The Desk

Monday, 16 February 2026

GamingXR

Indian AI and Gaming Startups Featured at India AI Impact Summit

The Press Information Bureau reports that Indian AI and gaming startups are taking centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The event highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming within India's startup ecosystem, showcasing innovations and developments in the sector. The summit provides a platform for emerging companies to demonstrate their capabilities and potential impact on the gaming industry's evolution.

via PIB

PIB highlights creative industries as growth engines for India's economy

The Press Information Bureau has released a statement positioning creative industries as key growth drivers for India's economy. The PIB announcement underscores the government's recognition of the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors' potential to contribute to economic development and job creation. This reflects India's strategic focus on AVGC-XR sectors as priority areas for growth and investment.

via PIB

India's M&E sector projected to reach ₹3,067 bn by 2027, driven by AVGC-XR and gaming

Adgully.com reports that India's media and entertainment sector is experiencing significant growth, with projections to reach ₹3,067 billion by 2027. Animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR (AVGC-XR) are identified as key growth drivers powering this expansion. The report highlights the sector's robust trajectory and the increasing importance of digital and immersive technologies in India's entertainment landscape, positioning the country as a major player in the global AVGC-XR market.

via Adgully.com

Friday, 13 February 2026

AnimationMaharashtra

88 Pictures to lead animation for Baahubali: The Eternal War, India's most ambitious animated feature

Cartoon Brew reports that Mumbai-based animation studio 88 Pictures will spearhead animation production for Baahubali: The Eternal War, positioned as India's most ambitious animated feature film to date. The project represents a significant undertaking for the Indian animation sector, marking a major franchise expansion into animation with substantial production ambitions.

via Cartoon Brew

Thursday, 12 February 2026

AniMela 2026 poised to signal bold new era for Indian AVGC-XR sector

Homegrown.co.in reports that AniMela 2026 could mark a significant turning point for India's animation, VFX, gaming, and XR industries. The event is positioned to showcase the sector's growth and emerging opportunities, potentially strengthening India's position in the global AVGC-XR market. The publication suggests the gathering may catalyse industry collaboration and innovation across multiple creative domains within the country's thriving digital content ecosystem.

via homegrown.co.in

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launches AVGC talent development workshop across schools and colleges

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has organised a workshop focused on talent development in animation, VFX, gaming, and comics (AVGC) sectors. The initiative aims to establish content creation labs across 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, broadening access to AVGC education and nurturing early-stage talent pipelines nationwide.

via PIB

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

AnimationVFXGamingXRKarnataka

Phase 1 Events to deliver Bengaluru GAFX 2026 as Karnataka reinforces AVGC-XR leadership

EventFAQs reports that Phase 1 Events will organise Bengaluru GAFX 2026, furthering Karnataka's position as a hub for India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality sectors. The event underscores the state's commitment to strengthening the AVGC-XR industry through large-scale gatherings that convene professionals, studios and stakeholders across the region's creative economy.

via EventFAQs

Monday, 9 February 2026

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 to run 27 February–1 March under 'Evolution Reloaded' theme

Animation Xpress reports that GAFX 2026, Bengaluru's premier animation, VFX, gaming, and comics festival, will take place from 27 February to 1 March under the theme 'Evolution Reloaded'. The event, held in Karnataka's tech hub, continues to serve as a key platform for India's AVGC sector, bringing together industry professionals, studios, and talent for networking, showcases, and knowledge exchange.

via Animation Xpress

AnimationVFXKarnataka

GAFX 2026 animation and VFX summit to launch in Bengaluru on February 27

The New Indian Express reports that GAFX 2026, Bengaluru's premier summit focused on animation and VFX, will commence on February 27. The event represents a significant gathering for India's AVGC sector, providing a platform for industry professionals, studios, and talent to convene, discuss trends, and explore opportunities within the animation and visual effects landscape.

via The New Indian Express

Monday, 2 February 2026

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Karnataka aims for 50,000 AVGC-XR jobs by 2028

BusinessLine reports that Karnataka has set an ambitious target to create 50,000 jobs in the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors by 2028 through its dedicated AVGC-XR policy. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to positioning itself as a hub for India's digital creative industries and supporting talent development across these high-growth segments.

via BusinessLine

GamingXR

India's esports scene experiencing pivotal growth moment, says Krafton director

The Quint reports that a Krafton director has compared India's current esports landscape to the country's transformative 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, suggesting the gaming sector is at an inflection point. The comparison underscores the perceived significance of India's emerging esports ecosystem and its potential for substantial development and mainstream adoption in the coming years.

via The Quint

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Priyank Kharge announces Bengaluru GAFX 2026, spotlights Karnataka's creative economy

ETV Bharat reports that Priyank Kharge has announced Bengaluru GAFX 2026, highlighting Karnataka's expanding creative economy. The announcement underscores the state's growing prominence in the animation, VFX, gaming, and related creative sectors. GAFX, a significant industry event, is positioned to further strengthen Karnataka's position as a hub for digital content creation and AVGC-XR industries in India.

via ETV Bharat

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Karnataka built creative economy a decade before 'Orange Economy' became political buzzword: Kharge

The Hindu reports that Karnataka developed its creative sector infrastructure well ahead of the 'Orange Economy' terminology gaining political currency. Priyank Kharge highlighted the state's long-standing commitment to building capabilities in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and related creative industries, positioning Karnataka as a foundational hub for India's AVGC-XR ecosystem development.

via The Hindu

AnimationVFXGamingXRKarnataka

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 Summit to showcase India's graphics and animation potential

Analytics India Magazine outlines expectations for the Bengaluru GAFX 2026 Summit, a key industry event for India's animation, VFX, gaming, and XR sectors. The summit will bring together professionals, studios, and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities in graphics and interactive media. The event underscores Bengaluru's growing prominence as a hub for India's AVGC-XR industry.

via analyticsindiamag.com

Industry welcomes Budget 2026 AVGC push to address India's talent pipeline gap

BestMediaInfo reports that industry stakeholders view Budget 2026's animation, VFX, gaming and comics focus as addressing a critical talent pipeline shortage in India's AVGC sector. The budget allocation is seen as a strategic step to develop the skilled workforce necessary for India's growing animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics industries, reinforcing the country's position in the global AVGC-XR market.

via bestmediainfo.com

Union Budget 2026 allocates AVGC Content Creator Labs across 15,000 schools

Digital Studio India reports that India's Union Budget 2026 includes provisions to boost the AVGC and creative economy by establishing AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools nationwide. The initiative aims to nurture talent and foster growth in the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors by providing infrastructure and training opportunities at the grassroots level.

via Digital Studio India

Gaming

Budget 2026 positions India as global gaming creator hub

Outlook Respawn reports that India's 2026 budget includes measures to establish the country as a global gaming creation centre. The initiative aims to strengthen India's position in the gaming industry through policy support and infrastructure development, capitalising on the nation's growing talent pool and technical capabilities in game development and digital entertainment sectors.

via Outlook Respawn

Sunday, 1 February 2026

Budget 2026-27 announces major boost for orange economy and creative education

The Press Information Bureau reports that Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, includes significant announcements targeting India's orange economy and creative education sector. The orange economy encompasses animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR industries. Specific allocations and initiatives aim to strengthen creative talent development and support the broader AVGC-XR ecosystem in India.

via PIB

Divyang Kaushal Yojana to provide customised training in IT, AVGC and hospitality

The Press Information Bureau announces that the Divyang Kaushal Yojana will offer customised training programmes for persons with disabilities across IT, AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, comics), and hospitality sectors. The scheme aims to enhance skill development and employment opportunities for divyangjan in these growing industries, supporting India's broader workforce development and sectoral growth objectives.

via PIB

Budget's AVGC labs proposal hailed as landmark step to expand creative talent pool

Moneycontrol.com reports that India's budget proposal for AVGC labs has been welcomed by top executives in the sector. Industry leaders have described the initiative as a landmark step that will expand the creative talent pool. The proposal aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR capabilities by establishing dedicated labs to foster skill development and innovation in these growing digital creative sectors.

via Moneycontrol.com

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Budget 2026-27 emphasises skilling for Orange Economy; Karnataka positioned for 20% AVGC-XR share

ThePrint reports that India's Budget 2026-27 includes a focus on skilling initiatives within the Orange Economy sector. Karnataka is positioned to capture approximately 20% of the AVGC-XR market share, reflecting the state's growing prominence in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The budget allocation signals government backing for talent development in India's creative industries.

via ThePrint

Budget 2026 brings AVGC labs support, gaming industry welcomes move

Exchange4Media reports that India's Budget 2026 has announced support for AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, XR) labs, receiving a positive response from the gaming industry. The initiative aims to bolster infrastructure and capabilities within the animation, VFX, gaming, and extended reality sectors, reinforcing India's position as a hub for digital content creation and technology-driven entertainment.

via Exchange4Media

Budget 2026 allocates Rs 250 crore for AVGC talent and content creator labs

Moneycontrol reports that the Indian government has proposed establishing content creator labs as part of Budget 2026, allocating Rs 250 crore for talent development in the AVGC sector. The initiative aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, and digital content creation ecosystem by investing in infrastructure and human resource development. This reflects the government's commitment to supporting the domestic creative industries and building a skilled workforce for the rapidly growing sector.

via Moneycontrol.com

Thursday, 29 January 2026

Gaming

Gaming industry awaits Union Budget clarity after real-money gaming restrictions

TheTechPanda reports on gaming industry expectations surrounding the Union Budget in light of real-money gaming bans. The piece examines how policy developments restricting real-money gaming platforms may shape the sector's fiscal and regulatory outlook. Industry stakeholders anticipate budget announcements addressing gaming's broader ecosystem, including skill-based gaming segments and digital entertainment infrastructure investments that could support India's gaming growth trajectory.

via TheTechPanda

Gaming

Indian gaming sector seeks budget clarity after real-money gaming ban

Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming industry is looking to the Union Budget 2026 for policy guidance following the real-money gaming (RMG) ban. The sector seeks clarification on regulatory frameworks and support measures to help studios navigate the changing landscape. The budget is expected to address concerns from gaming companies operating in India regarding the restrictions and future growth prospects.

via Outlook Respawn

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Delhi Government to Launch AVGC-XR Centre to Support Indian Gaming Industry

Outlook Respawn reports that the Delhi government plans to launch an AVGC-XR centre aimed at supporting growth in India's gaming sector. The initiative is positioned to bolster the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries within the state, contributing to broader efforts to develop India's creative economy and talent base in these high-growth sectors.

via Outlook Respawn

Saturday, 24 January 2026

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRTamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu positioned as potential leader in India's AVGC-XR sector

Analytics India Magazine examines Tamil Nadu's role in India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality industries. The report analyses whether the southern state is emerging as a hub for AVGC-XR development and innovation. Tamil Nadu has been developing infrastructure and talent pipelines to support digital creative sectors, positioning itself among India's key technology and creative economy centres.

via analyticsindiamag.com

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Ministry of I&B Tableau Showcases India's Storytelling Traditions and WAVES Vision

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presented a tableau highlighting India's storytelling traditions and the WAVES (World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit) vision, according to PIB. The display underscores the government's commitment to promoting India's creative industries and cultural narratives on a global platform, aligning with initiatives to strengthen the country's AVGC sector and international positioning.

via PIB

Friday, 16 January 2026

Indian gaming industry seeks GST relief and AVGC funding in Budget 2026

Exchange4Media reports that India's gaming industry is advocating for goods and services tax relief and increased funding for the animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sector ahead of the 2026 budget. The industry seeks policy support to enhance competitiveness and growth in the AVGC-XR space, highlighting the need for fiscal measures that can strengthen India's position in the global creative industries market.

via Exchange4Media

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Gaming

₹6,000 cr investment: KRAFTON positions India as core to future strategy

Adgully.com reports that KRAFTON is committing ₹6,000 crore to India as part of a long-term strategic bet. In an interview, Minu Lee outlines why India represents a crucial market for the gaming company's future growth and operations. The investment underscores KRAFTON's confidence in India's gaming sector potential and its commitment to establishing deeper roots in the country's rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.

via Adgully.com

Gaming

Gaming and esports industry seeks tax clarity and support in Budget 2026

Moneycontrol reports that India's gaming and esports sector is seeking government support and clarity on the tax framework in the forthcoming Budget 2026. The industry is advocating for policy measures that would provide a clearer regulatory environment and financial incentives. This comes as the gaming sector continues to grow, with stakeholders pushing for government recognition and supportive fiscal policies to strengthen India's position in the global gaming market.

via Moneycontrol.com

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Gaming

Indian gaming industry seeks tax parity, IP funding and export support ahead of 2026 budget

Storyboard18 reports that India's gaming industry is making pre-budget submissions seeking tax parity with other sectors, dedicated intellectual property funding, and export promotion measures. The industry is advocating for policy measures to boost growth and competitiveness ahead of the 2026 Union budget, highlighting the sector's need for fiscal and regulatory support to strengthen its global position.

via Storyboard18

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

AnimationVFX

Ministry of I&B and PSA office collaborate with Netflix on Inspiring Innovators skilling initiative

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser have partnered with Netflix on 'Inspiring Innovators,' a skilling initiative. The programme aims to develop talent within India's creative sectors, aligning with efforts to strengthen the AVGC-XR ecosystem through industry-academic collaboration and professional capability building.

via PIB

Monday, 12 January 2026

Gaming

Krafton India Awards celebrate excellence in Indian gaming sector

Passionate In Marketing reports on the Krafton India Awards, which honour achievements within India's gaming industry. The awards programme recognises and celebrates excellence among Indian gaming studios, developers, and professionals, highlighting the sector's growing talent pool and creative output. Krafton's initiative underscores the company's commitment to nurturing India's gaming ecosystem.

via Passionate In Marketing

Saturday, 10 January 2026

Gaming

KRAFTON India launches inaugural gaming awards ceremony with iQOO partnership

TheWire.in reports that KRAFTON India has launched the KRAFTON India Awards 2025, honouring the country's gaming champions. The inaugural awards ceremony is held in partnership with iQOO. The initiative recognises talent and achievement within India's gaming sector, supporting the growth of the domestic gaming industry and fostering recognition for gaming professionals and studios.

via TheWire.in

Friday, 9 January 2026

Gaming

Krafton India announces inaugural awards to honour esports athletes

IGN India reports that Krafton, publisher of BGMI, has announced its first-ever Krafton India Awards to honour esports athletes and recognise contributions to India's gaming ecosystem. The event marks a significant milestone for the publisher's engagement with the Indian esports community, celebrating players and other industry figures who have shaped competitive gaming in the country.

via IGN India

Thursday, 8 January 2026

WAVES Bazaar launches annual capacity-building webinar programme for creative professionals

The Press Information Bureau reports that WAVES Bazaar has introduced an annual capacity-building webinar programme designed for creative professionals. The initiative aims to enhance skills and knowledge within India's creative sector through structured online learning opportunities. Details regarding the programme's curriculum, schedule, and eligibility criteria were not specified in the announcement, but the move underscores efforts to support professional development in the AVGC-XR industries.

via PIB

Animation

Indian Animation Studios Gear Up for Major Releases in 2025

Hollywood Reporter India reports that Indian animation studios are preparing significant project launches in 2025, including 'Mahavatar Narasimha' and 'Kurukshetra'. These releases signal growing maturity in India's domestic animation sector, reflecting increased investment and production capabilities. The projects underscore the industry's ambitions to create high-quality content that can compete on global platforms whilst drawing from Indian mythological and cultural narratives.

via hollywoodreporterindia.com

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Gaming

India's gaming and esports industry faces major opportunities and challenges in 2026

TheTechPanda reports on the outlook for India's gaming and esports sector in 2026, identifying both significant growth opportunities and substantial challenges ahead for the industry. The report examines market dynamics, competitive pressures, and strategic considerations shaping India's position in the global gaming landscape, though specific details on policy, studios, or concrete developments remain to be detailed in the full article.

via TheTechPanda

Tuesday, 6 January 2026

AnimationVFXXRDelhi

Ministry of I&B's WaveX signs MoU with FITT-IIT Delhi to boost innovation in broadcasting and entertainment

The Press Information Bureau reports that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting's WaveX initiative has signed a memorandum of understanding with FITT-IIT Delhi to foster innovation in the broadcasting and entertainment sectors. The collaboration aims to strengthen India's creative industries through research, development, and talent nurturing programmes, supporting the broader AVGC-XR ecosystem's growth trajectory.

via PIB

Saturday, 3 January 2026

Winners of 'Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav' Creative Challenges Announced

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has announced winners of the 'Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav' Creative Challenges, a government initiative encouraging creative content creation. The challenge appears to support India's growing creative and animation sector by recognising talent across content categories. Details regarding specific winners, award categories, and prize structures were not specified in the official announcement.

via PIB

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

India Hosts WAVES 2025 with 90+ Countries Participating in Global Initiative

The Press Information Bureau reports that India is hosting WAVES 2025, a pioneering initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that brings together over 90 countries. The event underscores India's role in advancing the audiovisual and media sectors on a global stage, potentially fostering international collaboration and partnerships for India's growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.

via PIB

Gaming

India's gaming industry outlook: where is the sector headed next?

IMARC Group examines the trajectory of India's gaming industry, analysing key growth drivers, market dynamics, and future opportunities for the sector. The report provides insights into emerging trends and potential directions for India's gaming landscape. This forward-looking analysis helps stakeholders understand the evolving opportunities and challenges shaping India's gaming market as it continues to expand and mature.

via IMARC Group

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Comics

Indian comic industry expands amid AI debates and readership shifts

AnimationXpress reports on the Indian comic industry's trajectory in 2025, highlighting expansion alongside emerging debates over artificial intelligence's role in content creation. The publication examines shifting readership trends affecting the sector, reflecting broader changes in how audiences consume comic content domestically. The piece captures key industry dynamics as creators and publishers navigate technological innovation and evolving consumer preferences within India's growing comics market.

via Animation Xpress

Monday, 29 December 2025

Sunday, 28 December 2025

Gaming

India's gaming economy to shift focus beyond player counts in 2026

Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming sector is poised to evolve its metrics and success measures in 2026, moving beyond traditional player count benchmarks. The publication suggests the industry will increasingly emphasise deeper engagement metrics, monetisation strategies, and broader economic impact assessments. This reflects growing maturity within India's gaming landscape as stakeholders seek more sophisticated indicators of sector health and sustainability.

via Outlook Respawn

Friday, 26 December 2025

AnimationVFX

Assemblage Entertainment redefines visual storytelling in Indian animation and VFX

Animation Xpress reports on how Assemblage Entertainment is reshaping the landscape of Indian animation and VFX through intentional world-building approaches. The studio is leveraging innovative techniques to elevate visual storytelling standards within India's growing AVGC sector, contributing to the country's recognition as a hub for creative production and technical excellence in animation and visual effects.

via Animation Xpress

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

VFX

Will VFX Industry Embrace Sora-Like Generative AI Tools?

Analytics India Magazine explores whether the VFX industry will adopt generative AI tools similar to OpenAI's Sora. The piece examines the technology's potential applications in visual effects production, industry readiness, and considerations around workflow integration and creative implications for VFX professionals.

via analyticsindiamag.com

Gaming

Regulation and esports recognition reshape India's gaming industry

Bestmediainfo reports on how regulatory changes and esports recognition have transformed India's gaming sector. The article examines the impact of government policies and formal acknowledgement of esports on the industry's evolution, highlighting how these developments have reshaped the competitive gaming landscape and business environment for gaming studios and operators operating in the country.

via bestmediainfo.com

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Gaming

India's gaming industry concludes 2025 after structural reset and realignment

Mobidictum reports that India's gaming sector has wrapped up 2025 following a year marked by structural changes and market realignment. The report reflects on shifts within the industry throughout the year, noting how the sector has undergone significant transitions. Details on specific areas of realignment and the nature of structural changes driving these shifts remain central to understanding the gaming landscape's evolution in India during this period.

via Mobidictum

Monday, 22 December 2025

Gaming

KRAFTON eyes global ambitions for Indian gaming IPs with Real Cricket

Fortune India reports that KRAFTON is pursuing international expansion opportunities leveraging Indian gaming intellectual properties, including the Real Cricket franchise. The development marks a strategic push by the South Korean gaming giant to establish Indian-developed titles in global markets, positioning homegrown gaming IPs as vehicles for international growth and revenue diversification beyond domestic audiences.

via Fortune India

Gaming

India's gaming and esports industry poised for government recognition and global expansion

TheTechPanda reports on India's gaming and esports sector's trajectory into 2026, highlighting anticipated government recognition and growing international competitiveness. The article examines how India's gaming industry is gaining legitimacy through policy support whilst simultaneously achieving success on the global stage. This recognition could reshape the regulatory landscape and investment outlook for domestic studios and esports organisations competing internationally.

via TheTechPanda

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRUttar Pradesh

HKI Media partners with CM Yuva Yojana to establish 500 AVGC-XR studios in Uttar Pradesh

ANI News reports that HKI Media has partnered with the CM Yuva Yojana initiative to launch 500 AVGC-XR studios across Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration aims to expand the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sector infrastructure in the state, supporting studio establishment and development under the government-backed youth entrepreneurship scheme.

via ANI News

Friday, 19 December 2025