The Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)- set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration, innovation, and global market access in India’s gaming and esports ecosystem.
This initiative aligns with India’s ambition to become a global hub for game development and esports.
Key Highlights of MoU
- Event: Signed during WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) in Mumbai
- Objective: To enhance cooperation in:
- Investment facilitation
- International promotion
- Industry engagement
- Skill development
- Global market access
- Strategic Goals:
- Promote bilateral investment and joint ventures
- Create a consortium of Indian gaming companies to boost exports
- Support emerging tech like AR/VR, AI, gamification, metaverse, animation, and VFX
- Drive training & skill development initiatives
- Showcase India’s potential in video gaming & esports globally
Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)
- An apex trade body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Mandated to promote service exports from India
- Facilitates business and policy initiatives across sectors, including media, entertainment, IT, and education
Game Developers Association of India (GDAI)
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Non-profit industry body |
| Purpose | Foster innovation, growth, and ethical standards in game development |
| Focus Areas | Skill development, mentoring, inclusivity, global collaborations |
| Role | Strengthens India’s footprint in the global gaming market through strategic initiatives and partnerships |
About Esports
| Topic | Details |
| Definition | Competitive video gaming; a sub-category of online gaming |
| Popularity | Gaining immense traction worldwide through tournaments & leagues |
| Key Games | Dota 2, League of Legends, Street Fighter V, FIFA Online 4 |
Esports in India: Growth & Recognition
- Govt Recognition: Esports now comes under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (Department of Sports)
- Governing Body: National Esports Federation (NESF) under Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) established in 2021
- Asian Games 2023: Esports included as medal event (Hangzhou, China)
- Commonwealth Games 2022: Esports debuted as a pilot event (Birmingham)
- Titles India Participated In:
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Street Fighter V
- FIFA Online 4
Government Steps to Promote Esports
- Formal Recognition of Esports as a Sport
- NESF’s Role:
- Develop infrastructure
- Regulate and promote esports education
- Significance: Enhances India’s global participation, legitimizes esports careers, and drives investment