New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially sanctioned the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This initiative aligns with the 2022-23 budget announcement regarding the formation of an AVGC Task Force aimed at nurturing India’s rapidly growing creative sector.
The recognition of esports as a “multi-sport event” by the Indian government has spurred significant growth in the gaming industry, prompting various states to engage actively in its development. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting further supports this momentum with the upcoming World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled for February 2025 in New Delhi, featuring esports tournaments for popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), World Cricket Championship (WCC), and eFootball.
In his recent Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi encouraged Indian game developers to make a global impact. The NCoE is set to play a pivotal role in this vision, focusing on the development of India’s intellectual property (IP) while drawing inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage. Notably, the game *Indus Battle Royale*, developed by Pune-based SuperGaming, recently entered open beta, symbolizing India’s growing influence in the global gaming arena.
Industry leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the NCoE’s potential. Roby John, CEO of SuperGaming, described it as a “game-changer for startups,” comparing its future impact to that of IITs in engineering. He stated, “The focus on creating India’s intellectual property aligns perfectly with our ambitions.”
Animesh Agarwal, CEO of 8Bit Creatives, commended the initiative for offering young enthusiasts access to the latest technology and mentorship. Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, highlighted that the NCoE will significantly boost the animation and gaming sectors, engaging youth and enhancing India’s global presence.
Akshat Rathee from NODWIN Gaming referred to the NCoE as a milestone for the industry, emphasizing its role in nurturing creativity and skilled professionals. Parth Chadha, CEO of STAN, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the initiative’s potential to create fresh opportunities for creators while fostering community connections.
As the NCoE is set to enhance India’s position in the global gaming and entertainment landscape, it reflects a collective optimism for the future of the AVGC-XR industry in the country.
