IGDC 2024: I&B Secy Sanjay Jaju Hails Importance Of Video Game Development In Entertainment Landscape, Talks Importance Of IICT

Jaju praised the gaming industry's growth potential, underscoring its capacity to generate employment and revenue.

Jaju stressed the importance of Government engagement with industry players to understand and address sector challenges. 

Source : IGDC

Hyderabad: At the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2024, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), outlined the Narendra Modi Government's plans to bolster India’s digital entertainment and gaming industries. Jaju emphasised the Centre’s commitment to supporting gaming, animation, and media as crucial parts of India’s evolving entertainment landscape. "Video game development or even mobile game development is a very important element of the media and entertainment landscape of our country," Jaju said during a media roundtable. He talked about developments in the sector, including the setting up of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), which is primed to be a hub for fostering homegrown talent.

In 2022, the MeitY was appointed as the nodal ministry for online gaming matters. In July this year, a coalition of 70 video game studios sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Ministry of I&B to appoint the Ministry as the nodal agency for video games, establish an AVGC-XR wing, and designate a nodal officer. When asked if the proposal was under consideration, Jaju responded, "There is a clear division between the Ministry of I&B and the Ministry of Information Technology. That's why the regulatory aspects are all handled by them. The content aspects are handled by us, because we understand this as a media and entertainment business. That's why the IICT is now being developed to sort out the skill gaps within our country."

This institute is poised to be a hub for animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics, which will foster talent and encourage innovation.

While the main campus is located in Mumbai, regional spokes, including one in Hyderabad, will offer additional support. Jaju noted that this institution will not only develop skills but also incubate startups to drive future growth.

Growth Potential Of Gaming Industry

During his address, Jaju praised the gaming industry's growth potential, underscoring its capacity to generate employment and revenue.

He stressed the importance of Government engagement with industry players to understand and address sector challenges. 

WAVES Summit

Looking ahead, Jaju introduced World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, or WAVES, scheduled for February 2025 in New Delhi. This five-day event will gather global leaders from broadcasting, animation, gaming, and new media, showcasing India’s role in the global entertainment industry and drawing international attention to India’s growing market.

Another major focus is IFFI 2024 (International Film Festival of India), to be held in Goa later this month. The festival will showcase films, including a substantial representation from the Telugu film industry. In addition, Jaju revealed that Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform, expected to launch at the festival, will offer not only offer streaming content but also live channels and archival content, enhancing the digital reach of Indian public media.

Expansion of Private FM Radio

Lastly, Jaju addressed the expansion of private FM radio into underserved rural areas. The Government has launched a new auction for FM radio channels in towns with populations under 100,000, aiming to provide hyper-local entertainment and critical communication services in these regions.

These initiatives underscore the Government’s commitment to transforming India’s media landscape by supporting technology, expanding digital infrastructure, and fostering local talent. The new policies are expected to provide a structured pathway for the gaming and media industries to reach global audiences while creating significant opportunities for employment and innovation within India.