IGPDA Is Here: India’s Game Makers Joining Forces

India’s gaming industry just leveled up! Several leading publishers and developers—like Nazara Technologies, Gametion (makers of Ludo King), nCore Games, Reliance Games, SuperGaming, Tara Gaming, underDOGS Studio, Aeos Games, and Dot9 Games—have come together to form the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA). Here’s why this matters:

One Voice, United Vision

After the government introduced new gaming legislation, IGPDA emerged to give India’s game makers a strong, shared voice. This body aims to shine a spotlight on Made-in-India IPs, telling our stories through games and helping studios build global-quality, AAA-level titles.

Genuine Support Across the Board

IGPDA isn’t just about big studios—it’s about supporting the whole ecosystem. From developers and publishers to academia, tech partners, investors, and even indie creators—it’s a full-stack alliance. According to underDOGS Studio, this is a vital launchpad for indie heroes to create world-class franchises backed by India.

Making Mumbai the Global Game Hub

One exciting move: IGPDA is teaming up with the Maharashtra government to shape Mumbai into a global gaming hub. The plan includes policy support to draw companies into the state and attract investment.

More Than Just Games

While compliance with new laws is important, IGPDA is focusing on building for tomorrow. That includes:

  • Encouraging innovation,
  • Advocating for global standards like privacy and parental controls,
  • Helping studios with infrastructure (cloud, tools, testing), and
  • Mentoring and investment access for newcomers.

Cultural Power Play

This isn’t just about economics—it’s about culture. Industry leaders like Amish Tripathi (Tara Gaming) stress that India deserves a slice of the global gaming pie. Our own stories, crafted into games, can both bring revenue home and export our culture worldwide.

What’s Ahead?

  • IGPDA will join hands in Maharashtra’s state-backed showcase event toward the end of the year.
  • They’ll bring policy input, skill-building, and global visibility to India’s AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) ecosystem.
  • The goal? To move beyond struggling under regulatory burdens toward bold, creative ambition—and claim India’s place on the world gaming stage.

Read more: Moneycontrol

India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025: A New Era for Digital Play

India just witnessed a historic shift in its gaming landscape. In August 2025, the government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a law that completely changes how online gaming will work in the country. It was cleared by both Houses at record speed, received presidential approval, and is now set to redefine digital gaming forever.


What Does the Bill Say?

1. Complete Ban on Real-Money Games

The biggest shocker? All real-money online games are banned.
This means popular platforms like Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, RummyCircle, and others can no longer operate in India. The law doesn’t stop there — even advertising these games is now a criminal offense. Financial institutions or payment gateways that process transactions for such games will also face legal action.

2. E-sports and Social Gaming Get a Boost

While real-money gaming has been axed, the Bill promotes e-sports, educational games, and socially engaging platforms. India has officially granted legal recognition to e-sports for the very first time. A new regulatory authority will oversee this sector, set standards, and encourage positive digital gaming.


Why the Ban on Money Games?

The government highlighted two big reasons:

  • Addiction and Public Health Concerns:
    Real-money gaming led to severe consequences — financial ruin, family disputes, and even suicides linked to gaming addiction. The government decided enough was enough.
  • National Security Risks:
    Investigations revealed some platforms were being misused for money laundering, tax evasion, and even terror financing. The government prioritized safety over revenue.

Penalties Under the Law

  • For Gaming Companies:
    Up to 3 years in prison and ₹1 crore fine for offering money-based games. Repeat violations can mean 5 years jail and ₹2 crore fine.
  • For Influencers and Advertisers:
    Promoting banned games could lead to a penalty of up to ₹50 lakh and imprisonment for as long as 2 years.
  • For Banks and Payment Gateways:
    Processing transactions for these games? You’re in trouble too.

The law gives authorities strong powers, including search, seizure, and arrests without warrants — even in digital spaces. This move has sparked worries regarding individual privacy and civil rights.


The Impact: Big Shockwaves Across India

Economic Fallout

The real-money gaming sector in India was worth ₹30,000 crore (about $3.7 billion) and supported over 2 lakh jobs. Overnight, this industry faces a shutdown.
Influencers, streamers, and professional gamers who earned from fantasy and skill-based games are now scrambling for alternatives.

The government will also lose ₹15,000–₹20,000 crore annually in GST revenue, but officials say social safety is more important than tax income.


Challenges Ahead

  • Rise of Illegal Markets:
    Experts warn that the ban may drive players to unregulated platforms or dark web alternatives, making things riskier.
  • Privacy Concerns:
    The enforcement powers in the Bill have sparked debates on digital rights and user data security.

The Positive Side

  • Safer Gaming for Youth:
    Supporters say this law will protect young people from gambling addiction and financial harm.
  • Boost for E-sports:
    With official recognition, e-sports in India could finally go mainstream — think tournaments, training academies, and a possible gaming career path.

What Happens Next?

  • The government will soon announce when the law comes into effect.
  • A new regulatory authority will monitor the industry, classify games, and resolve complaints.

Final Word

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 stands out as a daring yet contentious initiative. It aims to make gaming in India safer and healthier, but it also disrupts a massive industry. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the way India plays online has changed forever.

Read more on: TOI, Firstpost, HT

Leak: PlayStation 6 May Triple PS5’s Performance at Same Price

A new leak suggests the PlayStation 6 could offer triple the rasterization and 3D rendering performance of the PS5, all at a starting price of $499. The rumor, supposedly based on a leaked AMD presentation to Sony, points to PS4 and PS5 backwards compatibility, and manufacturing starting in mid-2027. Sony is also said to be working on a handheld companion device with advanced features like haptics and dual mics. While these specs aren’t confirmed, Sony’s strategy seems focused on value and maintaining a competitive edge in pricing for its next-gen console launch window, expected between late 2027 and early 2028.

Read more: engadget

STAN Raises $8.5M to Challenge Discord in India’s Gaming Community

Indian mobile gaming platform STAN has raised $8.5 million in a Series A round led by Google’s AI Futures Fund and top Japanese gaming firms. With 25 million downloads and rapid product-driven growth, STAN now supports 5.5 million monthly users and has scaled revenues to $7.87 million in FY25. The funding will support expansion to other mobile-first markets and boost its AI-powered personalization and blockchain-based gamer profiles. In a booming Indian gaming market expected to hit $9.1 billion by 2029, STAN stands out with voice clubs and mobile-focused features targeting tier-2/3 cities.

Read more: Moneycontrol

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