The 16th annual India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) launched in Hyderabad on November 13, 2024, marking a monumental event for the Indian gaming industry. This year’s theme, “Skill Development in the Video Gaming Sector,” emphasizes the government’s vision of bolstering India’s potential in creative technology. Over 6,000 participants, including developers, studios, and industry experts, gathered on the first day, while an impressive exhibition showcased cutting-edge global and local innovations in gaming.
Government Support for the Gaming Industry
A keynote moment came with Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighting government recognition of the gaming industry’s potential. He noted the distinction between video gaming and real-money gaming, emphasizing that video gaming, fueled by creativity and innovation, holds significant economic promise. The government, through the newly inaugurated Indian Institute of Creative Technology, aims to equip India with a skilled workforce for the global gaming market.
Launch of the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI)
The conference also saw the official launch of the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), which will unify and elevate India’s gaming industry. Chairperson Mr. Sridhar Muppidi described GDAI’s mission to foster collaboration, policy support, and industry growth. With a rapidly expanding gamer base of over 500 million, India’s gaming sector is now generating substantial revenue, though it still faces regulatory challenges and fragmented oversight. GDAI advocates for consolidated support, recommending the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as the central authority.
High-Impact Panel Discussions and Keynotes
Day one featured high-impact panel discussions covering AI in game development, global market trends, and transformative web gaming. Leading experts, such as Wilhelm That of Scopely and Abhimanyu Kumar of Naavik, shared insights on emerging trends, technological advances, and the economic impact of mobile free-to-play games.
The Role of Innovation and Education
GDAI, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, will promote skill development in gaming and interactive entertainment, aiming to make India a premier destination for game development. The conference highlights India’s trajectory toward becoming a content and innovation powerhouse in gaming, combining economic potential with educational initiatives to shape a sustainable industry.
With this year’s IGDC, Hyderabad reaffirms its position as a burgeoning hub for gaming and technology, drawing global attention and investment into India’s creative technology sector.
 launched in Hyderabad on November 13, 2024, marking a monumental event for the Indian gaming industry.){kind=link}