The Desk

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

Industry reacts to proposed ban on money-based online gaming in India

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

12:30 ISTGaming

India plans esports boost while restricting real-money gaming

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

12:30 ISTGaming

MeitY Secretary weighs gaming industry jobs against social impact concerns

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

12:30 ISTGaming

Online Gaming Bill set to shake up India's $3.7 billion gaming industry

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

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

India's government to propose blanket ban on real-money gaming

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

Thursday, 14 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimationMaharashtra

AM Summit 2025 and Anime India to unite global animation leaders in Mumbai

AnimationXpress reports that AM Summit 2025 and Anime India will bring together global animation industry leaders in Mumbai. The events aim to unite international professionals with India's animation sector, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The summit represents a significant platform for the Indian animation industry to showcase its capabilities and establish connections with global counterparts, reinforcing India's position in the international animation landscape.

via Animation Xpress

Friday, 8 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX

FRAME X VFX Studio: Animation Is Life

Business Connect India reports on FRAME X VFX Studio. The publication's coverage carries only a headline and no further details about the studio or its work.

via Business Connect India

12:30 ISTAnimation VFXKarnataka

KGF and Kantara makers expand into animation with new VFX studio

Moneycontrol reports that the teams behind hit films KGF and Kantara are scaling up their animation and VFX capabilities. Following the success of Mahavatar, they are establishing a dedicated VFX studio. This marks a significant expansion for the Indian production houses into the animation sector, reflecting growing opportunities in digital content creation.

via Moneycontrol.com

Thursday, 7 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

IICT to invest ₹392.85 crore in India's AVGC-XR workforce development

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.

via Digital Studio India

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Comics XR

India's government reaffirms creative freedom whilst enforcing OTT oversight

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's government has reaffirmed its commitment to creative freedom whilst implementing oversight of OTT platforms via the IT Rules, 2021. A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism has been established to regulate OTT content, balancing regulatory oversight with industry creativity. The policy framework aims to provide clarity on content regulation for digital platforms.

via PIB

12:30 ISTGaming

Kreo survey reveals profile of Indian gaming industry

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.

via Press Trust of India

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

Government reaffirms creative freedom while enforcing OTT oversight via IT Rules

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

Monday, 4 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

Mahavatar Narsimha becomes India's first ₹1 billion animated film

Gulf News reports that Mahavatar Narsimha has become India's first animated film to cross the ₹1 billion mark. The milestone underscores the growing commercial viability of Indian animation productions and demonstrates audience appetite for locally-produced animated content at scale. This achievement marks a significant moment for India's animation industry, reflecting improved production capabilities and market maturation in the AVGC sector.

via Gulf News

Saturday, 2 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX

NFDC offers free residential VFX and animation training for Northeast India youth

The Press Information Bureau reports that the National Film Development Council (NFDC) is launching a free residential training programme in VFX and animation targeted at youth from Northeast India. The initiative aims to build skilled talent in these sectors and empower the region's creative workforce. Further details on programme duration, intake numbers, and application procedures are expected from NFDC.

via PIB

Friday, 1 August 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX

71st National Film Awards for 2023 announced

The Press Information Bureau has announced the 71st National Film Awards for 2023. The awards recognise excellence across Indian cinema, including animation and VFX categories that support the country's growing creative industries. The full list of winners across various categories has been released, honouring outstanding contributions to Indian filmmaking and technical craftsmanship throughout the year.

via PIB

12:30 ISTVFXTelangana

Barnstorm VFX expands global footprint with new studio in Hyderabad

Animation Xpress reports that Barnstorm VFX has established a new studio in Hyderabad, India, as part of its global expansion.

via Animation Xpress

Thursday, 31 July 2025

12:30 ISTVFXTelangana

Barnstorm VFX expands global footprint with Hyderabad outpost

Animation Magazine reports that Barnstorm VFX has established a new facility in Hyderabad, expanding its international operations. The move strengthens India's position as a key VFX production hub, adding to the growing ecosystem of global studios setting up centres in the country to tap into skilled talent and cost-efficient production capabilities.

via Animation Magazine

Monday, 28 July 2025

12:30 ISTVFX Animation

Tathastu Studio launches Houdini offering for studios and freelancers

AnimationXpress reports that Tathastu Studio has launched a new offering centred on Houdini for studios and freelance artists. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive experience and resources for professionals working with the procedural 3D software, supporting both established studios and independent practitioners in the Indian AVGC sector seeking advanced tooling and expertise.

via Animation Xpress

Friday, 25 July 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

India positioned as emerging global gaming powerhouse with 600 million gamers

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

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX

Former Technicolor India leaders launch Astra Studios with Hombale Group backing

Animation Xpress reports that former leaders from Technicolor India have launched Astra Studios, backed by Hombale Group.

via Animation Xpress

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX

Former Technicolor India leaders launch Astra Studios with Hombale Group backing

Animation Xpress reports that former leaders from Technicolor India have established Astra Studios with financial backing from Hombale Group. The new venture marks a significant development in India's animation and VFX sector, combining experienced industry talent with the backing of a major Indian production house. Hombale Group's involvement signals growing investment in domestic creative studios.

via Animation Xpress

Thursday, 24 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Comics

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies partners with Comic Con, Green Rain Studios for animation and VFX education

ANI News reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has signed memorandums of understanding with Comic Con and Green Rain Studios to develop animation and visual effects courses. The partnership aims to strengthen India's AVGC talent pipeline by combining academic expertise with industry experience. Details on curriculum scope and implementation timelines remain undisclosed in the announcement.

via ANI News

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Comics XR

IICT signs MoUs with Comic Con and Green Rain Studios for AVGC-XR growth

Passionate In Marketing reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has signed memorandums of understanding with Comic Con and Green Rain Studios to support India's AVGC-XR sector growth.

via Passionate In Marketing

Friday, 18 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming XRMaharashtra

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies opens first campus at NFDC Complex in Mumbai

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

Thursday, 17 July 2025

12:30 ISTXR Gaming

NipsApp explores VR applications across gaming and healthcare sectors

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

12:30 ISTAnimation

Director Ashwin Kumar on building India's first animated cinematic universe

The Hindu reports on director Ashwin Kumar's vision for Mahavatar Narsimha, positioned as India's first animated cinematic universe. The interview explores Kumar's approach to developing an interconnected animated franchise rooted in Indian mythology and storytelling. The project represents an ambitious attempt to establish a large-scale animated universe comparable to global cinematic franchises, marking a significant development in India's animation industry.

via The Hindu

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

India's first creative tech institute opens admissions for inaugural batch

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

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XROdisha

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies launches AVGC-XR courses for first batch in August 2025

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

12:30 ISTVFX Animation

PhantomFX raises ₹59.99 crore via QIP for global expansion and creative leadership

Press Trust of India reports that PhantomFX has raised ₹59.99 crore through a qualified institutional placement to fund global expansion and strengthen creative leadership.

via Press Trust of India

Monday, 14 July 2025

12:30 ISTXR VFX

Ram Madhvani launches India's first AI-powered mythological VR universe

The Hollywood Reporter India reports that filmmaker Ram Madhvani has launched India's first AI-powered mythological VR universe, featuring a Bhagavad Gita short film. The project combines artificial intelligence with virtual reality technology to create immersive storytelling rooted in Indian mythology, marking a significant venture into XR content creation within India's emerging metaverse and immersive media landscape.

via The Hollywood Reporter India

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies opens admissions for Animation, VFX, Gaming in August

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

Friday, 27 June 2025

12:30 ISTXR

Virtual Reality 2.0: How VR may get another chance in India

Livemint reports on emerging opportunities for virtual reality technology in the Indian market. The publication explores how VR may experience renewed growth and adoption within India, examining factors that could drive a resurgence in the sector. The article discusses prospects for VR applications and market development in the country's digital landscape.

via livemint.com

Thursday, 26 June 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

India's gaming industry needs smarter regulation

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

12:30 ISTVFX

Makers to spend Rs 400 crores on VFX for Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone film

The Times of India reports that the makers of 'AA22xA6', directed by Atlee, plan to allocate Rs 400 crores towards VFX for the film starring Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone. The substantial budget allocation underscores the scale of the production and its reliance on visual effects work, likely engaging Indian VFX studios for the ambitious project.

via The Times of India

Friday, 20 June 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

Desi Oon wins at Annecy 2025, elevates Indian animation in Create in India Challenge

Digital Studio India reports that Desi Oon has won at Annecy 2025, bolstering Indian animation's standing within the Create in India Challenge initiative. The victory underscores the growing recognition of Indian animation talent on the international festival circuit and reflects the momentum of India's animation sector under government-backed creative industry support schemes.

via Digital Studio India

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

'Desi Oon' leads India's animation success globally

The Press Information Bureau reports that 'Desi Oon', an Indian animated project, is spearheading India's global animation footprint. The item underscores India's growing prominence in the international animation sector, highlighting how Indian studios and creative talent are gaining recognition worldwide. This development reflects the strengthening of India's AVGC ecosystem and its competitive positioning in global markets.

via PIB

12:30 ISTAnimation

Desi Oon wins Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at International Animation Festival

News On AIR reports that Desi Oon has won the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at an International Animation Festival. The achievement underscores the growing recognition of Indian animation studios on the global stage. Details about the festival, the film's subject matter, and other participating entries were not provided in the available information.

via News On AIR

Monday, 16 June 2025

12:30 ISTGaming XR

Nazara launches Pokerverse VR, enters immersive gaming with poker

Business Standard reports that Nazara has launched Pokerverse VR, marking the company's entry into immersive gaming focused on poker.

via Business Standard

Friday, 13 June 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

Spider-Man India creator on Indian animation's potential amid anime rise

Financial Express reports an exclusive interview with the Spider-Man India creator discussing Indian animation's potential and the rise of anime, characterising it as opportunity rather than competition.

via financialexpress.com

Thursday, 12 June 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

Prayan brings Indian animation industry to global stage at Annecy MIFA 2025

Señal News reports that Prayan is representing the Indian animation industry at Annecy MIFA 2025, a major international animation festival and market event.

via Senal News

Monday, 2 June 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

Power struggle over India's fantasy gaming future examined

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

Friday, 30 May 2025

12:30 ISTGaming

Meta tightens ad rules for real-money gaming in India with certification requirement

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

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation GamingAndhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh government develops new gaming and animation policy

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

Monday, 19 May 2025

13:46 ISTGaming XR

DPIIT signs two-year MoU with WinZO to support interactive entertainment startups

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

Sunday, 18 May 2025

21:58 ISTGaming

IDGS and MIB launch WAVES Outreach Program to advance India's gaming sector

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

Friday, 16 May 2025

20:19 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics

Ministry of I&B Constitutes AVGC Promotion Task Force

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

19:19 ISTAnimation VFX Comics

WAVES Awards of Excellence announced by ASIFA India under Create in India Challenge

The Press Information Bureau reports that ASIFA India has announced the WAVES Awards of Excellence in partnership with India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as part of the Create in India Challenge initiative. The awards recognise excellence in animation, visual effects, and related creative disciplines, supporting the government's push to develop India's AVGC sector and foster homegrown talent and studios.

via PIB

Thursday, 15 May 2025

20:17 ISTAnimation VFX

Baahubali creative director P.C. Sanath to address MIFF workshop

According to PIB, P.C. Sanath, creative director of the acclaimed film Baahubali, will address a workshop at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). The session is expected to provide insights into the visual effects and creative direction processes behind one of Indian cinema's most successful VFX-heavy productions, offering valuable knowledge to aspiring filmmakers and visual effects professionals in the AVGC sector.

via PIB

12:30 ISTGaming

Supreme Court to decide GST treatment of online gaming industry

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.

via Global VAT Compliance

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XRMadhya Pradesh

Sanjay Dubey discusses Madhya Pradesh's AVGC-XR vision

GamingXpress reports on Sanjay Dubey discussing Madhya Pradesh's vision for building India's next creative hub in the AVGC-XR sector.

via GamingXpress

Monday, 12 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation

AAFT School of Animation appoints Charuvi Agrawal as industry dean

ET Education reports that AAFT School of Animation has appointed Charuvi Agrawal as its new industry dean. The role signals the institution's commitment to bridging academic training with industry practice in India's animation sector. Agrawal's appointment underscores AAFT's focus on integrating real-world expertise into its curriculum and strengthening connections between students and professional studios.

via ET Education

Tuesday, 6 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XRMadhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh's new AVGC-XR policy seen as industry-friendly

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

Monday, 5 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

Centre launches Indian Institute of Creative Technology to boost AVGC-XR sector

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

Sunday, 4 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

India emerges as global creative powerhouse, says EY report

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.

via economictimes.com

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

Tech giants partner with government to develop Indian Institute of Creative Technology

The New Indian Express reports that tech giants are partnering with the government to develop the Indian Institute of Creative Technology.

via The New Indian Express

Saturday, 3 May 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XRMadhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh launches Film Tourism and AVGC-XR policies at WAVES 2025

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

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XRAndhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh to establish India's first Transmedia Entertainment City with Creative Land

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

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

India Sets Global Vision in AVGC-XR: IICT Launches Strategic Collaborations with Industry Leaders

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

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation VFX Gaming Comics XR

Countdown begins for maiden WAVES World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit

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

Tuesday, 29 April 2025

12:30 ISTAnimation Comics XR

WAM! initiative for Indian anime, manga, webtoons and cosplay to conclude at WAVES 2025

PIB reports that WAM!, India's first national initiative dedicated to nurturing and promoting original Indian intellectual property in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay, will culminate at WAVES 2025.

via PIB