FICCI-GDAI sign MoU during ‘IGDC 2024’ to boost India's video gaming industry

Nov 14, 2024

HYDERABAD, 14 November 2024: FICCI jointly with the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Indian Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2024 event. The partnership aims to accelerate growth, foster innovation, and enhance skill development in India’s rapidly expanding Video gaming industry.

 

This MoU marks a significant milestone in building a thriving video gaming ecosystem in India, setting the stage for the industry’s next wave of growth and global recognition.

 

Mr Ashish K, Chair, FICCI AVGC-XR FORUM said, “We are pleased to partner with the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) through this MoU. FICCI is committed to building AVGC-XR associations at both state and national levels to address specific industry needs and foster targeted policies. Our vision also includes establishing Centres of Excellence to drive innovation and growth in sectors like gaming, where India has immense potential to create globally recognized games through services and IP creation. This collaboration with GDAI marks a crucial step in creating industry-friendly frameworks to support skills development and foster a thriving business environment for all stakeholders.”

 

Mr Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson, Game Developers Association of India said, "We at GDAI are thrilled to join hands with FICCI to shape policy and advocacy for India’s video gaming sector. As the body behind IGDC and key talent development programs, GDAI understands the industry’s unique needs, while FICCI brings a wealth of experience in policy engagement. Together, we aim to create a supportive framework that fosters growth and innovation, positioning India as a leader in video game IPs. This partnership reflects our commitment to representing developers nationwide and advancing India’s video gaming industry."

 

FICCI-GDAI collaboration will leverage FICCI’s policy advocacy strengths and GDAI’s extensive network of game developers to champion policies conducive to growth and regulatory clarity. The partnership will focus on:

 

• Policy Framework Development: Creating policies to support the sustainable growth of India’s gaming industry.
• Knowledge Exchange Platforms: Facilitating dialogue among domestic and international industry experts to share best practices and innovations.
• Workshops and Training: Enhancing the technical and creative skills of Indian game developers.

 

FICCI will lead advocacy efforts to develop policy frameworks in consultation with industry stakeholders and government bodies, ensuring the implementation of pro-industry strategies. While GDAI will contribute by providing access to its extensive network within the international gaming community and upholding industry standards.

 

FICCI, India’s leading chamber of commerce and industry, represents the interests of businesses across more than 70 sectors. Since 1998, FICCI’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) Committee has played a crucial role in shaping policies and regulatory frameworks to drive industry growth. The committee boasts a strong network of industry members and actively engages with various forums encompassing key sectors such as film, broadcasting, digital media, animation, VFX, skilling, and radio.

 

GDAI, formed in 2023, emerged in response to India's surging gaming market, which now boasts over 500 million gamers and contributes approximately Rs 10,000 crores to the global and domestic video gaming industry. GDAI serves as a collaborative platform focused dedicated to driving industry advancement and partnerships in the gaming sector.

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