The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) is poised to transform India’s gaming industry, much like how the IITs and IIMs revolutionized engineering and management. Approved by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the NCoE will be established in Mumbai, Maharashtra, as part of the AVGC Task Force initiative from the 2022-23 budget.

Since esports was officially recognized as a ‘multi-sport event’ by the Indian government, the gaming industry has witnessed rapid growth. States are increasingly engaging with the sector, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), set to take place in New Delhi in February 2025. This summit will include esports tournaments for games like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), World Cricket Championship (WCC), and eFootball, further demonstrating India’s commitment to fostering a thriving gaming ecosystem.

Empowering Indian Game Developers and Talent

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Modi encouraged Indian game developers to make a global impact. The NCoE will play a pivotal role in this effort by focusing on the creation of intellectual property (IP) rooted in India’s cultural heritage. Pune-based SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale, which recently entered open beta, is a shining example of this, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global gaming scene.

Roby John, CEO and Co-founder of SuperGaming, emphasized, “The NCoE’s role as an incubation hub will be a game-changer for startups, much like how the IITs advanced engineering and the IIMs revolutionized management. We believe this center will reshape India’s gaming industry.”

John also stressed the importance of creating IP based on India’s rich culture, a mission aligned with SuperGaming’s Indus, set in an Indo-futuristic universe. “As gaming blurs the lines between entertainment and technology, we expect significant investments from both domestic and international sources, positioning India as a key content hub.”

Also Read: How is the Gaming Industry Transforming Using Blockchain Technology?

Nurturing Future Talent

Prime Minister Modi has actively supported the gaming industry, even engaging with renowned Indian gamers like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) from 8Bit Creatives, a leading esports talent agency.

Animesh Agarwal, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, said, “The NCoE will provide young enthusiasts with access to the latest technology, mentorship, and guidance. This will drive the creation of Made-in-India games that will leave a lasting mark on the global gaming industry.”

Specialized Learning Programs for AVGC-XR

The NCoE will offer training programs for both beginners and professionals, equipping them with advanced AVGC-XR skills. With the rising demand for high-performance PCs, CyberPowerPC’s recent entry into India is perfectly timed to support the growing needs of the gaming industry.

Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, stated, “The NCoE is a fantastic initiative that will propel India’s animation, VFX, gaming, and comics sectors forward. As technology advances, the youth will have an incredible opportunity to upskill, further boosting India’s position on the global AVGC-XR map.”

Expanding Career Opportunities for Gen-Z

The NCoE aligns with Gen-Z’s interests, expanding career opportunities in AVGC-XR. NODWIN Gaming, a leader in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has been catering to this demographic through IPs like Comic Con, DreamHack India, and BGMS.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, remarked, “The NCoE will serve as a beacon for both amateurs and professionals, offering opportunities to hone their skills in animation, VFX, gaming, and comics. This synergy of sectors will lead to incredible experiences and solidify India as a powerhouse in the global AVGC-XR industry.”

Also Read: Master Graphic Designing with the eBook by Red Apple Learning.

Conclusion

The establishment of the NCoE for AVGC-XR marks a transformative leap for India’s gaming and esports industries, fostering innovation, supporting startups, and nurturing young talent, while positioning India as a global hub for AVGC-XR content.

The Indian gaming industry is experiencing explosive growth, driven by advancements in technology, widespread internet connectivity, and a growing audience of gamers across the country. As the industry expands, it offers lucrative career opportunities for professionals with diverse skill sets. Here, we explore the top 10 highest paying jobs in the Indian gaming industry.

  1. Game Developer

Game developers are the architects of the gaming world. They design, code, and test games, ensuring they are engaging and bug-free. Proficiency in programming languages like C#, C++, and Python is essential. Experienced game developers in India can earn between INR 10-20 lakhs annually, with senior developers earning even more.

  1. Game Designer

Game designers conceptualize the game’s mechanics, storyline, characters, and overall experience. They work closely with developers and artists to bring their vision to life. A strong portfolio and creativity are crucial for this role. Game designers can earn around INR 8-15 lakhs per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of the projects they handle.

  1. Game Artist

Game artists create the visual elements of a game, including characters, environments, and textures. They use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D modeling tools. Skilled game artists in India can command salaries ranging from INR 6-12 lakhs annually, with senior artists earning higher amounts.

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  1. Game Animator

Game animators bring characters and environments to life with movement and expressions. They use animation software such as Maya, Blender, and Unity. The demand for talented animators is high, with salaries typically ranging from INR 6-15 lakhs per year, based on experience and expertise.

  1. Game Producer

Game producers oversee the development process, managing budgets, schedules, and communication between different teams. They ensure that the game is completed on time and within budget. Producers need strong organizational and leadership skills. Experienced game producers can earn between INR 12-25 lakhs annually.

  1. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester

QA testers play a critical role in ensuring that games are free of bugs and provide a seamless experience to players. They rigorously test games, identify issues, and work with developers to fix them. While entry-level QA testers may earn around INR 3-6 lakhs per year, experienced testers can earn up to INR 10 lakhs or more.

  1. Sound Designer

Sound designers create the audio elements of a game, including background music, sound effects, and voiceovers. They use software like Pro Tools and Logic Pro. A keen ear for detail and creativity are essential for this role. Sound designers in India can earn between INR 5-12 lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning higher salaries.

  1. Game Writer

Game writers craft the storylines, dialogues, and scripts for games. They ensure that the narrative is engaging and aligns with the game’s design. A strong command of language and storytelling skills are vital. Game writers can earn around INR 4-10 lakhs per year, with experienced writers earning more based on the complexity of the projects.

  1. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers in the gaming industry are responsible for promoting games and increasing their visibility. They develop marketing strategies, manage campaigns, and analyze market trends. Strong analytical and communication skills are necessary. Marketing managers can earn between INR 8-20 lakhs annually, depending on their experience and the success of their campaigns.

  1. Esports Manager

Esports managers handle the organization and promotion of esports events and teams. They manage logistics, sponsorships, and player relations. With the rise of esports in India, this role is becoming increasingly lucrative. Esports managers can earn salaries ranging from INR 8-18 lakhs per year, with potential for higher earnings through successful event management and sponsorship deals.

Also Read: 250000 jobs in Indian gaming industry

Conclusion

The Indian gaming industry offers a wealth of high-paying job opportunities for professionals with the right skills and passion for gaming. From creative roles like game designers and artists to technical positions like developers and QA testers, there is a diverse range of careers to explore. As the industry continues to grow, the demand for talented individuals will only increase, making it an exciting field to be a part of. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to make a switch, the Indian gaming industry holds immense potential for growth and success.