The Desk

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

IICT, FICCI and Netflix sign MoU to nurture India's next-generation creative talent

The Press Information Bureau reports that a landmark memorandum of understanding has been signed between IICT, FICCI, and Netflix to nurture India's next-generation creative talent. The partnership aims to develop and support emerging professionals in the country's creative industries, strengthening the ecosystem for animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. The collaboration represents a significant effort to build skilled talent pipelines for India's growing AVGC-XR landscape.

via PIB

Monday, 6 October 2025

Netflix partners with IICT and FICCI to develop India's creative tech talent pipeline

Netflix has announced a partnership with IICT and FICCI to build India's creative tech talent pipeline, according to the company. The initiative aims to develop skilled professionals in the AVGC-XR sectors through collaborative training and development programmes, strengthening India's position in global creative industries and addressing talent gaps in animation, VFX, gaming, and extended reality production.

via About Netflix

Gaming

India's government proposes comprehensive online gaming framework; stakeholder input sought by October 31

ET Edge Insights reports that the Government of India has proposed a comprehensive framework for online gaming, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) seeking stakeholder input by October 31. The initiative represents a significant policy development for India's gaming sector, potentially shaping regulatory oversight and industry standards as the country's gaming market continues to grow.

via ET Edge Insights

Gaming

Indian esports firms seek regulatory clarity and incentives as sector grows

The Economic Times reports that Indian esports companies are calling for clear regulatory frameworks and government support measures to bolster the sector's development. Having faced association with real-money gaming controversies, esports operators are now pushing for differentiated policies that recognise competitive gaming's distinct nature. Industry players seek incentives to accelerate growth, talent development, and international competitiveness in India's emerging esports ecosystem, marking a shift toward mainstream legitimacy and institutional support for the sector.

via economictimes.com

Sunday, 5 October 2025

Gaming

Draft policy paves way for eSports' pan-Indian play, gaming reforms

Business Standard reports that a draft policy has been unveiled to enable pan-Indian eSports participation and gaming sector reforms. The policy aims to standardise eSports governance across India and establish a regulatory framework for the gaming industry. Details on specific provisions and implementation timeline remain limited in the announcement, which signals the government's intent to position India as a competitive eSports hub while addressing concerns around responsible gaming practices.

via Business Standard

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Gaming

Gaming firms prepare responses to India's draft online gaming rules

Livemint reports that conflicts are rising as firms prepare responses to India's draft online gaming rules. The regulations are expected to shape the operational landscape for the gaming industry. Companies are engaging with the regulatory framework as authorities move toward formalising oversight of the online gaming sector in the country.

via livemint.com

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Gaming

India's new online gaming law bans money games

Economictimes reports that India's new online gaming law has taken effect, banning money games. The regulation marks a significant policy shift for the Indian gaming sector, which includes a substantial number of studios and gaming companies. This development could reshape how gaming businesses operate within India and may influence international studios' engagement with the Indian market.

via economictimes.com

Gaming

India's new online gaming rules come into effect

The Times of India reports that new online gaming regulations have come into force in India from today. The rules represent a significant regulatory shift for the country's gaming sector. However, the feed summary does not provide specific details about the rules' contents, enforcement mechanisms, or impact on Indian gaming studios and developers.

via The Times of India

Monday, 29 September 2025

VFXAnimation

Trump administration imposes 100% tariff on movies made outside US

The Times of India reports that the Trump administration has announced a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. This policy could significantly impact Indian VFX and animation studios that service Hollywood productions, potentially reshaping outsourcing economics for the global film industry and affecting India's AVGC sector's substantial revenue from international clients.

via The Times of India

Sunday, 28 September 2025

Gaming

India's Gaming Industry Body Pivots to Focus on Esports

Outlook Respawn reports that India's gaming industry body has shifted its strategic focus towards esports. The report indicates a deliberate repositioning by the industry organisation to prioritise the esports segment, reflecting growing recognition of competitive gaming's importance within India's broader gaming landscape and its potential for professional development and international participation.

via Outlook Respawn

Gaming

India's non-RMG gaming sector set for $4-5 billion growth under new gaming law

Fortune India reports that India's non-real-money gaming (RMG) sector is positioned for substantial expansion following the introduction of new gaming legislation. Rooter's Piyush Kumar and Lightbox's Sandeep Murthy discuss the anticipated $4-5 billion boom in the sector. The new regulatory framework is expected to unlock growth opportunities across India's gaming industry, providing clarity and encouraging investment in the non-RMG gaming space, which has long operated under regulatory uncertainty.

via Fortune India

Friday, 26 September 2025

Gaming

India's 420 million gamers seek growth beyond real-money gaming

The Times of India reports that India's gaming market, with 420 million gamers, is exploring expansion opportunities beyond real-money gaming (RMG). The article highlights the sector's ambitions to diversify revenue streams and develop alternative gaming verticals. This reflects broader industry efforts to establish sustainable growth models independent of RMG, which faces regulatory scrutiny in India.

via The Times of India

Thursday, 25 September 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Maharashtra's AVGC-XR policy targets ₹50,000 crore investment and 2 lakh jobs

Storyboard18 reports that the animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR industry has backed Maharashtra's new AVGC-XR policy initiative. The policy aims to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments whilst generating 2 lakh jobs within the sector. The announcement reflects growing support from industry stakeholders for the state's commitment to developing its creative technology ecosystem and positioning Maharashtra as a hub for digital content production.

via Storyboard18

Gaming

India's gaming industry positioned for growth following real-money gaming restrictions

Fortune India reports that India's gaming sector is poised for expansion in the wake of real-money gaming (RMG) bans. The country has 420 million gamers with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of just $3, indicating significant monetisation potential. The publication suggests regulatory clarity from RMG restrictions could redirect player engagement and investment towards skill-based and casual gaming segments, strengthening India's broader gaming ecosystem development.

via Fortune India

India's MoS I&B concludes South Korea visit to strengthen media, entertainment, gaming ties

The Press Information Bureau reports that Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan has concluded a visit to South Korea focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in media, entertainment, gaming, and digital innovation. The visit underscores India's efforts to strengthen international partnerships within the AVGC-XR sectors, potentially opening avenues for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-production opportunities between Indian and South Korean industry stakeholders.

via PIB

WaveX launches seven incubation centres for media and AVGC-XR startups

WaveX has launched seven new incubation centres focused on supporting media and AVGC-XR startups, according to bestmediainfo.com. The initiative aims to nurture early-stage companies in India's animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR sectors. Details on the locations, support offerings, and selection criteria for startups were not disclosed in the announcement. This expansion reflects continued investment in India's growing creative technology ecosystem.

via bestmediainfo.com

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

WaveX launches seven incubation centres for AVGC-XR startups

The Press Information Bureau reports that startup accelerator platform WaveX has announced the launch of seven new incubation centres to support Media, Entertainment and AVGC-XR sector startups in India. The initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the country's growing animation, VFX, gaming, comics and XR industries by providing dedicated support infrastructure for emerging ventures in these sectors.

via PIB

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

India's animation and comic industry transformation, says IBEF

The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) has released an analysis on the transformation of India's animation and comic industry. The report examines growth trajectories, emerging opportunities, and sectoral developments shaping the country's creative content landscape. IBEF's assessment provides insights into market dynamics and structural shifts within these segments of India's AVGC ecosystem.

via IBEF

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Maharashtra cabinet approves AVGC-XR policy with 25-year roadmap

Hindustan Times reports that the Maharashtra cabinet has cleared a comprehensive AVGC-XR policy and developed a 25-year roadmap for the sector. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to nurturing animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality industries. This policy framework is expected to facilitate growth and investment in these creative sectors within Maharashtra.

via Hindustan Times

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Maharashtra cabinet approves AVGC-XR policy covering animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality

The Times of India reports that the Maharashtra cabinet has approved a comprehensive policy for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The policy aims to support and regulate these creative industries within the state, potentially offering incentives and frameworks to attract studios and talent to Maharashtra's growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.

via The Times of India

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Nagpur to get Rs 3,000 crore hi-tech media park for AVGC-XR sector

The Times of India reports that Nagpur will develop a hi-tech media park with Rs 3,000 crore investment dedicated to the AVGC-XR sector. The facility aims to strengthen animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality production capabilities in the region. This infrastructure development signals Maharashtra's commitment to fostering creative industries and attracting talent and companies to establish operations in Nagpur.

via The Times of India

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Maharashtra government approves AVGC-XR Policy with Rs 3000 crore plan

AnimationXpress reports that the Maharashtra government has approved the state's AVGC-XR Policy with an allocation of Rs 3000 crore. The policy aims to support the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors within the state, fostering industry growth and talent development. This initiative represents a significant commitment to strengthening Maharashtra's position as a hub for AVGC-XR production and innovation.

via Animation Xpress

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Nagpur to host dedicated AVGC-XR Park

Nagpur Today reports that Nagpur is set to establish a dedicated AVGC-XR Park, positioning the city as an emerging technology hub. The facility aims to support animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors, attracting studios and talent to the region. This development represents a significant expansion of India's AVGC-XR infrastructure beyond traditional production centres, fostering growth in the animation and digital media industries across Maharashtra.

via Nagpur Today

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Monday, 15 September 2025

Saturday, 13 September 2025

Animation

Puppetica Media announces India's first Sanskrit sci-fi animated film 'Dhee'

Animation Xpress reports that Puppetica Media has announced 'Dhee', described as India's first Sanskrit-language science fiction animated film. The project marks a distinctive effort to blend classical Indian language with contemporary animation and genre storytelling, positioning the studio within India's growing AVGC sector as it explores culturally rooted narratives for global audiences.

via Animation Xpress

Monday, 8 September 2025

Gaming

Online Gaming Act, 2025: potential regulatory shift for real-money gaming in India

Law.asia reports on the Online Gaming Act, 2025 and its implications for real-money gaming (RMG) in India. The legislation signals potential regulatory changes affecting the gaming sector. The article examines how the new framework may reshape compliance requirements and operational standards for gaming platforms operating in the Indian market. Details on specific provisions and their industry impact are outlined in the source publication's analysis of the act's scope and enforcement mechanisms.

via Law.asia

Saturday, 6 September 2025

MIB Secretary pushes SRFTI towards global exposure and stronger industry ties

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary has reviewed the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), emphasising the need for world-class infrastructure, enhanced global exposure, and closer collaboration with the media and entertainment industry. The push signals renewed focus on strengthening India's film and content education ecosystem.

via PIB

Thursday, 4 September 2025

Gaming

India positioning itself for significant gaming industry investment and growth

ET Edge Insights examines India's strategic focus on the gaming sector. The report explores whether India is directing substantial resources and policy attention toward establishing itself as a major player in the global gaming industry. The piece considers infrastructure development, talent cultivation, and investment trends shaping India's gaming landscape as the nation seeks to capitalise on growing opportunities in this high-potential segment of the AVGC ecosystem.

via ET Edge Insights

Monday, 1 September 2025

Friday, 29 August 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRTamil Nadu

AVGC-XR and AI Centres of Excellence development accelerates in Tamil Nadu

The Hindu reports that work on establishing AVGC-XR and AI Centres of Excellence in Tamil Nadu is gaining momentum. The state is advancing infrastructure and institutional development to support animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors alongside artificial intelligence capabilities. This initiative aims to strengthen Tamil Nadu's position in the digital creative industries and emerging technology spaces.

via The Hindu

Gaming

Esports industry flags challenges despite Online Gaming Act carve-out

The Indian Express reports that India's esports industry has raised concerns about implementation challenges despite receiving a carve-out under the new Online Gaming Act. The sector, while acknowledged separately from gambling regulations, continues to face hurdles in operationalising the exemption. Industry stakeholders have highlighted specific obstacles that could impact esports organisations and competitive gaming ventures in India moving forward.

via The Indian Express

Thursday, 28 August 2025

GamingKarnataka

Gaming companies to challenge India's online real-money gaming ban in Karnataka High Court

ETLegalWorld.com reports that gaming companies are expected to file legal challenges against India's online real-money gaming restrictions in the Karnataka High Court. The move signals industry pushback against regulatory measures affecting the gaming sector. Details of the specific legal arguments and timeline for the challenge remain under consideration as operators seek clarity on the legality of existing restrictions.

via ETLegalWorld.com

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Animation

AM Summit Day 1 sparks dialogue on industry trends and indie excellence

Animation Xpress reports on the opening day of the AM Summit, which featured discussions on industry developments and celebrated independent animation creators. The event brought together professionals to explore contemporary challenges and innovations within the animation sector, highlighting the contributions of pioneering indie talent to the broader industry landscape.

via Animation Xpress

Gaming

IGPDA Launches to Unite Indian Game Developers and Publishers

Outlook Respawn reports on the launch of the Indian Game Producers and Developers Association (IGPDA), a new body aimed at uniting India's game development and publishing sectors. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration and representation within the country's gaming industry, providing a unified platform for studios and publishers to address shared challenges and opportunities.

via Outlook Respawn

Gaming

Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association formed to support Online Gaming Bill

ET Edge Insights reports that the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA) has been formed to support India's Online Gaming Bill. The association aims to lead a new gaming era by providing industry backing to the regulatory framework. This development signals growing institutional coordination within India's gaming sector to shape the policy landscape and represent publishers' and developers' interests.

via ET Edge Insights

Monday, 25 August 2025

Gaming

Online Gaming Act 2025: What it means for India's gaming industry

Bar and Bench examines the Online Gaming Act 2025 and its implications for India's gaming sector. The legal analysis explores how the new legislation will shape the regulatory landscape for online gaming companies and platforms operating in the country, with potential impacts on industry operations, compliance requirements, and market dynamics within India's rapidly expanding gaming segment.

via Bar and Bench

Friday, 22 August 2025

VFX

VFX designers Lavan and Kushan work on major South Indian films

The Hindu profiles VFX designers Lavan and Kushan, who have contributed to some of the largest film productions in South India. The piece highlights their work and roles within the region's growing visual effects sector, showcasing key talent driving the VFX industry across South Indian cinema.

via The Hindu

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Gaming

PM welcomes passage of Online Gaming Bill 2025, citing e-sports boost

The Prime Minister has welcomed the passage of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, according to PIB. The government states the legislation will boost e-sports development while implementing safeguards to protect society. The bill marks a formal regulatory framework for India's online gaming sector, a key component of the country's broader AVGC-XR ambitions.

via PIB

Gaming

Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed in Lok Sabha with real-money gaming ban, esports boost

The Times of India reports that India's Lok Sabha has passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025, introducing a ban on real-money gaming whilst providing support for esports development. The legislation marks a significant regulatory shift for India's gaming sector, distinguishing between skill-based esports and gambling-oriented real-money games. This policy move is expected to reshape the competitive landscape for gaming studios and esports organisations operating in the country.

via The Times of India

Gaming

Rajya Sabha passes online gaming bill to regulate esports and gaming

The Economic Times reports that the Rajya Sabha has passed an online gaming bill designed to regulate the esports and gaming industry. The legislative move represents a significant step toward establishing a formal regulatory framework for India's gaming sector, which has grown substantially in recent years. The bill's passage signals government intent to provide oversight whilst supporting industry development.

via The Economic Times

Gaming

Centre to ban money-based online gaming, Gaming Bill set for Parliament

The Times of India reports that India's Centre is preparing to table a Gaming Bill in Parliament to ban money-based online gaming. The legislation addresses concerns around gambling and real-money gaming, marking a significant policy intervention in the Indian gaming sector. The bill's introduction represents a concrete regulatory development for the country's gaming industry, with implications for gaming studios and platforms operating in India.

via The Times of India

Gaming

India's Online Gaming Bill elevates e-sports, bans real-money gaming

India Briefing reports on India's Online Gaming Bill, which distinguishes between skill-based e-sports and real-money gaming. The legislation elevates e-sports as a competitive sector whilst banning real-money gaming operations. The policy marks a significant regulatory shift for India's gaming industry, clarifying legal frameworks for different gaming segments and potentially reshaping the competitive gaming landscape.

via India Briefing

Gaming

India's Online Gaming Bill 2025 proposes ban on real money games

Vision IAS reports on India's proposed Online Gaming Bill 2025, which seeks to ban real money games. The legislation represents a significant policy development for India's gaming sector, addressing regulatory concerns around gambling and consumer protection. The bill's provisions could reshape how online gaming operators conduct business within the country, affecting studios and platforms offering skill and chance-based games. Policy clarity on real money gaming classification remains a critical issue for India's gaming industry stakeholders navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. The bill reflects growing government focus on formalising gaming sector oversight in India's AVGC ecosystem.

via Vision IAS

Gaming

Online Gaming Bill 2025: India to support e-sports while cracking down on money games

The Times of India reports that India's Online Gaming Bill 2025 distinguishes between e-sports and money gaming, with the government backing competitive gaming while imposing strict penalties on real-money wagering. The legislation represents a significant policy move to regulate India's gaming sector, supporting skill-based gaming whilst addressing concerns around gambling and gaming-related harms through enforcement mechanisms and financial penalties for non-compliant operators and platforms.

via The Times of India

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Gaming

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

Gaming

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

Gaming

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

Thursday, 14 August 2025

AnimationMaharashtra

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

AnimationVFXKarnataka

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

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

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

Monday, 4 August 2025

Animation

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

AnimationVFX

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

AnimationVFX

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

Thursday, 31 July 2025

VFXTelangana

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

VFXAnimation

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

AnimationVFX

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