In a landmark address from the iconic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the burgeoning potential of the Indian gaming and esports industry during his Independence Day speech. Recognizing the enormous growth trajectory, he emphasized India’s need to evolve from a predominantly consumer-driven market to a leading global producer in the gaming sector.
Indian Gaming Industry: Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for a Global Powerhouse
Currently, the Indian gaming industry is on a rapid ascent, driven largely by mobile gaming, boasting nearly 500 million gamers. As it strides towards becoming the largest mobile gaming market worldwide, Prime Minister Modi’s vision aligns with harnessing India’s rich cultural heritage to carve a unique niche on the global stage.
A pivotal player in this narrative is Indus Battle Royale, spearheaded by Pune-based SuperGaming. This game is a testament to India’s potential to integrate its cultural history into digital narratives, setting the stage for Indian games to shine internationally. Roby John, Co-founder and CEO of SuperGaming, hailed the Prime Minister’s address as a significant boost, acknowledging Modi’s recognition of gaming as a vital expression of art and culture. John’s enthusiasm reflects a broader industry sentiment; “Modiji is the first Prime Minister to inspire an entire industry to not only consume but create,” he stated, referencing SuperGaming’s culturally infused titles like Battle Stars and MaskGun.
The push for ‘Make in India’ resonates strongly within the gaming sector, as echoed by industry leaders. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, stresses the importance of transforming gaming into a cornerstone of India’s $1 trillion digital economy. He highlights the need for proper resource allocation and community support to turn gaming into a sustainable career path.
Further support from government initiatives is crucial. The Indian government’s proactive stance on esports, with states hosting official tournaments, indicates a promising future. Similar support for game developers through policies, funding, and infrastructure will be key to establishing a robust ecosystem.
Industry leaders like Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, see the Prime Minister’s focus on gaming as a motivational catalyst for young aspirants. Parekh envisions a future where Indian game titles are globally recognized, contributing to a thriving industry with more players and spectators.
The sector’s growth potential is further championed by voices like Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, who sees Modi’s acknowledgment as an empowering call to action. As India’s sole listed gaming company, Nazara stands poised to propel India to the forefront of the global gaming landscape.
Anurag Choudhary, CEO of Felicity Games, underscores the Prime Minister’s encouragement, predicting a brighter future for the nation’s burgeoning talent pool of over 30,000 game developers and publishers.
The Indian gaming industry is indeed on the cusp of a transformation. With the right governmental support and a collective industry effort, India is poised to become a global gaming hub, contributing significantly to the digital economy. Prime Minister Modi’s vision, articulated on such a significant occasion, marks a new chapter for Indian gaming, one where innovation, culture, and digital prowess converge to make a mark on the world stage.
