India's gaming economy — studios, esports, policy and platforms.
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.
TENNEWS.IN reports that WaveX and Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) Mumbai have launched a media tech incubator to support AVGC-XR startups.
via TENNEWS.IN
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
GamesIndustry.biz reports that a new games industry body has launched in India. No further details are available from the headline.
Outlook Respawn reports on the launch of the Indian Game Producers and Developers Association (IGPDA), a new body aimed at uniting India's game development and publishing sectors. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration and representation within the country's gaming industry, providing a unified platform for studios and publishers to address shared challenges and opportunities.
via Outlook Respawn
ET Edge Insights reports that the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA) has been formed to support India's Online Gaming Bill. The association aims to lead a new gaming era by providing industry backing to the regulatory framework. This development signals growing institutional coordination within India's gaming sector to shape the policy landscape and represent publishers' and developers' interests.
via ET Edge Insights
Bar and Bench examines the Online Gaming Act 2025 and its implications for India's gaming sector. The legal analysis explores how the new legislation will shape the regulatory landscape for online gaming companies and platforms operating in the country, with potential impacts on industry operations, compliance requirements, and market dynamics within India's rapidly expanding gaming segment.
via Bar and Bench
Fortune India reports that as the Online Gaming Bill becomes law, real-money gaming companies are starting to pivot their operations in response to the new regulatory framework.
via Fortune India
The Times of India reports that India's Centre is preparing to table a Gaming Bill in Parliament to ban money-based online gaming. The legislation addresses concerns around gambling and real-money gaming, marking a significant policy intervention in the Indian gaming sector. The bill's introduction represents a concrete regulatory development for the country's gaming industry, with implications for gaming studios and platforms operating in India.
Storyboard18 reports that India's Rajya Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Bill, which recognises esports while outlawing money games.
via Storyboard18
Business Today reports that Parliament has cleared an online gaming bill. The publication notes implications for the money-based games and advertising industries, valued at $3.8 billion.
via Business Today
The Economic Times reports that the Rajya Sabha has passed an online gaming bill designed to regulate the esports and gaming industry. The legislative move represents a significant step toward establishing a formal regulatory framework for India's gaming sector, which has grown substantially in recent years. The bill's passage signals government intent to provide oversight whilst supporting industry development.
Vision IAS reports on India's proposed Online Gaming Bill 2025, which seeks to ban real money games. The legislation represents a significant policy development for India's gaming sector, addressing regulatory concerns around gambling and consumer protection. The bill's provisions could reshape how online gaming operators conduct business within the country, affecting studios and platforms offering skill and chance-based games. Policy clarity on real money gaming classification remains a critical issue for India's gaming industry stakeholders navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. The bill reflects growing government focus on formalising gaming sector oversight in India's AVGC ecosystem.
via Vision IAS
The Economic Times reports that India's Online Gaming Bill has been tabled in Lok Sabha, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Secretary explaining the proposed blanket ban on online gaming.
The Prime Minister has welcomed the passage of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, according to PIB. The government states the legislation will boost e-sports development while implementing safeguards to protect society. The bill marks a formal regulatory framework for India's online gaming sector, a key component of the country's broader AVGC-XR ambitions.
via PIB
The Times of India reports that India's Online Gaming Bill has cleared the Lok Sabha, with implications for the esports sector outlined in five key takeaways.
The American Bazaar reports that India's ban on real-money online games poses a threat to the fantasy gaming industry's survival.
The Times of India reports that India's Online Gaming Bill 2025 distinguishes between e-sports and money gaming, with the government backing competitive gaming while imposing strict penalties on real-money wagering. The legislation represents a significant policy move to regulate India's gaming sector, supporting skill-based gaming whilst addressing concerns around gambling and gaming-related harms through enforcement mechanisms and financial penalties for non-compliant operators and platforms.
The Times of India reports that the gaming industry has described a real-money gaming ban as a death knell for the sector.
India Today reports on how new gaming laws will affect the Indian gaming industry that generates billions in revenue. The publication discusses the regulatory impact on the sector.
via India Today
The Times of India reports that India's Lok Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, introducing a ban on real-money gaming whilst providing support for esports development. The legislation marks a significant regulatory shift for India's gaming sector, distinguishing between skill-based esports and gambling-oriented real-money games. This policy move is expected to reshape the competitive landscape for gaming studios and esports organisations operating in the country.
PIB reports the Prime Minister has welcomed passage of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, stating it will boost e-sports and safeguard society.
via PIB
Hindustan Times reports that India's Online Gaming Bill is poised to trigger significant changes across the country's gaming sector, valued at $3.7 billion. The legislation is expected to reshape regulatory frameworks and operational dynamics for gaming companies operating in India. Details on specific provisions and their impact on studios and stakeholders remain central to industry discussions as the bill progresses through legislative processes.
via Hindustan Times
India Today reports that India's gaming industry is responding to a proposed ban on money-based online gaming. The publication describes the move as shocking to industry participants. Details of the specific legislative proposal and stakeholder reactions remain limited in available reporting, but the development signals potential regulatory tightening around real-money gaming operations in India's gaming sector.
via India Today
LinkedIn reports MeitY Secretary S Krishnan stated the gaming industry creates thousands of jobs whilst affecting millions of livelihoods, saying government must balance social good with employment concerns.
via LinkedIn
Livemint reports that a gaming ban is putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. The publication does not specify which jurisdiction or gaming sector is affected by the ban.
via Livemint
Livemint reports that the Online Gaming Bill 2025 has been passed by Lok Sabha. The publication examines whether the legislation will affect the Indian cricket industry's revenue streams.
via Livemint
Fortune India reports that India is considering regulatory measures to support esports as a mainstream sport while implementing restrictions on real-money gaming. The policy shift aims to distinguish between competitive esports and gambling-oriented gaming activities, reflecting efforts to foster the esports industry whilst addressing concerns around unregulated gaming platforms and their societal impacts.
via Fortune India
TechCrunch reports that India's government plans to propose a blanket ban on real-money gaming. No further details are available from the headline alone.
via TechCrunch
Digital Studio India reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) is committing ₹392.85 crore towards transforming India's AVGC-XR workforce. The substantial investment underscores efforts to strengthen talent development and infrastructure across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The initiative aims to build capacity within India's growing creative technology industry, supporting both institutional capabilities and skilled personnel across the region.
Press Trust of India reports that Kreo's latest survey results have revealed characteristics of the Indian gaming industry. No further details were available in the source item.
The Press Information Bureau reports that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to creative freedom whilst enforcing OTT content oversight through the IT Rules, 2021. A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism is in place to regulate OTT content.
via PIB
LinkedIn reports that India is rapidly emerging as a global gaming powerhouse, with over 600 million gamers and an industry poised to reach $60 billion by 2034. The platform emphasises the importance of empowering homegrown talent through funding and mentorship.
via LinkedIn
The Press Information Bureau reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has inaugurated its first campus at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai. This establishment represents a significant step in developing skilled talent infrastructure for India's AVGC and creative industries. The Mumbai facility will serve as a hub for fostering technical expertise and craftsmanship in animation, visual effects, gaming, and related sectors within the country's vibrant media ecosystem.
via PIB
Zee News reports on NipsApp's initiatives in virtual reality. The company is developing VR applications spanning gaming and healthcare domains. NipsApp's focus on diverse VR use cases reflects growing interest in extended reality technologies within India's technology sector. The company's expansion into multiple verticals demonstrates the broadening potential of VR beyond entertainment into practical applications in healthcare and other industries.
via Zee News
ET Government reports that India's first creative tech institute has opened admissions for its inaugural batch. The institute represents a significant development for India's AVGC-XR sector, addressing the talent pipeline and education infrastructure needed to support growth in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen India's creative technology ecosystem.
via ET Government
Orissadiary reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has announced cutting-edge courses in AVGC-XR for its inaugural batch starting in August 2025.
via orissadiary.com
ANI News reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has begun admissions for Animation, Visual Effects, and Gaming programmes starting in August.
via ANI News
Policy Circle discusses regulatory frameworks for India's gaming sector. The publication argues that India's gaming industry requires more sophisticated policy approaches to balance innovation with consumer protection. Smart regulation could enable the sector's growth whilst addressing concerns around responsible gaming and market integrity.
via Policy Circle
Business Standard reports that Nazara has launched Pokerverse VR, marking the company's entry into immersive gaming focused on poker.
ET Government explores the dynamics shaping India's gaming sector in a report on regulatory tensions and market consolidation. The article examines competing interests within the fantasy gaming industry as stakeholders vie for influence over the sector's direction and regulatory framework. Coverage focuses on policy developments and industry positioning rather than gameplay or betting mechanics, offering insight into structural forces reshaping India's gaming landscape.
via ET Government
Moneycontrol.com reports that Meta has implemented stricter advertising regulations for real-money gaming in India, introducing a new certification step for operators. The policy tightening reflects Meta's efforts to ensure compliance with India's gaming advertising standards and protect consumers from unauthorised gaming platforms. This regulatory move aligns with growing scrutiny of real-money gaming advertisements across digital platforms in the country.
via Moneycontrol.com
The Hindu reports that the Andhra Pradesh government is working on a new policy to tap potential in the gaming and animation industries. The state aims to leverage opportunities within these sectors to drive economic growth and industry development. This policy initiative reflects growing recognition of the AVGC-XR segment's significance in regional industrial strategy and workforce creation within the state.
via The Hindu
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with WinZO for two years to support over 2,000 interactive entertainment startups, according to a Press Information Bureau release. The partnership aims to foster growth in India's gaming and interactive entertainment sector through targeted support and resources for emerging ventures in the space.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau reports that the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) have launched the WAVES Outreach Program to support India's gaming industry growth. The initiative aims to propel the nation's gaming future through collaborative efforts and outreach activities, strengthening the ecosystem for developers and stakeholders across the sector.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) reports that India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted an Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Promotion Task Force. The task force aims to strengthen India's position in the AVGC sector through coordinated policy initiatives and industry support measures. Details regarding the task force's composition and mandate were announced via the official PIB channel.
via PIB
Global VAT Compliance reports that India's Supreme Court will determine the Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment applicable to the online gaming industry. The ruling could have significant implications for gaming companies operating in India, affecting their tax obligations and business models. This case represents a critical juncture for policy clarity in the Indian gaming sector.
GamingXpress reports on Sanjay Dubey discussing Madhya Pradesh's vision for building India's next creative hub in the AVGC-XR sector.
via GamingXpress
ET TravelWorld reports that Sheo Shekhar Shukla has praised Madhya Pradesh's newly unveiled film tourism and AVGC-XR policies as more attractive and industry-friendly. The comments suggest the state is positioning itself to draw animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality production activity through improved policy frameworks. Shukla's remarks indicate optimism about the state's commitment to supporting the sector's growth and competitiveness in India's broader AVGC-XR landscape.
via ET TravelWorld
Vision IAS reports that the Centre has launched the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) to revolutionise the AVGC-XR sector. The initiative aims to advance India's animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries through dedicated institutional support and skill development programmes.
via Vision IAS
Economic Times reports that India has established itself as a global creative powerhouse, according to EY analysis. The publication attributes this emergence to the country's top talent and technology capabilities. The finding underscores India's growing significance in the international creative and digital content sectors, spanning animation, VFX, gaming, and related disciplines that drive the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
The New Indian Express reports that tech giants are partnering with the government to develop the Indian Institute of Creative Technology.
The Press Information Bureau reports that the Indian Institute of Cinematography and Television (IICT) has launched strategic collaborations with industry leaders to advance India's position in the global AVGC-XR sector. The initiative aims to strengthen the nation's capabilities across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality technologies through partnerships with leading studios and companies.
via PIB
The South First reports that Andhra Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Creative Land to develop India's first Transmedia Entertainment City. The initiative aims to create a dedicated hub for entertainment and media production. This development is expected to strengthen the state's position in the AVGC-XR sector and attract investment to the region's creative industries.
via The South First
News On AIR reports that Madhya Pradesh has launched dedicated Film Tourism and AVGC-XR policies at WAVES 2025. The state's initiative aims to support and develop the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors within the region. These policies are expected to attract investment and foster growth in Madhya Pradesh's creative industries, positioning the state as a hub for AVGC-XR talent and production.
via News On AIR
The Press Information Bureau announces the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a significant event for India's AVGC-XR sector. The summit aims to bring together industry stakeholders, creators, technologists, and policymakers to discuss advancements and opportunities in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality. Details regarding dates, venue, and participation framework will be announced progressively.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau announces WAVES 2025, a global exhibition focused on media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The event is positioned as a comprehensive platform for industry professionals and stakeholders across animation, VFX, gaming, and emerging technologies. Details regarding venue, dates, and participation opportunities align with India's growing prominence in the AVGC-XR ecosystem, attracting international and domestic exhibitors and visitors to showcase innovations and business opportunities in these high-growth sectors.
via PIB
PIB reports that the Indian Digital Gaming Society has announced finalists for the Innovate2Educate: Handheld Device Design Challenge at WAVES 2025.
via PIB