Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA) Formed to Boost Local Gaming Industry

IGPDA

Nine of India’s biggest names in gaming have officially joined hands to form the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA), a new industry body that wants to put “Made-in-India” games on the global map.

The founding members — Nazara Technologies, Gametion, nCore Games, Reliance Games, SuperGaming, Tara Gaming, underDOGS Studio, Aeos Games, and Dot9 Games — aren’t small players. Between them, they’ve created hits like Ludo King, Indus Battle Royale, FAU-G, and World Cricket Championship.

Now, instead of working in silos, they’re combining forces to champion Indian IP, bring local stories into games, and eventually roll out full-blown AAA titles that can rival international releases.

Why IGPDA Matters

The IGPDA isn’t just another industry group. It’s been structured to include both primary members like developers, publishers, and studios, as well as partners such as tech providers, training institutes, investors, and other enablers. In other words, it’s trying to connect every dot in the Indian gaming chain — from creation and publishing to training and funding.

nCore Games president Kaval Bombra explained that the association will act as the “unified voice” for India’s gaming sector, lobbying for the industry across regulatory and investment fronts. Basically, the idea is to make sure India’s rapidly growing gaming community doesn’t just expand in numbers, but also builds a strong, sustainable foundation.

A Cultural Push

Tara Gaming co-founder and author Amish Tripathi put it more bluntly — India might have millions of gamers, but it doesn’t earn its fair share from the global gaming pie. Most of the country’s scene is dominated by mobile games and foreign titles, especially Chinese ones. He believes that games based on Indian culture and mythology could flip that script, bringing in revenue while also exporting India’s rich stories worldwide. Tara Gaming is currently working on a similar concept with The Age of Bharaat, India's version of Black Myth Wukong.

First Big Step: Partnering with Local Govt

The IGPDA has already kicked off talks with the Maharashtra government, proposing a partnership to make Mumbai the country’s first global gaming hub. According to Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the state has been actively driving investments in tech and innovation, making it a natural fit for this collaboration. If the plan goes through, Mumbai could soon become the go-to place for gaming companies looking to set up shop in India.

Backed by the New Online Gaming Bill

The timing of IGPDA’s formation is also worth noting. It comes just after India passed the Online Gaming Bill, which separates traditional video games and esports from gambling, betting apps, and fantasy sports with cash rewards. This gives the new association a cleaner, more legitimate space to grow in without being lumped into the controversial “real-money gaming” category.

What’s Next?

India’s gaming market has already crossed the $1 billion mark in 2025, but here’s the catch — over $800 million of that goes straight to foreign titles. The IGPDA wants to flip the balance by helping Indian studios create games that not only succeed at home but also capture audiences abroad.

The association has also hinted at hosting its first big event in Mumbai later this year, where developers, publishers, investors, and policymakers will sit down to chart the roadmap for Indian gaming.

In the words of Reliance Games CEO Amit Khanduja, the IGPDA is not just about making great games, but about advancing the “Make in India, for the World” vision — ensuring Indian creativity resonates with players everywhere.

If the IGPDA delivers on even half of what it’s promising, Indian gaming might just be on the brink of its biggest level-up yet.