Crunchyroll Expands Anime Reach in India with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu Dubs
Crunchyroll announced the release of multiple anime dubs in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu for May and June. Highlights include Blue Lock on June 12, Dr. Stone on May 29 and June 26, Haikyu!! Season 1 in June, Log Horizon Season 2 on June 4, Mashle: Magic and Muscles on May 17, Radiant Season 2 on June 26, and TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy- Season 1 on June 19.
PC Games Grew More Than Console and Mobile Games in 2023
Market researchers at Newzoo reported that 2023 was a “recovery year” for games, with PC platform revenues growing 8.4%, outpacing consoles’ 0.3% increase and a 2.1% decline in mobile gaming. While PC gaming revenue reached $39.6 billion, it still lags behind mobile’s $89.9 billion and console’s $52.4 billion. Publicly listed PC companies saw nearly 9% growth, with strong performances from Valve, Epic Games, and miHoYo, aided by successful cross-platform strategies.
Modi: India Set to Lead Global Gaming and AI Industries
In a recent NDTV interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s burgeoning gaming and AI sectors, expressing confidence in the nation’s youth. “India is leading the world. All the 20 to 22-year-olds are going to do it,” he claimed. Modi emphasized India’s transition from an entertainment to a creative economy, promoting a “digital revolution” to empower the poor and bridge inequality. He also noted India’s affordable internet, a key factor in the growth of online gaming. “When people from outside come to India, they are surprised,” he remarked.
Microsoft to Add New Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft is set to add the latest Call of Duty installment to Xbox Game Pass, aiming to attract new subscribers, according to The Wall Street Journal. Consumers will still have the option to purchase the game separately for PC or consoles. The announcement is expected at next month’s Xbox Games Showcase, following Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In October 2023, Microsoft stated, “While we do not have plans to put Modern Warfare 3 or Diablo 4 into Game Pass this year, we expect to start working with Xbox to bring our titles to more players around the world.”
GST Council to Review Online Gaming Tax Concerns
The GST Council is set to review grievances from online gaming startups regarding GST implementation last year. Central and state officials are examining relief requests from companies facing tax notices amounting to over INR 1.12 Lakh Cr, according to a Mint report. Penalties under GST laws could double these costs. An official noted the council will consider these issues in its next meeting in late June or early July. Previously, a 28% GST rate on player entry fees, applicable from October 1, 2023, significantly increased the tax burden on startups, impacting industry viability and user engagement.
