India's gaming economy — studios, esports, policy and platforms.
EY has released an analysis of India's online gaming sector, examining regulatory developments and market trends. The report addresses the shifting landscape for gaming operators and stakeholders navigating India's complex policy environment. EY's insights cover emerging opportunities and challenges as the sector continues to develop under evolving regulatory frameworks.
via EY
Moneycontrol.com reports that the Karnataka government has unveiled operational guidelines for companies under its animation and gaming policy 3.0.
via Moneycontrol.com
Elets eGov reports on Karnataka's new comprehensive AVGC-XR policy designed to empower startups and micro, small and medium enterprises in the animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality sectors. The policy aims to foster innovation and growth within the state's creative industries, providing support mechanisms for emerging businesses in these high-growth segments.
via Elets eGov
Indulge Express reports on the launch of Mumbai's inaugural freeform virtual reality gaming studio. The facility caters to amateur players seeking immersive gaming experiences in the growing XR sector. The studio represents expanding infrastructure for VR entertainment in India's gaming landscape, reflecting increased investment in experiential XR venues beyond traditional gaming arcades and entertainment centres.
via Indulge Express
The Times of India reports on expectations the Indian gaming industry has ahead of Budget 2024, though specific details are not provided in the available summary.
Business Standard reports that India's gaming sector is forecast to grow to $8.92 billion over the next five years. The projection underscores sustained expansion in one of Asia's fastest-growing digital entertainment markets, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and growing player engagement across casual and competitive gaming segments.
Moneycontrol reports that Indian gaming studios have appealed to Prime Minister Modi for a clear policy distinction between video games and real-money gaming (RMG). The studios argue that video games should not be conflated with gambling under regulatory frameworks. The distinction is crucial for India's gaming sector to operate with regulatory clarity and avoid restrictions intended for real-money gambling platforms.
via Moneycontrol.com
Goa Chronicle reports that NASSCOM FAYA:80 will host a seminar on AVGC-XR on July 10.
via Goa Chronicle
ISB Executive Education has published analysis on online gaming regulation in India. The piece examines policy frameworks and governance approaches required to address the sector's growth. ISB explores regulatory mechanisms needed to balance industry development with consumer protection and responsible gaming practices in the Indian market.
Local Samosa highlights several Indian VR gaming companies delivering real-life gaming experiences. The piece surveys the domestic virtual reality gaming landscape, showcasing studios and ventures operating within India's growing XR segment. It provides an overview of companies active in the immersive gaming space, contributing to the visibility of India's emerging VR gaming sector and its competitive offerings in experiential entertainment.
via Local Samosa
Animation Xpress reports that AVGC-XR doyen Biren Ghose presented a panoramic view of Bengaluru GAFX 2024.
via Animation Xpress
Animation Xpress reports that Karnataka has released its AVCG-XR Policy 3.0, outlining incentives for the animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR sectors through 2029.
via Animation Xpress
The Hindu reports that the Kerala Cabinet has approved an AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) policy. This policy initiative aims to support and develop the state's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The approval marks a significant step towards fostering the creative economy in Kerala and establishing a supportive regulatory framework for AVGC-XR industries operating within the state.
via The Hindu
The Indian Express reports that the Kerala Cabinet has approved a policy covering animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and XR sectors.
Pocket Gamer.biz reports that India is positioned to become a leading gaming hub, with esports players reaching 2.5 million in 2024.
via Pocket Gamer.biz
Built In profiles 23 gaming companies based in Bangalore, Karnataka. The feature spotlights the city's gaming industry ecosystem and the studios operating in India's tech hub. Bangalore remains a significant centre for gaming development in India, with numerous studios contributing to the sector's growth and innovation across various gaming genres and technologies.
via Built In
The New Indian Express reports that the Karnataka cabinet has approved an animation and gaming policy for the 2024-29 period.
Moneycontrol.com reports that WinZO has selected 10 titles for an export initiative featuring made-in-India games.
via Moneycontrol.com
The Hindu reports that India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sector is expected to grow to a $26 billion industry by 2030. The projection underscores the sector's rapid expansion and increasing global recognition. This growth trajectory reflects rising investment, talent development, and international collaborations within India's creative industries, positioning the country as a significant player in global digital content production and emerging technologies.
via The Hindu
The Hindu reports that India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR sector is expected to become a $26-billion industry by 2030.
via The Hindu
The Hindu reports that Karnataka has released a new AVGC (animation, VFX, gaming, comics) policy designed to guide the sector's development through 2029. The policy framework aims to support growth across animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality segments within the state, reinforcing Karnataka's position as a key hub for India's creative industries.
via The Hindu
Analytics India Magazine reports on Karnataka's plans to create 30,000 jobs in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR by 2028. The state initiative aims to strengthen its position as a major hub for India's growing AVGC-XR sector. The report details the state's strategy to achieve this employment growth target, supporting talent development and industry expansion in the region.
Built In has published a feature identifying 20 game development companies operating in India. The piece profiles studios contributing to the nation's growing gaming sector. The article highlights the diversity and scale of India's game development ecosystem, showcasing studios working across various genres and platforms in a market recognised for its creative and technical talent.
via Built In
Cartoon Brew reports that Indian animation, VFX, and video games took centre-stage at Animela Festival in Mumbai over a weekend in January 2024.
via Cartoon Brew
The Economic Times reports that Kerala plans to introduce a policy aimed at establishing itself as an AVGC-XR hub, with a target of creating 50,000 jobs by 2029.
Digital Studio India reports that TRISON Games Studio is enhancing retail and hospitality experiences through gamification techniques.
Moneycontrol.com reports that Nazara Technologies will publish five games developed by four Indian gaming studios. The announcement underscores the publisher's commitment to supporting domestic game developers and expanding its portfolio of titles from homegrown talent within India's growing gaming sector.
via Moneycontrol.com
According to a Press Information Bureau statement, India has been re-elected as President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) for a third consecutive term. This reflects India's leadership role in regional broadcasting and media development, with potential implications for AVGC-XR sector coordination and policy influence across the Asia-Pacific region.
via PIB
IBEF has published an analysis of India's gaming sector opportunity. The report, titled Gameconomy, examines the potential for growth and development within India's gaming industry, addressing market dynamics and strategic considerations for stakeholders looking to capitalise on the sector's expansion across the country.
via IBEF
BBC reports on concerns that India's Goods and Services Tax on online games may damage the country's booming gaming sector. The report addresses potential industry impact from the taxation policy, highlighting risks to India's growing gaming landscape as the sector faces regulatory pressures that could affect growth and competitiveness in this strategically important segment.
via BBC
NewsClick reports on India's expanding gaming sector and the challenges female gamers encounter. The article highlights growth in the industry alongside safety and harassment issues affecting women players. This underscores the need for inclusive community standards as India's gaming market continues its rapid expansion and attracts diverse player demographics.
via NewsClick
Adgully reports that Arjun Madhavan of Assemblage has expressed confidence in India's expanding role within the global animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sector. The statement reflects growing optimism about the country's capacity to strengthen its position in the international AVGC market, though specific details about growth drivers or timelines were not disclosed in the report.
via Adgully.com
The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has organised a national workshop and consultation on draft AVGC policies. The initiative aims to gather stakeholder feedback on policies governing the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. This consultation represents a key step in developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to support India's growing creative industries ecosystem and international competitiveness.
via PIB
The Press Information Bureau has released guidelines for online gaming. The announcement addresses regulatory frameworks for the online gaming sector in India. These guidelines are expected to provide clarity to gaming studios and operators regarding compliance requirements and operational standards within the Indian gaming industry.
via PIB
According to PIB, India's first Centre of Excellence in Online Gaming will be established in Shillong. The announcement was made by Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
via PIB
Cartoon Brew reports that India's government is supporting an ambitious growth initiative for the animation, VFX, and video games sectors. The plan represents a significant policy commitment to strengthen India's AVGC industries. Details of specific measures, funding allocations, and implementation timelines remain central to understanding the initiative's potential impact on studio development, talent retention, and international competitiveness.
via Cartoon Brew
Inc42 reports that India's IT Ministry has been designated as the nodal ministry overseeing online gaming. This policy development signals government focus on regulating and coordinating the online gaming sector, which forms part of India's broader AVGC-XR ecosystem. The appointment establishes clear administrative oversight for the industry's growth and compliance framework.
via Inc42
The AVGC Task Force has released recommendations calling for a National AVGC-XR Mission backed by budgetary allocation, according to a Press Information Bureau statement. The report underscores the government's commitment to developing India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The proposed mission aims to strengthen infrastructure, talent development, and industry competitiveness within the Indian AVGC-XR ecosystem. Details on the budgetary outlay and implementation timeline remain to be announced.
via PIB
The Hindu reports that a Task Force has proposed a national AVGC-XR Mission backed by a holistic financial package. The proposal aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors through structured government support and funding mechanisms designed to boost industry growth and competitiveness.
via The Hindu
India Today reports that India's Information and Broadcasting ministry has released draft policies on animation and gaming intended for national and state levels.
via India Today
SCC Online examines the intersection of data privacy law and esports in India, outlining regulatory challenges facing the gaming sector. The article discusses how India's evolving privacy framework impacts esports operations, player data protection, and industry compliance requirements. It presents a pathway forward for stakeholders navigating these convoluted regulations whilst maintaining competitive gaming standards across the country.
via SCC Online
The Times of India reports that youth in Vizag are venturing into gamified EdTech initiatives.
The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has published research highlighting gaps in understanding India's gaming industry, according to orfonline.org. The report examines the under-researched nature of India's gaming sector, suggesting substantial room for deeper analysis and documentation of the industry's dynamics, challenges, and growth opportunities across the country's diverse gaming ecosystem.
via orfonline.org
Firstpost reports that India has set up an Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics task force. The initiative signals governmental focus on strengthening the country's digital creative sectors and their role in emerging metaverse technologies. The task force is expected to guide policy and industry development across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality applications.
via Firstpost
HT Tech reports that the Government announced plans to set up a task force for the gaming and animation industry in Budget 2022.
via HT Tech
Inc42 reports that India's Union Budget 2022 announced the establishment of an AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics) taskforce aimed at enhancing employability in the animation industry. The initiative represents government recognition of the sector's growth potential and commitment to developing skilled talent within India's creative industries, addressing workforce development needs in this expanding field.
via Inc42
IBEF reports on India's growing gaming sector. The institute discusses the expansion of India's gaming industry, highlighting its development trajectory and market potential. This sector growth reflects broader opportunities within India's digital entertainment landscape and contributes to the country's emerging position in global gaming markets.
via IBEF
ET BrandEquity reports that India's media and entertainment sector is forecast to expand to USD 55–70 billion by 2030. The projection underscores the growth trajectory of India's creative industries, encompassing animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR segments. This expansion reflects rising investments, increasing global demand for Indian content, and strengthening domestic consumption patterns within the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
via ET BrandEquity
YourStory.com reports on India's mobile gaming sector's growth trajectory. The article discusses the industry's upward momentum, though specific details on key drivers, studios, or policy developments are not provided in the summary. The piece appears to cover the broader context of India's gaming market expansion during this period.
via YourStory.com
The Press Information Bureau reports that Union Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan has reiterated the Centre's commitment to facilitating ease of doing business in India's film industry. The statement underscores the government's focus on creating a more conducive regulatory environment for film production, distribution, and related creative sectors, supporting growth in India's audiovisual and entertainment ecosystem.
via PIB
GQ India explores India's thriving mobile gaming sector, highlighting fantasy leagues, eSports, and popular titles like Clash of Clans and Free Fire. The article examines the scale of the opportunity within India's gaming market, covering key trends and the growth drivers shaping the industry as it expands across the country's gaming demographic.
via GQ India
The World Economic Forum reports on factors driving growth in India's gaming sector. The piece examines the structural and economic conditions supporting expansion of gaming in the country, positioning India as an increasingly significant market within the global gaming landscape.
IGN India reports on India's first PlayStation VR game in a behind-the-scenes feature. The report highlights the development and creation process of this milestone gaming title for the Indian XR sector, underscoring the country's growing capability in virtual reality game development and positioning India as an emerging player in the global VR gaming market.
via IGN India
The Press Information Bureau reports that India's government has asked private television channels to adhere to Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines concerning online gaming and fantasy sports advertising. The directive aims to ensure responsible advertising practices in the sector. This policy intervention reflects governmental efforts to regulate gaming-related content on broadcast media.
via PIB
YouGov reports that 71% of urban Indians engage in online gaming, positioning India among the world's top 10 gaming countries. The survey underscores the significant expansion of India's gaming demographic and market penetration in the sector, reflecting growing adoption of digital entertainment across urban centres.
via YouGov
The Times of India reports that the lockdown has created significant opportunities for India's gaming and animation sectors.
Inc42 poses the question of whether India's esports market is ready to compete at the international level, but provides no further detail in the available summary.
via Inc42
Inc42 reports on comments from gaming industry leader Vishal Gondal regarding the competitive landscape for Indian studios. Gondal emphasises that Indian gaming studios need to improve their capabilities and competitiveness to effectively participate in the global market. The statement underscores challenges faced by the domestic gaming sector in establishing itself internationally against more established competitors.
via Inc42