Gaming Experts Converge in Hyderabad for 15th Annual India Game Developer Conference (IGDC)
The 15th annual India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) is set to take place from November 2 to November 4 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
Gaming enthusiasts and industry experts from around the world are gearing up for the 15th annual India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), set to take place from November 2 to November 4 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). This highly anticipated event is being held in tandem with India Joy, creating a week-long extravaganza for the gaming community. With over 4,000 attendees, over 150 speakers, and 100 sessions, IGDC promises to be a powerhouse of insights and innovation.
IGDC and India Joy are South Asia's premier gaming events, attracting both industry leaders and gaming enthusiasts. This year, they unite to offer a comprehensive platform for various stakeholders, including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) opportunities. These events serve as a testament to the growing importance of the Indian gaming industry on the global stage.
The Indian gaming market has emerged as the second largest globally, with a projected annual value of $10 billion by 2028. The gaming community in India has seen rapid growth, with over 400 million gamers in 2022, marking a substantial increase of 40 million compared to the previous year. This expansion has been fueled by India's 600 million-plus smartphone user base, the highest mobile data consumption in the world at 20 GB per user per month, and the ease of in-app purchases enabled by UPI payments and localized content.
The IGDC is a unique conference, organized "By the Industry, For the Industry." It is driven by industry volunteers, supported by corporations and industry leaders. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in fostering the Indian gaming ecosystem's growth. The conference focuses on empowering game developers through knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.
The three-day conference offers a diverse array of sessions, covering topics such as AI, Web3, Art and Design, Technology, Production, Business & Product Management, Applied games, Emerging trends, and Career opportunities. Special sessions by conference partners, including Unreal Developer Day, Xbox Discovery Day, Unity Dev, and Google Dev sessions, add depth to the event.
A significant highlight of the conference is the series of roundtable discussions involving industry experts, government representatives, academia, and policy makers. These sessions are organized by industry bodies such as Invest India, Start-up India, AIGDF, Primus Partners, MESC, and the Consortium of game developers.
Day one of IGDC 2023 kicks off with the launch of the 'Lumikai State of India Gaming Report FY23' and a panel discussion on "What makes some games great? An analysis of iconic games Vs their forgotten competition. What lessons can be learned?" Notable speakers include Mike Fischer from the University of Southern California, Mark Stanley from Games for Change, and Dave Yonamine from MobilityWare.
The first day also features a panel discussion on "The Investment scenario: A sneak peek into the Indian and Global gaming market" with speakers such as Nihansh Bhat from KRAFTON India, Rohit Naini from Scopely, Anupriya Sinha Das from Nazara, Yash Baid from Jetapult, and Tomoharu Urabe (Haru) from MIXI, Inc.
The conference offers an informative talk on "Building a VC Backable Gaming Business from India" by Vivek Ramachandran of Matrix Partners, as well as panel discussions on "Building from India to the World" and "The India Gaming Market Status Quo."
Day two features a talk on "Playing for the Planet: How Video Games Can Deliver for People and The Environment" by Amit Khanduja from Reliance Games, followed by a panel on 'Predictions 2024' with speakers like Sean (Hyunil) Sohn from KRAFTON India, Kadri Harma from Sisu Ventures, Jeff Strain from Prytania Media/ Dawon Games, Justin Swart from BITKRAFT Ventures, and Saumya SIngh Rathore from Winzo.
Day 2 also includes a talk on "Making a hit game in these uncertain times" by Abhishek Malpani from Funcel, and a panel on "Player Compensation: A Market Correction?" featuring industry experts Manoj Kasyap, Akhil Kavuturu, Rohit Jagasia, and Parth Chadha.
Day three features riveting panels, including discussions on "India's obsession with Shooters" and "Is AI going to take your jobs?" A panel on the "Rise of Grassroot Esports in India" concludes the event.
The IGDC Awards, scheduled for November 3, will recognize game developers and studios across 10 categories, celebrating excellence in the industry. An international jury of games industry leaders will choose the winners.
The IGDC Investor-Publisher Connect 2023 is an invite-only initiative aimed at connecting investors and publishers with studios and developers looking for investments or publication opportunities. Over 100 applicants have already signed up for interactions with more than 45 investors and publishers. The 15th annual IGDC promises to be a hub of knowledge, innovation, and networking, reflecting the vibrant and rapidly growing Indian gaming industry. For more information, visit the official IGDC website.
