India Gaming Conclave: Mapping out Industry’s Surge and Future Vision

By Pickle August 13, 2024

The India Gaming Conclave concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration between industry and government to propel India to the forefront of the global gaming industry

The India Gaming Conclave, held in New Delhi on August 12, marked a pivotal moment for the Indian gaming industry, showcasing its growing potential and future prospects. The event featured the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), the release of its Annual Report and Newsletter, and seven insightful knowledge sessions with industry experts.

Rajan Navani, Chairman of the IDGS and Co-Chairman of the CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment, opened the event with a compelling address about India’s unique position in the global gaming industry. Navani highlighted India’s potential to lead in esports and gaming, driven by the country’s digital literacy, tech adoption, and a youthful, engaged demographic.

“India’s Gen Z demographic, the largest in the world, alongside our digital literacy and vibrant ecosystem, positions us to not just participate but lead in the global gaming arena,” Navani stated. He stressed the importance of sustainability and skill development to ensure the industry’s growth. “We need to prepare not just for today but for tomorrow. The industry is rapidly evolving, and our training systems must be agile enough to keep up,” he added.

Navani also underscored the role of esports in bringing international recognition to India. “Esports is akin to traditional sports in terms of the mental and physical rigor required to excel. This is an exciting frontier for India,” he remarked.

Sean (Hyunil) Sohn, Vice President of IDGS and CEO of KRAFTON India, echoed the need for better support and infrastructure for aspiring game developers in India. Reflecting on his visit to IIT Delhi, Sohn noted the challenges faced by students, including limited institutional support and lack of essential hardware.

“I want to see many Indian parents become more supportive of kids who want to be game developers,” Sohn urged. He shared how early support from his family was crucial to his career and called for a similar cultural shift in India. Sohn also emphasized the importance of improving the public perception of the gaming industry and encouraged industry professionals to contribute to enhancing the industry’s image.

Ashutosh Mohle, Joint Director at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for game development. Mohle announced the inclusion of a dedicated gaming section in the upcoming Word Audio Video Entertainment (WAVE) Summit, marking a significant recognition of the gaming industry alongside other entertainment sectors.

“The Ministry of Information and Technology is going to organize the WAVE Summit in November, which has a pillar dedicated to gaming,” Mohle pointed out. He emphasized the need for games that resonate with India’s cultural heritage and called for more inclusive and innovative gaming solutions.

Raghav Anand, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young India, presented an overview of the Indian gaming industry’s economic impact and growth trajectory. Anand highlighted the sector’s potential for hypergrowth, with a projected 21% annual increase over the next three years, driven primarily by mobile gaming.

“The Indian gaming industry has generated over 100,000 jobs and attracted more than $10 million in foreign direct investment,” Anand reported. He noted the shift towards in-app purchases and the growing role of AI and cloud gaming in transforming the industry.

The conclave featured several panels addressing various aspects of the gaming industry. The panel on “How Video Games are Shaping the Future” discussed the gamification of education and skill development, emphasizing esports’ role in India’s GDP. The panel on “Esports in India – A Rising Phenomenon” explored the inclusion of esports in the 2025 Saudi Arabia Olympic Games, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for India.