NCoE for AVGC-XR: India’s Gaming Sector Revolution
On September 19, 2024, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially approved the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy outlined in the 2022-23 budget to advance India’s position in the global AVGC-XR industry.
India’s gaming sector has seen unprecedented growth since esports received official recognition as a multi-sport event. Various states have actively supported this sector, reflecting its rising importance. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has furthered this momentum by announcing the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in New Delhi, scheduled for February 2025. This summit will showcase significant esports tournaments, including Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), World Cricket Championship (WCC), and eFootball, underscoring India’s commitment to nurturing a robust gaming ecosystem.
In his recent Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian game developers to make their mark on the global stage. The newly established NCoE will play a critical role in this vision by fostering the development of India’s intellectual property (IP) for international markets. A prime example is SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale, which recently entered open beta, highlighting India’s growing global influence in gaming.
Roby John, CEO and Co-founder of SuperGaming, highlighted the NCoE’s transformative potential. He likened its expected impact on the gaming industry to that of IITs and IIMs on engineering and management. “The NCoE will serve as a vital incubation hub for startups, fostering innovation and supporting emerging companies in the gaming sector,” John said.
Animesh Agarwal, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives praised the NCoE’s potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. “This center will provide young enthusiasts with access to cutting-edge technology and expert mentorship, helping them upskill and enter the industry,” Agarwal commented. Focusing on India’s cultural richness will also aid in creating globally competitive game titles.
The NCoE will offer specialized training programs in advanced AVGC-XR technologies, addressing the growing demand for high-performance gaming PCs. CyberPowerPC, known for its top-tier custom and pre-built gaming PCs, is well-positioned to meet this demand. Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, expressed excitement about the initiative, noting that it will boost India’s animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sectors.
NODWIN Gaming, a youth entertainment and esports leader, anticipates that the NCoE will enhance industry standards and expand career opportunities for the Gen-Z demographic. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming described the NCoE as a milestone for India’s entertainment industry. “The center will strengthen the industry’s roots and help develop skilled professionals through cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance,” Rathee said.
Establishing the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR marks a significant milestone for India’s gaming and esports industry. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, the NCoE is set to elevate India’s position as a global leader in animation, gaming, and extended reality.
Read more at Gautam Gambhir & Virat Kohli Reflect on Legacy and their Bond
