Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, urged Indian professionals to take the lead in the global gaming market, emphasizing the importance of establishing India as a major player in the gaming industry.
Speaking during the 78th Independence Day celebrations, he highlighted the potential of Indian talent to excel not only in gaming but also in game development by drawing on the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Modi pointed out that the global gaming industry is largely shaped by foreign creators and producers, yet he sees a tremendous opportunity for India to carve out its own space in this growing market.
He stressed that India’s vast cultural history, mythology, and traditions, provide a unique foundation for developing games that can resonate globally.
Modi Meets With Top Gamers
Earlier in April, Prime Minister Modi interacted with top Indian gamers, discussing various aspects of the gaming industry, including its future and the challenges it faces.
During this interaction, Modi explored the world of e-gaming, even trying out some games himself.
He emphasized the need for balanced regulations in the gaming industry, cautioning against overregulation while distinguishing gaming from betting or gambling.
He mentioned that treating gaming as a career requires careful consideration to ensure the industry’s growth.
How Are Foreign Companies Investing in India's Gaming Ecosystem?
In recent times, foreign companies have shown significant interest in the Indian gaming market, investing heavily in nurturing Indian gaming startups and securing a share of the rapidly growing industry.
For instance, Krafton has invested over $160 million in India since 2021, with plans to invest an additional $150 million in the next two to three years. The company is also supporting Indian gaming startups through its incubator program, KIGI, providing both technical and financial assistance. Their first cohort consists of two games, Sojourn Past, and Spice Secrets. In May, Krafton announced the expansion of its cohort.
Similarly, Sony launched the India Hero Project, last year. Its first cohort featured five games, including Fishbowl, Mukti, Meteora, Requital: Gates of Blood, and Suri: The Seventh Note. The submission for the second cohort was announced in May 2024.
Google has also been running its Google Play Indie Games Accelerator program since 2018, aimed at supporting small game developers in the Asia-Pacific region. Though it is a global program, it significantly invests in Indian projects. In 2024, the program selected six Indian game studios to help them develop their games, further boosting the country’s gaming ecosystem.
As the industry evolves, we can expect to see more Indian-made games that not only entertain but also showcase the country's cultural richness to the world. This could lead to India becoming a major hub for game development, potentially rivaling established markets in the coming years.
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