The Desk

Saturday, 2 May 2026

Prasoon Joshi appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati

Prasoon Joshi, the renowned lyricist and communication expert, has been appointed as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcasting authority, according to a PIB announcement. Joshi's background in entertainment and communication may influence content policy for India's media landscape, including potential implications for animation, VFX, and creative sectors seeking public broadcasting opportunities.

via PIB

Friday, 1 May 2026

Gaming

India's Online Gaming Rules 2026 take effect, triggering industry restructuring

MediaNews4U reports that India's Online Gaming Rules 2026 have come into force, prompting a structural reset across the gaming industry. The new regulatory framework marks a significant shift in how online gaming operations must be conducted within the country. Industry participants are adjusting their business models and compliance strategies to align with the updated rules, signalling a maturing regulatory environment for India's gaming sector.

via MediaNews4U

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Gaming

Indian game dev salaries stagnate at INR 4 LPA floor, reports Outlook Respawn

Outlook Respawn reports on stagnation in Indian gaming industry salaries, with entry-level positions capped at around INR 4 lakh per annum. The report explores structural factors constraining wage growth in India's game development sector, including talent oversupply, competition from outsourcing models, and limited AAA studio infrastructure domestically. The piece examines how these salary ceilings affect developer retention and industry growth prospects.

via Outlook Respawn

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Gaming

India's gaming industry navigates regulatory framework after PROGA implementation

Bar and Bench reports on India's gaming sector's transition following PROGA (Prevention of Rash and Negligent Act) implementation. The article examines how the gaming industry is adapting to new regulatory guardrails, moving away from previously grey-zone practices. The piece explores compliance challenges and industry responses to clearer regulatory boundaries governing gaming operations in India.

via barandbench.com

AI and India's AVGC Industry: ORF explores creative machine intersection

Observer Research Foundation examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and India's AVGC (animation, VFX, gaming, comics, XR) sector. The publication explores how AI technologies are reshaping creative workflows and production capabilities within India's growing digital content industry. The report considers implications for studios, talent, and the sector's competitive positioning in global markets.

via orfonline.org

Gaming

India introduces new online gaming framework

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas reports on India's new online gaming framework. The legal update addresses regulatory rules governing the country's online gaming sector, a significant development for gaming studios and operators navigating India's evolving compliance landscape. The framework establishes fresh guidelines for industry participants, potentially affecting how gaming companies structure operations and conduct business within the country's jurisdiction.

via Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Saturday, 25 April 2026

Gaming

India notifies online gaming rules; stakeholders assess framework impact

MediaBrief reports that India has notified new online gaming rules, prompting industry stakeholders to evaluate the implications of the regulatory framework. The notification establishes formal guidelines governing the sector, marking a significant development in India's approach to gaming regulation. Details on specific provisions and stakeholder responses remain under review as the industry assesses compliance requirements and operational adjustments.

via MediaBrief

Animation

Indian animation transitioning from outsourcing to IP ownership

Mid-Day reports on a significant shift in India's animation industry as studios move away from outsourcing work towards developing their own intellectual property. The transition reflects growing maturity in the sector, with Indian animation companies increasingly investing in original content creation and IP development rather than solely providing production services for international clients. This strategic pivot positions the industry for greater long-term growth and creative autonomy.

via Mid-Day

Friday, 24 April 2026

Gaming

IAMAI welcomes India's new online gaming regulations

Outlook Respawn reports that the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has welcomed India's new online gaming rules. The development marks a significant step in the regulatory framework governing the gaming sector in the country. IAMAI's endorsement suggests industry alignment with the government's approach to formalising and structuring the online gaming landscape, potentially providing clarity for operators and stakeholders across India's growing gaming ecosystem.

via Outlook Respawn

Thursday, 23 April 2026

GamingTamil Nadu

PROGA centralises social gaming regulation, curbs Tamil Nadu authority's role

PitchOnnet reports that PROGA (likely the industry body governing gaming in India) has moved to centralise social gaming oversight, reducing the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority's regulatory scope. This policy shift impacts how social gaming is governed across states, affecting studios and platforms operating in the segment. The centralisation reflects evolving approaches to gaming regulation in India's growing gaming sector.

via PitchOnnet

Gaming

India's gaming industry receives major policy overhaul

Digital Terminal reports that India's gaming sector has undergone its most significant policy reset to date. Details of the specific policy changes and their implications for the industry remain sparse in available coverage, but the development signals renewed government attention to the gaming segment. Further specifics on regulatory frameworks, licensing, or operational guidelines have not been disclosed in this report.

via digitalterminal.in

Animation

Indian anime Karna the Guardian secured for Crunchyroll distribution

Outlook Respawn reports that the Indian animated series Karna the Guardian has been picked up by streaming platform Crunchyroll. The deal marks a significant distribution milestone for Indian animation content on a major global platform, expanding the reach of domestic studios to international audiences and strengthening India's presence in the global animation marketplace.

via Outlook Respawn

Gaming

Government centralises social gaming oversight under PROGA, limits TNOGA's regulatory scope

Exchange4Media reports that India's government is centralising social gaming oversight under PROGA (likely a central regulatory framework), potentially limiting the regulatory authority of TNOGA (state-level gaming oversight). The move signals a shift towards unified governance of the social gaming sector, affecting how studios and platforms operate within India's gaming landscape.

via Exchange4Media

Gaming

Online Gaming Rules boost esports credibility but gaps remain, stakeholders say

Business Today reports that India's Online Gaming Rules have brought regulatory clarity and enhanced esports credibility, though industry stakeholders identify persisting gaps. The regulatory framework addresses longstanding concerns about the sector's legitimacy and provides structure for growth, but participants suggest further refinement is needed to fully address operational and compliance challenges facing the burgeoning Indian esports ecosystem.

via Business Today

Gaming

Industry leaders back publisher-led online gaming regulation framework

Adgully.com reports that industry leaders have applauded the Regulation of Online Gaming Rules' publisher-led framework. The development represents a significant policy initiative affecting India's online gaming sector. The framework appears designed to establish industry-standard governance mechanisms, with support from key stakeholders indicating broad acceptance of the regulatory approach within the gaming community.

via Adgully.com

Gaming

India moves toward formal regulatory framework for online gaming sector

IndianTelevision.com reports that India is establishing formal rules for online gaming. The development marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for the gaming industry, which has operated in a grey area for years. This regulatory clarity could provide a structured environment for gaming companies and developers operating in India, potentially affecting studio operations, compliance requirements, and sector growth trajectories as the industry matures under formal governance guidelines.

via indiantelevision.com

Haryana unveils Industrial Policy targeting ESDM and AVGC-XR hub status

The Statesman reports that Haryana has unveiled an ambitious Industrial Policy aimed at positioning the state as a global hub for electronics, semiconductors, display manufacturing (ESDM) and animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR) sectors. The policy represents a strategic effort to attract investment and talent in these high-growth technology-driven industries to the state.

via The Statesman

Gaming

India Announces New Esports Regulations That Could Reshape Online Gaming Sector

PCQuest reports that India has introduced new esports rules aimed at redefining the online gaming landscape. The publication highlights how these regulatory changes could significantly impact the sector's trajectory. The announcement represents a notable policy development for India's gaming industry, though specific details about the rules' provisions and implementation timeline remain unclear from the summary provided.

via PCQuest

Gaming

India's new online gaming rules to distinguish e-sports from real-money games

Business Standard reports that industry stakeholders are advocating for new online gaming rules that differentiate between e-sports and real-money gaming in India. The distinction is intended to provide clarity on regulatory treatment, potentially creating separate frameworks for skill-based competitive gaming versus games of chance. This development reflects ongoing efforts to establish a clearer regulatory environment for India's gaming sector.

via Business Standard

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Gaming

Government notifies online gaming rules, to establish governing authority

Business Standard reports that the Indian government has notified new online gaming rules and will establish a governing authority to oversee the sector. The development marks a significant regulatory step for India's gaming industry, which has grown substantially in recent years. Details on the specific provisions and the governing body's mandate remain to be clarified in official communications.

via Business Standard

Gaming

Government notifies new online gaming rules to boost esports

YourStory.com reports that the Indian government has notified new online gaming rules aimed at boosting the esports sector. The regulatory framework is expected to provide clarity for gaming studios and esports organisations operating in India, potentially creating a more conducive environment for industry growth and investment in the competitive gaming space.

via YourStory.com

Gaming

OGAI to begin regulating India's online gaming sector from May

GK Today reports that the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) will commence regulatory oversight of India's online gaming sector from May. The move represents a significant policy development for the nation's gaming industry, establishing formal governance structures for the rapidly growing sector. This regulation is expected to provide clarity and standardised frameworks for operators and stakeholders within India's online gaming space.

via GK Today

Gaming

India plans new rules that could restrict real-money online gaming

The420.in reports that India is planning new regulatory rules that could potentially ban real-money online gaming. The move signals the government's intent to tighten oversight of the online gaming sector, which has faced increasing scrutiny over consumer protection and responsible gaming concerns. Details on implementation timelines and specific provisions remain limited in the initial announcement.

via The420.in

Gaming

India announces new online gaming promotion and regulation rules for 2026

The Press Information Bureau has announced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026. The new regulatory framework aims to establish guidelines for India's online gaming sector. This policy development is significant for the gaming segment of India's AVGC-XR industry, potentially affecting skill-based gaming studios and developers operating within the country's regulatory environment.

via PIB

Gaming

India notifies Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026

The Press Information Bureau has announced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026. The rules establish a regulatory framework for India's online gaming sector, addressing licensing, player protection, and responsible gaming standards. This policy development marks a significant milestone for India's gaming industry, providing clarity on compliance requirements and operational guidelines for gaming companies and platforms operating within the country.

via PIB

Monday, 20 April 2026

Arena Animation Launches Industry-Led Academic Advisory Board for Creative Education

Passionate In Marketing reports that Arena Animation has established an industry-led academic advisory board to enhance its creative education offerings. The initiative aims to set new benchmarks in animation and creative training by aligning curriculum with industry standards. The advisory board appears designed to bridge the gap between educational programming and professional market demands within India's animation sector.

via Passionate In Marketing

Saturday, 18 April 2026

IICT signs MoUs to expand AVGC-XR and esports ecosystem

SMEStreet reports that IICT (Indian Institute of Creative Technology) has signed memorandums of understanding to expand the AVGC-XR and esports ecosystem in India. The move aims to strengthen the creative technology sector by fostering partnerships that support animation, VFX, gaming, XR, and esports development, enhancing India's position in the global creative industries market.

via SMEStreet

Friday, 17 April 2026

VFX

Zee Entertainment to invest Rs 116 crore in VFX studio PhantomFX

The Economic Times reports that Zee Entertainment will invest up to Rs 116 crore in VFX studio PhantomFX. The investment represents a significant capital infusion into India's VFX sector, strengthening the country's visual effects capabilities. This move underscores Zee's commitment to bolstering its content production infrastructure and supporting domestic VFX talent and technology development.

via The Economic Times

VFXKarnataka

Rodeo FX opens Bangalore hub as VFX industry undergoes strategic shifts

Cartoon Brew reports that Rodeo FX, the Mexican VFX studio, has launched a new hub in Bangalore. The expansion reflects broader industry shifts as studios recalibrate operations and talent distribution. Bangalore's established VFX talent pool and infrastructure make it an attractive destination for international studios seeking to strengthen their Indian presence and capabilities in visual effects production.

via Cartoon Brew

Thursday, 16 April 2026

IICT partners with VES to strengthen India's VFX and AVGC-XR ecosystem

MediaNews4U reports that IICT has partnered with VES to bolster India's VFX and AVGC-XR sector. The collaboration aims to strengthen the visual effects and digital creative industries across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality segments. Details on specific programmes, training initiatives, or resource-sharing arrangements were not disclosed in the announcement.

via MediaNews4U

VFX

VFX studio Rodeo FX launches India operations

Rodeo FX, a visual effects firm known for work on 'Dune' and 'Stranger Things', is expanding into India with a new studio launch. The move marks the company's continued global expansion strategy. Details of the facility's location, team size, and operational focus remain to be confirmed by the company.

via yahoo.com

VFX

VFX studio Rodeo FX launches India operations following global expansion

Deadline reports that Rodeo FX, the VFX firm behind blockbuster productions including 'Dune' and 'Stranger Things', is establishing a studio in India as part of its international growth strategy. The expansion marks another significant foreign investment in India's VFX sector, strengthening the country's position as a key hub for visual effects work on major global productions.

via Deadline

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

VFXMaharashtra

Mumbai VFX studio R2VFX delivers effects for Dhurandhar: The Revenge

ANI News reports that Mumbai-based R2VFX Studios has delivered visual effects for the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The project represents continued work by Indian VFX houses on theatrical productions, demonstrating the capability of domestic studios to handle feature-film-scale visual effects work. R2VFX Studios' involvement underscores the growing role of regional Indian VFX talent in film production pipelines.

via ANI News

Gaming

Centre likely to remove mandatory registration for non-money egames

Business Standard reports that India's central government is considering removing mandatory registration requirements for non-money electronic games. The move would ease compliance burden on gaming developers and studios not involved in real-money gaming. This aligns with efforts to differentiate skill-based gaming from gambling regulation, potentially benefiting India's legitimate gaming sector.

via Business Standard

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Arena Animation celebrates three decades of AVGC-XR impact with alumni meet in Bengaluru

SugerMint reports that Arena Animation hosted an alumni meet in Bengaluru to mark three decades of its contribution to India's AVGC-XR and creative sectors. The institute, a significant player in animation and visual effects education, brought together alumni to celebrate its impact on the industry. The event underscores the institute's role in shaping talent for animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors in India.

via SugerMint

Gaming

NODWIN Gaming appoints Manish Agarwal to board ahead of IPO push

g2g.news reports that esports and gaming company NODWIN Gaming has appointed Manish Agarwal to its board of directors as it strengthens preparations for an initial public offering. The move signals the company's continued efforts to advance toward listing and build institutional credibility in India's gaming sector.

via g2g.news

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

VFX

Indian VFX industry recognised as major global force

VFX Voice reports on the Indian VFX industry's growing prominence on the international stage. The publication highlights how Indian studios and talent have established themselves as significant contributors to global visual effects production, underscoring the sector's continued expansion and influence in the worldwide entertainment and media landscape.

via VFX Voice -

VES India signs MoU with IICT to advance AVGC-XR collaboration and skill development

Digital Studio India reports that VES India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IICT to strengthen collaboration in the AVGC-XR sector. The partnership aims to advance skill development initiatives within India's animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries. The MoU represents a strategic effort to enhance industry-academia linkages and foster talent development in these emerging creative sectors.

via Digital Studio India

Friday, 10 April 2026

VFX

VFX studio philmCGI delivers visual effects for 'Dhurandhar' films under tight schedules

India Today reports that VFX firm philmCGI created visual effects for the 'Dhurandhar' films while managing compressed production timelines. The studio successfully delivered photorealistic visual effects work for the project, demonstrating technical capabilities under deadline pressure—a common challenge in India's VFX sector where studios balance quality output with compressed schedules and resource constraints.

via India Today

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Indian AVGC-XR sector faces critical industry-academia skills gap

The Indian Express reports on a significant disconnect between educational institutions and the AVGC-XR industry's talent requirements. Industry experts characterise the problem as severe, rating it 10 out of 10 in tech-driven sectors. The article highlights efforts to bridge this gap through better curriculum alignment, collaboration between studios and academic bodies, and industry-led training initiatives to prepare graduates for real-world production demands in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors.

via indianexpress.com

Monday, 6 April 2026

Sunday, 5 April 2026

VFX

Dhurandhar wins Best Special Effects at Chetak Screen Awards 2026

Indian Express reports that Dhurandhar has won the Best Special Effects award at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026. The Chetak Screen Awards recognise excellence in Indian cinema production across multiple categories. This recognition highlights the growing quality and prominence of VFX work from Indian studios in the country's film industry.

via indianexpress.com

Saturday, 4 April 2026