Mumbai: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on 1 February 2025, India’s video gaming and esports industry eagerly awaits policies that could strengthen its foundation and unlock its immense potential.
This rapidly growing sector has already garnered significant attention from the government. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for the industry’s growth, and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has extended official support to tournaments like the WAVES Esports Championship. States across the country are also showing their commitment by organising esports events and encouraging wider participation among gamers.
Here are the pre-budget expectations of India’s esports and video gaming industry stakeholders, including provisions for Olympic Esports Games training, support for homegrown game development studios, AI skilling, and more:
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming, “Looking ahead to the Union Budget, we hope to see measures that accelerate the growth of India’s gaming and esports industry. Incentives for semiconductor design and manufacturing could bolster the tech ecosystem and elevate gaming hardware standards. Similarly, tax relief for middle-income groups could boost disposable income, creating opportunities for studios to develop India-centric gaming IPs.
Initiatives supporting AI skilling for rapid game deployment and quality assurance would play a pivotal role in keeping pace with global advancements, enabling faster development cycles and enhancing game quality. With the Olympic Esports Games approaching, investments in training infrastructure and coaching for esports athletes can solidify India’s position on the global stage. With the right support, gaming has the potential to drive economic growth and empower the next generation of talent in our country.”
Vishal Parekh, COO, CyberPowerPC India, “As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, we are optimistic about measures that could empower India’s gaming ecosystem. With PC gaming titles likely to be a part of the Olympic Esports Games 2025, there’s an unprecedented opportunity to position India as a global gaming powerhouse. Provisions such as reduced customs duties on gaming hardware, tax incentives to foster growth, and investments in digital infrastructure could enhance accessibility and affordability for gamers across the country. Supporting the adoption of high-performance gaming PCs would not only fuel India’s gaming culture but also boost our chances of securing medals in global esports tournaments.
We hope the government continues its progressive approach toward the AVGC and gaming sectors, fostering an environment where innovation and competitive excellence thrive, driving India’s gaming revolution forward.”
Milind D. Shinde, Founder and CEO, 88 Games: “As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, we are optimistic about the government’s continued focus on bolstering India’s video gaming and AVGC XR ecosystem. In 2025, we hope to see further incentives for gaming studios, particularly those developing Made-in-India games which reflect our unique culture and stories on a global stage. Enhanced investment in AVGC XR infrastructure, tax benefits for gaming startups, and support for training initiatives in gaming design and development can position India as a global hub for gaming innovation. We believe this year’s budget has the potential to create a roadmap that fosters innovation, empowers local developers, and establishes India as a leader in the global gaming industry.”
