The Desk

Thursday, 24 July 2025

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

Friday, 18 July 2025

AnimationVFXGamingXRMaharashtra

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

XRGaming

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

Animation

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

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

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies launches AVGC-XR courses for inaugural batch

The Press Information Bureau reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has announced cutting-edge courses in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR technologies. The inaugural batch will commence in August 2025. The institute's new programme marks a significant step in formalising AVGC-XR education in India, addressing the sector's growing demand for skilled professionals across creative and emerging technologies disciplines.

via PIB

Monday, 14 July 2025

XRVFX

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

Friday, 27 June 2025

XR

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

Gaming

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

Friday, 20 June 2025

Animation

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

Animation

'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

Monday, 2 June 2025

Gaming

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

Gaming

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

AnimationGamingAndhra 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

GamingXR

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

Gaming

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

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

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

AnimationVFX

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

Gaming

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

Monday, 12 May 2025

Animation

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

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMadhya 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

Saturday, 3 May 2025

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

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMadhya 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

India launches IICT to revolutionize AVGC-XR sector

DD News reports that India has launched the IICT (Indian Institute for Creative Technologies) to transform the AVGC-XR sector. The initiative aims to strengthen the industry through global partnerships and collaboration with international bodies. The institute is expected to foster innovation and capacity-building in animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality, positioning India as a competitive hub within the global creative economy.

via DD News

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRAndhra 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

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

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

Monday, 28 April 2025

WAVES 2025 positioned as global exhibition for media, entertainment, and technology

The Press Information Bureau announces WAVES 2025, a global exhibition focused on media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The event is positioned as a comprehensive platform for industry professionals and stakeholders across animation, VFX, gaming, and emerging technologies. Details regarding venue, dates, and participation opportunities align with India's growing prominence in the AVGC-XR ecosystem, attracting international and domestic exhibitors and visitors to showcase innovations and business opportunities in these high-growth sectors.

via PIB

Animation

WAVES Animation Filmmakers' Challenge showcases 42 Indian animation films

Press Information Bureau reports that the WAVES Animation Filmmakers' Challenge has brought together 42 animation films, highlighting the creative talent within India's animation sector. The initiative serves to promote and recognise emerging and established animators, providing a platform to showcase original work and foster growth in the domestic animation industry.

via PIB

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

VFX

South Indian filmmakers partner with international VFX studios to redefine regional cinema

The Times of India reports that South Indian filmmakers are collaborating with international VFX studios to elevate production standards in regional cinema. The partnerships are enabling local productions to achieve global-quality visual effects, helping redefine storytelling approaches in South Indian film industries and positioning the region as a competitive hub for VFX-driven regional productions.

via The Times of India

Saturday, 19 April 2025

Animation

42 finalists announced for WAVES 2025 Animation Film-makers Challenge

The Press Information Bureau has announced the top 42 finalists of the WAVES 2025 Animation Film-makers Challenge. The competition recognises emerging animation talent across India, with participants from various states and cities showcasing their project work. WAVES supports the development of India's animation sector by identifying and nurturing creative filmmakers at the grassroots level.

via PIB

Saturday, 12 April 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies launched to boost AVGC-XR sector in Mumbai

Digital Studio India reports that the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has been established in Mumbai to strengthen the country's AVGC-XR industry. The institute aims to support animation, VFX, gaming, comics and extended reality sectors through education, training, and industry collaboration, positioning Mumbai as a hub for creative technology talent development in India's growing digital content ecosystem.

via Digital Studio India

Friday, 11 April 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMaharashtra

Union Ministry signs MoU to establish Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai

The Press Information Bureau reports that the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to establish the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai. The institute aims to strengthen India's animation, VFX, gaming, and creative sectors by developing skilled talent and fostering innovation in digital content creation and emerging technologies.

via PIB

Monday, 7 April 2025

India's manga and anime sector experiences growth boom

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) reports on India's expanding manga and anime market. The item highlights the country's growing creative output and consumption in these animation and comics segments, reflecting increasing momentum in India's AVGC sector. Details on specific studios, productions, or policy measures driving this growth were not provided in the source material.

via PIB

Friday, 4 April 2025

Gaming

India's gaming sector expands 7% in 2024 with 110 million daily players

ET Edge Insights reports that India's gaming industry expanded by 7 per cent in 2024, reaching 110 million daily active gamers. The report examines key trends shaping the sector's growth trajectory. India's gaming market continues to demonstrate resilience and expansion despite global market challenges, with increasing player engagement across diverse gaming categories and demographics throughout the country.

via ET Edge Insights

VFX

India's VFX industry setting new global standards, says IBEF

The India Brand Equity Foundation reports that India's VFX sector is establishing itself as a benchmark globally. The statement underscores the sector's growing technical capabilities and competitive positioning in international markets. India has emerged as a significant hub for visual effects work, attracting major international projects and talent.

via IBEF

Friday, 28 March 2025

Animation

Indian animation sector contracts 19% in FICCI-EY 2025 report

AnimationXpress reports that the FICCI-EY Report 2025 indicates India's animation sector has experienced a 19 per cent decline. The report, a collaborative study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and EY, provides a comprehensive assessment of the sector's performance and market dynamics during the period covered by the latest analysis.

via Animation Xpress

VFX

Indian VFX segment records 14 per cent decline in 2024, says FICCI-EY report

AnimationXpress reports that the FICCI-EY Report 2025 reveals India's VFX segment experienced a 14 per cent decline in 2024. The report, prepared by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and EY, provides a comprehensive assessment of the sector's performance. This downturn reflects broader challenges facing the Indian visual effects industry during the period, marking a significant contraction in a key segment of the country's AVGC sector.

via Animation Xpress

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

AnimationVFX

Indian VFX and animation sectors grapple with film slowdown and AI challenges

BusinessLine reports that India's VFX and animation industries are facing headwinds from a slowdown in film production and the emerging impact of artificial intelligence. The sector, a significant contributor to India's creative economy, is navigating challenging market conditions as production houses reassess spending and AI tools reshape workflows. Industry participants are assessing strategies to maintain competitiveness amid these structural shifts.

via BusinessLine

Gaming

Government Strengthens Online Gaming Regulations for Transparency and Safety

The Press Information Bureau reports that India's government has strengthened regulations for online gaming to ensure transparency and user safety. The move aims to create a more secure environment for gaming platforms operating in the country. Details on specific regulatory measures and their implementation timeline remain to be clarified in official channels, though the announcement underscores the government's focus on responsible gaming practices and consumer protection within India's expanding gaming sector.

via PIB

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

India's animation and gaming industry policy to be expedited

MediaNama reports that India's animation and gaming industry policy is set to be expedited. The development signals government momentum towards establishing a comprehensive regulatory and support framework for the two key sectors within the broader AVGC-XR ecosystem. Details on specific policy measures, timelines, or stakeholder consultations were not disclosed in the report.

via MediaNama

Monday, 24 March 2025

AnimationComicsMaharashtra

WAVES Anime & Manga Contest to be held in Nagpur

The Press Information Bureau reports that the WAVES Anime & Manga (WAM) Contest will be organised at GH Raiosni Engineering College in Nagpur on 25th March. The event aims to foster talent and creativity in anime and manga creation among students and enthusiasts in the region, supporting India's growing animation and comics sectors.

via PIB

Monday, 17 March 2025

VFX

India vital to ILM's future, says VFX powerhouse behind Star Wars and Marvel

Moneycontrol reports that Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the renowned VFX studio behind Star Wars and Marvel productions, has underscored India's importance as a cornerstone to its future operations. The exclusive interview highlights ILM's strategic reliance on Indian talent and capabilities within the global VFX ecosystem, reflecting the country's growing significance in visual effects production for major Hollywood franchises.

via Moneycontrol.com

Friday, 14 March 2025

AnimationVFXXRKarnataka

Technicolor shuts Bengaluru operations, impacting city's AVGC-XR sector

The Hindu reports that Technicolor, the 110-year-old media and entertainment technology company, has closed its Bengaluru operations. The closure is expected to affect the city's animation, VFX, and XR ecosystem. Technicolor has been a significant player in post-production services in India, and its exit from Bengaluru represents a notable loss for the local AVGC-XR industry and the talent workforce dependent on the company.

via The Hindu

Thursday, 13 March 2025

AnimationVFX

Namit Malhotra on The Ramayana: 'Belongs to The World—No One Person or Entity Owns It'

The Hollywood Reporter India reports on Namit Malhotra's remarks regarding The Ramayana as cultural property. Malhotra emphasises that the epic narrative is global heritage rather than the possession of any single individual or organisation. His statement addresses broader questions of intellectual property and cultural ownership in adapting foundational stories across media.

via The Hollywood Reporter India

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Gaming

India's video gaming industry to see double-digit growth in next 5–10 years

Fortune India reports that Rajan Navani has predicted India's video gaming industry will experience double-digit growth over the next 5–10 years. The forecast reflects confidence in the sector's expansion trajectory as the country's gaming market continues to develop and attract investment and talent, positioning India as an increasingly significant player in the global gaming landscape.

via Fortune India

Monday, 3 March 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRMadhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh's new AVGC-XR policy draws global collaboration enquiries

The Times of India reports that Madhya Pradesh's newly introduced AVGC-XR policy is generating interest from international collaborators. The policy initiative is attracting enquiries focused on fostering global partnerships within the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors. The state's strategic push to position itself as a destination for AVGC-XR industries has prompted interest from overseas entities keen to explore collaborative opportunities with local studios and talent.

via The Times of India

VFXTelangana

Scanline VFX opens new studio in Hyderabad

Animation Xpress reports that Scanline VFX, a major visual effects company, has opened a new studio in Hyderabad, Telangana. The expansion marks the company's entry into India's growing VFX sector and reflects increasing investment by international studios in the country's creative infrastructure. This move strengthens Hyderabad's position as a hub for visual effects and animation services.

via Animation Xpress

WAVES Bazaar launched as business collaboration hub for media and entertainment

The Press Information Bureau announces the launch of WAVES Bazaar, a business collaboration platform designed for the media and entertainment sector. The initiative aims to facilitate networking and partnerships within the industry, supporting professionals and organisations across animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and related creative disciplines in India's growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.

via PIB

Friday, 28 February 2025

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

GAFX-2025 Bengaluru hosts sessions across diverse AVGC sectors

The Press Information Bureau reports that GAFX-2025 in Bengaluru conducted sessions covering diverse AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, XR) sectors today. The event showcased industry developments across multiple creative verticals, bringing together professionals and stakeholders from India's growing animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors to discuss trends and opportunities in these fields.

via PIB

VFX

Technicolor India shuts down, affecting over 3,000 employees

India Today reports that Technicolor India has shut down operations, impacting more than 3,000 employees. The closure represents a significant development for India's VFX sector, where the company was a notable player in visual effects and post-production services. The shutdown raises concerns about employment and capacity in the country's animation and VFX industry.

via India Today

AnimationVFXGamingComicsXRKarnataka

Karnataka to establish India's first AVGC-XR Park

The New Indian Express reports that Karnataka plans to establish the country's first dedicated AVGC-XR Park. The initiative aims to support animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality sectors within the state. This development is expected to strengthen Karnataka's position as a hub for creative industries and attract studios and talent in India's growing digital content ecosystem.

via The New Indian Express

GamingAnimationVFXXRKarnataka

Bengaluru leads India's gaming boom as AVGC-XR sector expands

KNN India reports that Bengaluru is driving India's gaming sector expansion within the broader AVGC-XR (animation, VFX, gaming, comics, extended reality) industry. The report highlights the city's growing prominence as a hub for gaming development and digital content creation, reflecting increased investment and talent concentration in the region. This growth signals strengthening infrastructure and opportunity within India's animation, visual effects, gaming, and extended reality segments.

via KNN India

Thursday, 27 February 2025

It's an opportune moment for India's AVGC-XR sector

The Hindu reports on India's AVGC-XR sector, identifying current conditions as favourable for growth and development. The publication discusses the timing and strategic position of the Indian animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR industries, suggesting opportunities lie ahead for stakeholders. Details on specific drivers, initiatives, or market conditions are not disclosed in the summary provided.

via The Hindu

PM envisioned WAVES as industry-led event, says MIB Secretary

According to PIB, India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned WAVES as an event "by the industry, for the industry and of the industry." WAVES is a key initiative supporting India's audio-visual and creative sectors, aligning with the government's push to develop the AVGC ecosystem. The statement underscores the government's commitment to fostering industry participation in shaping policy and growth initiatives.

via PIB

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

VFX

Technicolor's challenges create opportunities for India's VFX sector

Moneycontrol.com reports that India's VFX industry is positioning itself to capitalise on uncertainty surrounding Technicolor, a major global player. The report suggests that disruptions in the international VFX landscape may create openings for Indian studios to secure larger projects and expand their market share. Details on specific opportunities and Indian studios' response strategies were not provided in the available summary.

via Moneycontrol.com