Introducing GDAI, India's Pioneering Video Games Trade Association

The establishment of the India Game Developers Conference in 2008 has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and organization within the Indian gaming industry, as well as showcasing the work of Indian developers globally. A significant milestone was achieved last month with the formation of the Game Developer Association of India, the country's first trade body dedicated to the gaming sector. Led by a governing council comprising over 30 experienced industry leaders and a formal board of veterans, the organization is headed by Sridhar Muppidi, co-founder of mobile developer Yesgnome, as its inaugural president. 'As the gaming industry in India has grown, the need for a unified dialogue with policymakers has become apparent,' Muppidi notes. 'GDAI was established to address this need, working closely with the government to tackle talent shortages and create an environment where Indian intellectual properties can achieve global success.' Supported by six full-time staff members who manage GDAI's operations and explore new initiatives, the trade body has already garnered 200 members, including all of India's top game studios, with a waiting list of over 1,000 individuals and companies eager to join. Muppidi cites this demand as evidence of the necessity for such a body in the market. 'While there are existing associations in related fields like esports, fantasy gaming, and real-money skill gaming, most are funded by one or two large entities,' he explains. 'Conventional game developers lack a strong voice and representation in policy discussions with government officials. We believe it is essential to have a seat at the table in policy discussions at both state and central levels.' Additionally, unlike other associations, GDAI places a strong emphasis on talent development. By collaborating with educational institutions to incorporate game development electives and advocating for policies to attract international talent, the organization aims to strengthen the gaming ecosystem. 'GDAI's financial independence, thanks to initiatives like IGDC, enables us to engage in policy advocacy without being tied to specific interests,' Muppidi adds. The GDAI president's goal is to establish India as one of the top three game development countries globally in terms of revenue generation and quality output. With major game companies like EA, Zynga, Ubisoft, Rockstar, and others tapping into India's talent pool for various services, the industry has the potential to grow and achieve this objective. To support this growth, GDAI has plans to set up incubators with state governments to establish game development hubs across the country. Some incubators, such as the Image Incubator in Hyderabad and the National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai, have already been established. The trade body also aims to advise the national government to ensure the industry has a voice in regulatory matters affecting game companies. Muppidi notes that the government has been receptive to their efforts, with support from the highest levels. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong supporter of the gaming industry, and both state and central governments have been proactive in addressing key concerns,' he says. GDAI will continue to manage the India pavilion at international game events like GDC and Gamescom, as well as grow the India Game Developers Conference. The domestic conference is positioned as a crucial event for highlighting the progress being made in improving India's gaming industry. 'IGDC has been instrumental in providing exposure for Indian developers, connecting them with global studios, publishers, and platforms,' Muppidi remarks. 'It has also become a key event for networking and showcasing India's talent. GDAI builds on this by offering year-round support, from talent development and funding to policy advocacy. Together, IGDC and GDAI aim to elevate Indian developers on the global stage.' As previously discussed, India is a vital emerging market with a vast population – Muppidi estimates that 15% of all players worldwide are based in India. This audience has significantly increased its engagement with games over the past six years and is beginning to spend more on the hobby. 'This creates a stable local market for Indian developers to build and refine their games while gaining the expertise needed to expand globally. It also presents opportunities for international developers to collaborate with local talent and tap into this growing market.'