India witnesses the launch of a new organization for the gaming industry

Image credit: Tara Gaming

Nine Indian game developers and publishers have established the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA). The association is focused on nurturing the development of Indian-made intellectual property, incorporating local narratives into gaming, enhancing skills across the animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC) sectors, and positioning India to deliver world-class AAA games.

This industry group unites main members—comprising developers, studios, publishers, and platforms—with partners such as technology providers, educational institutions, investors, and other ecosystem supporters to collaborate on game creation.

The founding members of the IGPDA include:

Nazara Technologies
Gametion
nCore Games
Reliance Games
SuperGaming
Tara Gaming
Underdogs
Aeos Games
Dot9 Games

Kaval Bombra, president of nCore Games, commented, "The IGPDA will serve as a platform to unify the gaming industry's voice and express its collective interests. By advocating for our sector in regulatory and investment spaces, we aim to encourage responsible and sustainable growth within India and globally."

Amish Tripathi, co-founder of Tara Gaming, emphasized, "Video gaming is the largest creative sector, surpassing films, literature, music, and theater combined, yet India's market share is minimal. Our gaming industry is currently dominated by mobile games with extensive user bases but insufficient revenue. Moreover, Chinese games largely lead the market. Developing our own culturally-inspired games could boost revenue and export our cultural heritage. The IGPDA will drive India's ambition to become a gaming powerhouse."

IGPDA has also initiated discussions for a collaboration with the Maharashtra government, aiming to transform Mumbai into a global gaming center by enticing game companies to set up through favorable policies.

Kaustubh Dhavse, chief advisor on Investments and Strategy to the Maharashtra chief minister, stated, "Our agenda is to facilitate strategic investments, forge global alliances, and accelerate infrastructure advancement in Maharashtra under chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's guidance. This initiative from the Indian gaming industry is highly welcomed."

The establishment of IGPDA follows the enactment of India's Online Gaming Bill into law. According to IGN India, the legislation will differentiate traditional video games and esports from platforms offering gambling and real-money gaming activities.

The Online Gaming Bill aims to prohibit platforms hosting betting, lottery, card games with monetary stakes, and fantasy sports with cash awards.