With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, India’s rapidly growing gaming and esports industry eagerly awaits new policies that could accelerate its growth and global influence.
Key industry highlights:
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting have supported gaming and esports events like the WAVES Esports Championship.
- States across India have embraced esports by organizing competitive events.
- India is preparing for its debut at the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025, aiming to secure global recognition.
Here are the pre-budget expectations of India’s key gaming and esports stakeholders:
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming:
“Incentives for semiconductor design, AI skilling, and tax relief could elevate India’s gaming ecosystem. Investments in esports training infrastructure would strengthen India’s performance at the Olympic Esports Games 2025 and empower the next generation of gaming talent.”
Vishal Parekh, COO, CyberPowerPC India:
“Tax reductions on gaming hardware, digital infrastructure investments, and progressive AVGC policies can position India as a global gaming powerhouse. High-performance PCs are crucial for medal wins in esports tournaments like the Olympic Esports Games.”
Milind D. Shinde, Founder and CEO, 88 Games:
“Incentives for Made-in-India games and AVGC XR infrastructure are vital for showcasing India’s culture through gaming. With tax benefits and training support, the Union Budget 2025-26 could establish India as a global leader in gaming innovation.”
Anticipations from the Industry:
- Tax benefits for gaming startups and hardware.
- Funding for training programs and AI skilling in game design.
- Support for developing Made-in-India gaming IPs.
- Investments in esports training facilities to prepare for global tournaments.
The gaming and esports industry looks to the budget as a roadmap for fostering innovation, empowering developers, and positioning India as a global gaming hub.
Conclusion:
As the Union Budget 2025-26 nears, the gaming community is hopeful for policies that drive innovation, growth, and international success. With growing government support and industry enthusiasm, India’s gaming revolution is poised for a transformative year.
