India’s gaming, esports, and AVGC sector is witnessing a powerful confluence of policy endorsement, financial support, institutional activation, and global competitive traction, providing compelling narrative opportunities across business, policy, education, and sports desks.
At the latest edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged gaming as a skill, urging youth to use affordable internet and technology for learning, creativity, and professional growth. He also encouraged game creation rooted in India’s cultural heritage, while clearly distinguishing skill-based gaming from gambling and betting.
India’s gaming, esports, and AVGC sector is witnessing a powerful confluence of policy endorsement, financial support, institutional activation, and global competitive traction, providing compelling narrative opportunities across business, policy, education, and sports desks.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced targeted support for the AVGC sector, projected to require 2 million professionals by 2030, including setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges and strengthening IICT Mumbai as a national hub for creative technologies.
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai hosted an Esports Premier League, aligning with the government’s vision to strengthen India’s Orange Economy by integrating gaming into education, skilling, and career pathways.
“I came to India for the talent and stayed because of the potential. Indian game developers can compete with anyone globally.” — Oliver Jones, Welsh founder of Moonfrog Labs
In a recent Rajya Sabha session, Member of Parliament Kartikeya Sharma advocated for granting sports status to esports in India, while also flagging the risks of unregulated online gaming. This underscores the growing policy focus on balancing industry growth with responsible governance, an important development as esports becomes a mainstream competitive pursuit.
Chess was added to the Esports Nations Cup 2026, a nation-versus-nation format where national prestige and performance are central. India enters this stage with exceptional global talent, as demonstrated by Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin’s strong performances at the Esports World Cup 2025, positioning the country as a serious contender in international esports chess.
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) recorded 27% growth in paying users, significantly outpacing PUBG Mobile’s 5% growth. The India-exclusive title gained momentum through localized skins, premium items, and partnerships with domestic brands, cementing its status as a truly national game.
Together, these developments reveal a multi-dimensional growth arc for India’s gaming and AVGC ecosystem. Gaming is now formally recognized as a skill and career pathway. Educational institutions are embedding esports into mainstream learning.
“The time for gaming and esports to become true value creators in India’s interactive entertainment ecosystem is now.” — Akshat Rathee, Managing Director and Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming
Akshat Rathee, Managing Director and Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming, and member of the newly formed Governing Council for GDAI, said, “The time for gaming and esports to become true value creators in India’s interactive entertainment ecosystem is now.”
Oliver Jones, Welsh founder of Moonfrog Labs and Member, GDAI Governing Council, said, “I came to India for the talent and stayed because of the potential. Indian game developers can compete with anyone globally.”
Anuj Tandon, Partner – India & UAE, BITKRAFT Ventures, and Member, GDAI Governing Council, adds, “The Indian gaming market is one of the largest consumer markets of the world, and we see a large opportunity.”
Government policy is investing directly in AVGC infrastructure and talent. In February, India’s apex governing body for the gaming ecosystem, Game Developers Association of India (GDAI), announced its first 21-member council, establishing a comprehensive governance framework.
The Governing Council includes industry leaders like Roby John of Supergaming, Keerti Singh of Hitwicket, Dayanidhi MG of Electronic Arts (EA), Deepak M V of Nazara Technologies, Akshat Rathee of NODWIN Gaming, Anuj Tandon of BITKRAFT Ventures and many more.
Read more: Game On: India’s New Rules Legitimize Esports, Tighten Grip on Online Gaming
Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson, GDAI, said, “With the Governing Council in place, GDAI now has a strong leadership and execution engine to work alongside the Board. This structure allows us to translate industry priorities into action across policy engagement, talent development, and ecosystem funding. Our focus is clear: enabling Indian studios to create and own original IP, scale globally, and position India as a competitive hub for game development. This is participatory, industry-led governance designed for long-term impact”
India is increasingly competitive on the global esports stage, with chess strengthening national representation at ENC 2026. Local market success stories are driving economic and cultural relevance.
