I&B Ministry Recognises Gaming as Valuable Industry

By Pickle August 13, 2024

Ashutosh Mohle urges the development of games that resonate with India’s cultural heritage, proposing that games based on Indian traditions and narratives could help connect the gaming community with the wider society

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for game development and competition, Ashutosh Mohle, Joint Director at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the growing recognition of gaming as a legitimate and valuable industry in India, evidenced by recent government initiatives.

Reflecting on his own background in technology and gaming, Mohle pointed out the lack of support and infrastructure faced by aspiring game developers in India, particularly within educational institutions. Drawing from his recent visit to IIT Delhi, he shared how students still struggle with accessing the necessary resources and support. He assured that the government is aware of these challenges and is taking steps to address them.

According to Mohle, one of the major announcements was the inclusion of a dedicated gaming section in the upcoming Word Audio Video Entertainment (WAVE) Summit, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This marks the first time gaming will be formally recognized alongside other entertainment sectors, underlining the industry’s growing importance.

“The Ministry of Information and Technology is going to organize the WAVE Summit in November, which has a pillar dedicated to gaming. In that section, we will have different types of gaming. It can be PC, console gaming, mobile, even E-Sports. We will be organizing competitions in the gaming section. This is the first time when the International Film Festival of India will have such an event,” he pointed out.

Mohle also spoke about the government’s efforts to foster innovation in the gaming sector, particularly in areas like extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed the need for inclusive gaming solutions, especially for specially-abled children, and called for the development of more affordable, accessible hardware.

In addition, Mohle encouraged the creation of games that are culturally relevant to India, suggesting that games rooted in Indian traditions and stories could help bridge the gap between the gaming community and the broader society. He also emphasized the importance of connectivity and community in gaming, advocating for more multiplayer and esports opportunities.

As the conclave continued, Mohle urged developers and startups to collaborate with the government to advance India’s gaming industry. He concluded by reiterating the Ministry’s vision for India to emerge as a global leader in game development and gaming competitions.

This year’s conclave highlighted the critical role that government support and innovation play in the growth of the Indian gaming industry, setting the stage for future developments that could position India as a major player in the global gaming landscape.