifically on animation sector development and business opportunities.
via PIB
Storyboard18 reports that India's digital gaming market is expected to grow at an 18% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2030. The projection underscores the sector's rapid expansion within India's broader digital economy, reflecting increasing smartphone penetration and consumer spending on gaming content and services across the country.
via Storyboard18
ET Edge Insights reports that India's digital gaming sector, currently valued at $2.4 billion, is positioned for significant growth over the next six years. The projection reflects expanding smartphone adoption, rising disposable incomes, and increasing player engagement across the country. This expansion underscores India's growing prominence in the global gaming landscape and the sector's potential to attract further investment and talent development initiatives within the country's emerging digital entertainment ecosystem.
via ET Edge Insights
Storyboard18 reports that thirteen Indian states are currently drafting policies to support the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. Industry stakeholders are simultaneously advocating for inter-state co-production treaties to facilitate smoother collaboration across state boundaries. The development reflects growing recognition of AVGC-XR's economic potential and the need for coordinated policy frameworks to strengthen India's position in these creative industries.
via Storyboard18
BW Marketing World reports that the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) has established a Policy Secretariat to influence video gaming industry regulations. The secretariat will work on shaping regulatory frameworks affecting the Indian gaming sector. This development reflects the industry's effort to have a structured voice in policy discussions as gaming remains a significant segment of India's AVGC-XR ecosystem.
Moneycontrol reports that the Gaming Developer and Publishers Association of India (GDAI) has established a Policy Secretariat ahead of India's anticipated online gaming legislation. The move signals the industry's preparation for regulatory changes in the sector. The secretariat will likely serve as a liaison between stakeholders and policymakers as the new legal framework is implemented in the country's gaming industry.
via Moneycontrol.com
Deccan Chronicle reports that the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) has established the country's first dedicated policy secretariat focused on the video games and social gaming sector. The initiative aims to address industry-specific policy challenges and advocate for the sector's growth. Details on the secretariat's specific mandates and operational structure were not fully detailed in the announcement.
Storyboard18 reports that the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) has formed a policy secretariat as the country prepares for the implementation of the Online Gaming Act. The move signals the gaming industry's proactive engagement with regulatory frameworks governing online gaming in India, positioning stakeholders to navigate compliance requirements and policy developments in the sector.
via Storyboard18
Outlook Respawn reports that Netflix India has entered into a partnership with IICT and FICCI. The collaboration aims to strengthen India's creative and media sectors. Details regarding the scope and objectives of the partnership remain limited in the available summary, but such initiatives typically support talent development and industry growth within India's AVGC-XR ecosystem.
via Outlook Respawn
Business Standard reports that Netflix India has partnered with IICT and Ficci to support India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR (AVGC-XR) segment. The collaboration aims to bolster the growth of these creative industries in the country through joint initiatives and support mechanisms that will benefit studios, talent, and emerging creators across these sectors.
The Press Information Bureau reports that a landmark memorandum of understanding has been signed between IICT, FICCI, and Netflix to nurture India's next-generation creative talent. The partnership aims to develop and support emerging professionals in the country's creative industries, strengthening the ecosystem for animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. The collaboration represents a significant effort to build skilled talent pipelines for India's growing AVGC-XR landscape.
via PIB
The Economic Times reports that Indian esports companies are calling for clear regulatory frameworks and government support measures to bolster the sector's development. Having faced association with real-money gaming controversies, esports operators are now pushing for differentiated policies that recognise competitive gaming's distinct nature. Industry players seek incentives to accelerate growth, talent development, and international competitiveness in India's emerging esports ecosystem, marking a shift toward mainstream legitimacy and institutional support for the sector.
Netflix has announced a partnership with IICT and FICCI to build India's creative tech talent pipeline, according to the company. The initiative aims to develop skilled professionals in the AVGC-XR sectors through collaborative training and development programmes, strengthening India's position in global creative industries and addressing talent gaps in animation, VFX, gaming, and extended reality production.
via About Netflix
ET Edge Insights reports that the Government of India has proposed a comprehensive framework for online gaming, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) seeking stakeholder input by October 31. The initiative represents a significant policy development for India's gaming sector, potentially shaping regulatory oversight and industry standards as the country's gaming market continues to grow.
via ET Edge Insights
Business Standard reports that a draft policy has been unveiled to enable pan-Indian eSports participation and gaming sector reforms. The policy aims to standardise eSports governance across India and establish a regulatory framework for the gaming industry. Details on specific provisions and implementation timeline remain limited in the announcement, which signals the government's intent to position India as a competitive eSports hub while addressing concerns around responsible gaming practices.
Livemint reports that conflicts are rising as firms prepare responses to India's draft online gaming rules. The regulations are expected to shape the operational landscape for the gaming industry. Companies are engaging with the regulatory framework as authorities move toward formalising oversight of the online gaming sector in the country.
via livemint.com
The Times of India reports that new online gaming regulations have come into force in India from today. The rules represent a significant regulatory shift for the country's gaming sector. However, the feed summary does not provide specific details about the rules' contents, enforcement mechanisms, or impact on Indian gaming studios and developers.
Economictimes reports that India's new online gaming law has taken effect, banning money games. The regulation marks a significant policy shift for the Indian gaming sector, which includes a substantial number of studios and gaming companies. This development could reshape how gaming businesses operate within India and may influence international studios' engagement with the Indian market.
Fortune India reports that India's non-real-money gaming (RMG) sector is positioned for substantial expansion following the introduction of new gaming legislation. Rooter's Piyush Kumar and Lightbox's Sandeep Murthy discuss the anticipated $4-5 billion boom in the sector. The new regulatory framework is expected to unlock growth opportunities across India's gaming industry, providing clarity and encouraging investment in the non-RMG gaming space, which has long operated under regulatory uncertainty.
via Fortune India
Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming industry body has shifted its strategic focus towards esports. The report indicates a deliberate repositioning by the industry organisation to prioritise the esports segment, reflecting growing recognition of competitive gaming's importance within India's broader gaming landscape and its potential for professional development and international participation.
via Outlook Respawn
The Times of India reports that India's gaming market, with 420 million gamers, is exploring expansion opportunities beyond real-money gaming (RMG). The article highlights the sector's ambitions to diversify revenue streams and develop alternative gaming verticals. This reflects broader industry efforts to establish sustainable growth models independent of RMG, which faces regulatory scrutiny in India.
The Press Information Bureau reports that Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan has concluded a visit to South Korea focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in media, entertainment, gaming, and digital innovation. The visit underscores India's efforts to strengthen international partnerships within the AVGC-XR sectors, potentially opening avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-production opportunities between Indian and South Korean industry stakeholders.
via PIB
Fortune India reports that India's gaming sector is poised for expansion in the wake of real-money gaming (RMG) bans. The country has 420 million gamers with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of just $3, indicating significant monetisation potential. The publication suggests regulatory clarity from RMG restrictions could redirect player engagement and investment towards skill-based and casual gaming segments, strengthening India's broader gaming ecosystem development.
via Fortune India
BestMediaInfo reports that India's non-real-money gaming sector is set to expand following the RMG ban, according to a Lightbox report. The analysis suggests regulatory changes are creating opportunities for growth in casual gaming, skill-based games, and other non-RMG segments, as developers and studios pivot strategies to capitalise on the evolving policy landscape.
Storyboard18 reports that the animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR industry has backed Maharashtra's new AVGC-XR policy initiative. The policy aims to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments whilst generating 2 lakh jobs within the sector. The announcement reflects growing support from industry stakeholders for the state's commitment to developing its creative technology ecosystem and positioning Maharashtra as a hub for digital content production.
via Storyboard18
WaveX has launched seven new incubation centres focused on supporting media and AVGC-XR startups, according to bestmediainfo.com. The initiative aims to nurture early-stage companies in India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. Details on the locations, support offerings, and selection criteria for startups were not disclosed in the announcement. This expansion reflects continued investment in India's growing creative technology ecosystem.
The Press Information Bureau reports that startup accelerator platform WaveX has announced the launch of seven new incubation centres to support Media, Entertainment and AVGC-XR sector startups in India. The initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the country's growing animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR industries by providing dedicated support infrastructure for emerging ventures in these sectors.
via PIB
Hindustan Times reports that the Maharashtra cabinet has cleared a comprehensive AVGC-XR policy and developed a 25-year roadmap for the sector. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to nurturing animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries. This policy framework is expected to facilitate growth and investment in these creative sectors within Maharashtra.
via Hindustan Times
The Times of India reports that the Maharashtra cabinet has approved a comprehensive policy for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The policy aims to support and regulate these creative industries within the state, potentially offering incentives and frameworks to attract studios and talent to Maharashtra's growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.
The Times of India reports that Nagpur will develop a hi-tech media park with Rs 3,000 crore investment dedicated to the AVGC-XR sector. The facility aims to strengthen animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality production capabilities in the region. This infrastructure development signals Maharashtra's commitment to fostering creative industries and attracting talent and companies to establish operations in Nagpur.
AnimationXpress reports that the Maharashtra government has approved the state's AVGC-XR Policy with an allocation of Rs 3000 crore. The policy aims to support the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors within the state, fostering industry growth and talent development. This initiative represents a significant commitment to strengthening Maharashtra's position as a hub for AVGC-XR production and innovation.
via Animation Xpress
Nagpur Today reports that Nagpur is set to establish a dedicated AVGC-XR Park, positioning the city as an emerging technology hub. The facility aims to support animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors, attracting studios and talent to the region. This development represents a significant expansion of India's AVGC-XR infrastructure beyond traditional production centres, fostering growth in the animation and digital media industries across Maharashtra.
via Nagpur Today
News On AIR reports that the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the AVGC-XR policy 2025, allocating ₹3,268 crore towards the sector. The policy represents a significant investment in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries within the state, aimed at fostering growth and attracting investment in these creative sectors.
via News On AIR
Law.asia reports on the Online Gaming Act, 2025 and its implications for real-money gaming (RMG) in India. The legislation signals potential regulatory changes affecting the gaming sector. The article examines how the new framework may reshape compliance requirements and operational standards for gaming platforms operating in the Indian market. Details on specific provisions and their industry impact are outlined in the source publication's analysis of the act's scope and enforcement mechanisms.
via Law.asia
ET Edge Insights examines India's strategic focus on the gaming sector. The report explores whether India is directing substantial resources and policy attention toward establishing itself as a major player in the global gaming industry. The piece considers infrastructure development, talent cultivation, and investment trends shaping India's gaming landscape as the nation seeks to capitalise on growing opportunities in this high-potential segment of the AVGC ecosystem.
via ET Edge Insights
Business Standard reports that Vaishnaw met with gaming industry representatives to discuss user money protection and esports development. The meeting focused on safeguarding player funds and advancing competitive gaming in India. No further details on outcomes or specific regulatory proposals were disclosed in the report.
The Hindu reports that work on establishing AVGC-XR and AI Centres of Excellence in Tamil Nadu is gaining momentum. The state is advancing infrastructure and institutional development to support animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors alongside artificial intelligence capabilities. This initiative aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in the digital creative industries and emerging technology spaces.
via The Hindu
The Indian Express reports that India's esports industry has raised concerns about implementation challenges despite receiving a carve-out under the new Online Gaming Act. The sector, while acknowledged separately from gambling regulations, continues to face hurdles in operationalising the exemption. Industry stakeholders have highlighted specific obstacles that could impact esports organisations and competitive gaming ventures in India moving forward.
ETLegalWorld.com reports that gaming companies are expected to file legal challenges against India's online real-money gaming restrictions in the Karnataka High Court. The move signals industry pushback against regulatory measures affecting the gaming sector. Details of the specific legal arguments and timeline for the challenge remain under consideration as operators seek clarity on the legality of existing restrictions.
via ETLegalWorld.com