The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a monumental step by approving the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR). Set to be located in Mumbai, this initiative is part of the Union Minister of Finance’s 2022-23 budget announcement, marking a significant push toward nurturing India’s creative industries.
India Unveils National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR: A Game-Changer for the Entertainment and Gaming Industry
Driving Growth in India’s Gaming and Esports Industry
As esports gains recognition as an official ‘multi-sport event,’ the gaming industry in India is witnessing a boom. States across the country are increasingly supporting this sector, and the upcoming World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), to be held in New Delhi in February 2025, reflects this growth. Featuring esports tournaments for popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and World Cricket Championship (WCC), the summit emphasizes India’s commitment to becoming a global player in the gaming ecosystem.
Empowering Homegrown Gaming Talent and IP Development
Prime Minister Modi has been a strong advocate for Indian game developers, encouraging them to showcase their talent on the world stage. The NCoE will play a key role in this vision by focusing on the creation of Made-in-India intellectual property (IP). A prime example is Indus Battle Royale, developed by Pune-based SuperGaming, which has garnered attention as a major leap forward in India’s gaming landscape.
Industry Leaders Speak: The NCoE as a Catalyst for Innovation
Roby John, CEO and Co-founder of SuperGaming highlighted the significance of the NCoE, calling it a “game-changer” for startups. He noted, “Just as IITs advanced engineering and IIMs transformed management, the NCoE will revolutionize the gaming industry, supporting early-stage companies and fostering innovation.”
The NCoE will not only help create original content that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage but also attract foreign direct investment (FDI), positioning India as a hub for global gaming content creation.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Creators
Esports personalities like Animesh Agarwal, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, lauded the NCoE as a platform that will provide young gaming enthusiasts with access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship, and training. He emphasized the importance of the Made-in-India gaming ecosystem, which will help Indian creators leave an indelible mark on the global stage.
A Boost to AVGC-XR Technologies
With the growing demand for high-performance PCs, the NCoE will ensure that creators and developers are equipped with the latest technologies. CyberPowerPC, a leader in custom-built gaming PCs, is well-suited to meet this demand, further supporting India’s growth in AVGC-XR sectors. Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, said, “The NCoE will be a cornerstone for advancing India’s animation, VFX, and gaming sectors, engaging the youth and securing India’s place on the global map.”
Expanding Career Opportunities for Gen-Z
The NCoE’s specialized training programs aim to develop a new generation of skilled professionals in the AVGC-XR industry. NODWIN Gaming, a leader in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, is already pioneering in this space with properties like Comic Con India, DreamHack, and BGMS. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, remarked, “The NCoE will act as a hub of creativity, blending multiple sectors like animation, VFX, and gaming to create unparalleled experiences.”
A Transformative Leap for India’s AVGC-XR Industry
The National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR signals a bold new chapter in India’s gaming, animation, and VFX industries. By combining technological innovation with government support, the NCoE will enable India to become a powerhouse in global entertainment, driving growth and offering countless opportunities for young talent to flourish.
