Over 70 companies from the Indian video games and esports industry, including representatives from Nodding Heads Games, developer of “Raji: An Ancient Epic,” FAU-G: Domination developer Dot9 Games, Esports & Gaming Company NewGen Gaming, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), and Indus Battle Royale creator SuperGaming, have formally requested the newly formed government to establish a clear distinction between video games and real money games.
In a representation letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), industry leaders emphasized the need for fair and equitable policymaking to foster growth in this burgeoning sector.
Harish Chengaiah, founder and CEO of Outlier Games, who organized this initiative, highlighted the potential of the Indian video games industry. “The Indian Video Game Industry, which comprises purely entertainment-oriented digital games without monetary staking, is projected to be worth $942 million in 2024. By 2029, it is expected to reach $1.6 billion, surpassing the cumulative revenues of all Indian film industries and becoming the largest entertainment industry in India before the end of this decade,” Chengaiah said. He called for a “measured and nuanced approach to video games,” urging the government to engage in policy discussions to leverage video games’ potential in spearheading India’s creative economy and soft power aspirations.
In an exclusive statement to AFK Gaming, Anurag Khurana, CEO and Founder of Newgen Gaming, stressed the importance of distinguishing between real money gaming and online video games. “Due to the lack of clear distinction, users and even the media often mistake one for the other. We feel the nodal agency for the video games industry must be the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting because video games are entertainment,” Khurana stated.
Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperGaming, echoed these sentiments in an exclusive statement to AFK Gaming. “As the gaming industry in India continues to grow, it is crucial that we establish clear distinctions between video games and real-money gaming. This differentiation is essential for the development and recognition of the video gaming sector while ensuring a safe and responsible environment for players,” John noted. He emphasized that video games are a form of entertainment and artistic expression, distinct from gambling.
