The Interactive Entertainment & Innovation Council (IEIC) has launched a groundbreaking certification program, officially certifying over 100 games as skill-based using a revolutionary statistical method developed with IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and Stanford University.
Table of Contents
Game-Changing Methodology
The certification employs cutting-edge analysis of over 100 million users across billions of gaming sessions to scientifically verify the preponderance of skill over chance. This addresses the industry’s long-standing challenge of objectively differentiating skill-based games from gambling.
Scientific Approach
- Multi-institutional collaboration with premier research institutions
- Behavioral analysis of massive user datasets
- Statistical verification aligned with Supreme Court guidelines
- Objective differentiation between skill and chance-based games
Industry Impact
Certified Developers (50+ Studios)
Major gaming companies now certified include:
- Artoon, AppOn, Chennai Games
- Hash Byte, MaxPlay, Smash Head
- WinZO, Play Bytes
- And 40+ additional leading developers
Game Categories Covered
- Arcade games
- Sports simulations
- Puzzle games
- Card games
- Board games
Market Opportunity
The certification addresses critical regulatory challenges, including the recent 400% GST hike that has impacted legitimate gaming businesses.
Industry Growth Projections:
- Current market: USD 3.1 billion (14% CAGR)
- 2028 target: USD 6 billion
- 2034 potential: USD 60 billion (20% global market share)
- Employment: 20x more job opportunities
Developer Testimonials
Naresh Khokhaneshiya, Artoon Co-founder: “This certification process helps us test new products in early stages and provides a cost-effective way to validate the skill element in gaming.”
Mohan Doss, Chennai Games Co-founder: “This initiative should have happened sooner. Skill-testing methodologies are widely adopted worldwide, and it’s time India embraces them to differentiate games of skill from chance.”
Consumer Protection Focus
The certification empowers consumers by:
- Distinguishing legitimate platforms from illegal betting sites
- Safeguarding against gambling harm
- Promoting transparent gaming ecosystem
- Building consumer confidence in skill-based gaming
Regulatory Significance
Compliance Benefits
- Reduced regulatory burden for gaming companies
- Streamlined self-declaration process
- Enhanced ease of doing business
- Clear differentiation from gambling activities
Investment Implications
- Attracts foreign direct investment (FDI)
- Enables public market opportunities
- Drives innovation in game design
- Supports intellectual property creation
IEIC Leadership Statement
Abhishek Malhotra, IEIC Spokesperson: “The conflation of gaming with gambling is a serious concern. Our initiative establishes a scalable, credible model to differentiate games of skill from games of chance, safeguarding consumer and national interests while fostering innovation.”
Scaling Plans
The expert panel will work closely with IEIC to:
- Expand certification to more developers
- Scale the assessment process
- Integrate with regulatory frameworks
- Support industry-wide adoption
About IEIC
The Interactive Entertainment & Innovation Council is a not-for-profit organization with ~50 members dedicated to making India the global hub for interactive entertainment. The council focuses on:
- Fostering growth and innovation
- Facilitating industry collaboration
- Empowering entities of all sizes
- Promoting shared resources and leadership
What This Means
This certification launch represents a watershed moment for India’s gaming industry, providing:
- Scientific validation for skill-based games
- Regulatory clarity for businesses
- Consumer protection from gambling harm
- Foundation for massive industry growth
With this initiative, India is positioned to capture a significant share of the global gaming market while building a transparent, skill-focused gaming ecosystem that protects consumers and drives innovation.
Launch Date: May 28, 2025
Certification Method: IIT-Stanford Statistical Analysis
Games Certified: 100+
Developers Involved: 50+ Studios
