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Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, highlighted the global opportunities within the media, broadcasting and AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sectors, at a meeting with the Governing Council of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) along with Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Chaudhary discussed the global demand for skilled professionals and how India has an unparalleled opportunity to establish itself as a major talent hub. He further acknowledged the government's commitment to this vision through the AVGC policy, which aims to build capacity, foster an environment that encourages creative innovation, and significantly enhance the employability of India’s youth, propelling the country towards global recognition in this field.

The meeting was attended by industry leaders, including Mohit Soni, CEO of MESC; Pooja Arora, COO of MESC; Amit Behl, actor and Secretary of MESC; Dr. Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, writer-director and veteran journalist; Padma Shri and Oscar-winner Dr. Resul Pookutty; Saameer Mody, founder of Pocket Films; Rajesh Turakhia, founder of Frameboxx 2.0; and Sushma Gaikwad, co-founder of Ice Global and Wizcraft MIME—all uniting under the progressive theme "Skill India to Build India" with a shared vision to position India as a global powerhouse for skilled media talent.

"The Media and Entertainment Skill Council’s (MESC) Governing Council has been strengthened to recognize the vast opportunities and the increasing scale of skill development needed, not only within India but also on an international scale. As the Indian media industry expands and diversifies, this inclusive council, comprising some of the sector's most influential figures, is committed to aligning its skill development initiatives with the demands of a rapidly evolving industry," said Jayant Chaudhary.

He also underscored the importance of a collaborative approach with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and industry partners, stressing that the Skill Council must collectively ensure that new entrants to the field are fully prepared to meet the challenges posed by a technologically advanced and highly competitive global market.

“Our commitment at the Ministry is to create a robust framework that not only nurtures talent domestically but elevates India’s reputation as a country of skilled professionals, and shub of skill development for global media markets. By integrating industry-driven curricula and skill-based training in educational institutions, we are paving the way for sustainable career paths and economic upliftment for India’s youth. This strategic alignment is crucial to ensuring that India’s young talent is job-ready as well as ready to turn entrepreneurs and be equipped to contribute to a rapidly changing industry landscape,” Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, added. 

Furthermore, the governing council members expressed enthusiasm for the progressive vision laid out.

Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasizes MESC governing council’s role in 'Skill India to Build India'

The Modi government on Wednesday approved the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai as a not-for-profit company. This initiative has been praised by the AVGC industry, which further will attract foreign investments, boosting the sector. 

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), representing industry bodies, will collaborate with the government in setting up the proposed Institute of Immersive Creators (IIIC).

This initiative aims to position India as a content hub, providing state-of-the-art content to enhance India's global soft power and draw foreign investments into the media and entertainment sector. The center will be established in Mumbai as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013.

Storyboard18 reported on September 6 that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is expediting the FDI policy for online gaming, which will formalize 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector.

Telangana has been a frontrunner with its IMAGE (Innovation in Multimedia Animation Gaming and Entertainment) policy, and the IMAGE Tower, a hub for the AVGC industry, is a successful state initiative. 

Shaik Khaja Vali, Chief Operating Officer of Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association (TVAGA), commented, “This is a welcome move by the government. It will help build a strong ecosystem for the AVGC industry. The Central government should support states in growing this ecosystem. The establishment of the NCoE will not only create an academic foundation for beginners but also accelerate the growth of the AVGC industry across the country.”

Vali added, “This initiative will undoubtedly attract foreign investments and benefit numerous startups, animation and gaming studios, and the AVGC industry as a whole.”

AVGC industry experts expect overall revenues to surpass $26 billion by 2030, up from the current $3 billion, which accounts for 5% of the global market. The AVGC sector currently employs 260,000 people and is projected to create over 2.3 million jobs by 2032.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming applauded the government's decision and said, "The establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR marks a milestone for India's entertainment industry. The NCoE will act as a beacon for both amateurs and professionals of the industry to learn and sharpen their craft. The NCoE will further strengthen the roots of this industry and help in creating skilled professionals by nurturing creativity through cutting edge technologies and expert mentorship. This will provide an impetus to the country’s AVGC - XR ecosystem and help solidify India as a powerhouse of this industry, globally."

Speaking about increase in foreign investments, Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperGaming, said, "The NCoE's role as an incubation hub will be a game-changer for startups, fostering innovation and supporting early-stage companies that could shape the next generation of gaming experiences. Just as IITs and NITs advanced engineering and technology, and IIMs boosted management, we believe the NCoE for AVGC-XR will similarly revolutionize India's gaming industry."

John further noted, "As gaming continues to blend entertainment and technology, we can expect a rise in both domestic and foreign investments, as the global industry views India as a content hub. With a focus on cutting-edge technology, along with government and industry support, significant FDI will flow into the gaming sector, further boosting India's global position in gaming."

Animesh Agarwal, also known as 8Bit Thug, Co-Founder of S8UL and 8Bit Creatives, said, "The establishment of the NCoE for AVGC-XR is truly commendable. It will provide young enthusiasts across the country access to the latest technology, valuable mentorship, and guidance to upskill and enter the industry."

Agarwal also added, "The NCoE will support and nurture the development of Made-in-India game titles for a global audience by leveraging India's rich history and cultural diversity. This will allow Indian content creators to thrive and make a lasting impact in the global gaming ecosystem."

The establishment of NCoE marks a significant step in the government's commitment to empowering India's AVGC sector. This will not only boost the ecosystem but will create millions of jobs leading to innovations and shaping the future of immersive content both locally and globally.

AVGC sector applauds govt nod for NCoE, projects $26 billion growth by 2030

The AVGC sector in India employs around 2.6 lakh individuals and is expected to create 23 lakh direct jobs by 2032, as per the FX & Beyond : Shaping India’s AVGC Landscape report.

However, there is a significant gap between the skills of job seekers and the requirements of employers. Despite high unemployment rates, employers struggle to find candidates with the right skills, indicating a need for better alignment between training programs and industry needs.

The primary challenge is to train large numbers of people across the country, not just the top-tier talent. The goal is to improve the employability of the masses, particularly those from smaller towns and cities, by providing relevant and accessible training, as per the report.

"To build a world-class storytelling industry in India, we must invest selectively and strategically, focusing on upskilling and providing access to the right technology and programs. By establishing Regional Centres of Excellence in Telangana, Guwahati, Karnataka, Delhi, Jharkhand, Kerala, and more, and creating new ones in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, we can create a one-stop destination for nurturing creativity and innovation," said Ashish Kulkarni, Member of AVGC Taskforce, Founder, Punaryug Art Vision.

The Skill India initiative aims to train 20 Lakh professionals in the AVGC sector by the next decade. Additionally, the M&E Skills Council offers specialised training programmes to the AVGC sector annually, aiming to develop skills among these professionals under the National Skill Development Corporation, the report highlights.

By aligning curriculum with industry needs and offering practical training opportunities such as campus placements, apprenticeship programmes, and internships with monetary benefits —initiatives supported by the Union Budget 2024 — graduates can become more employable. Also, cultural awareness is important for understanding diverse cultural contexts and creating content that resonates globally. Networking skills help build a strong network within the industry for opportunities and collaborations. Marketing knowledge is crucial for promoting content effectively. In the AVGC sector, possessing a blend of business and marketing skills is essential for success.

Global perspective

Japan has specialised institutions (Tokyo University of the Arts, Kyoto Seika University) focusing on animation, manga, and gaming. Government scholarships for AVGC students Partnerships with leading studios such as Studio Ghibli and Nintendo provide students with exceptional
opportunities to work on high-profile projects and gain industry experience.

USA has comprehensive AVGC programmes at universities like USC, SCAD and vocational schools like Full Sail University, Gnomon School of Visual Effects. Gnomon School of Visual Effects specialises in Animation and VFX while others like California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts) are known for Character Animation, Experimental Animation.

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a well-regarded Interactive Media & Games Division. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) provides extensive programmes in animation and game design. All universities are aligned with Internships and co-ops with leading companies like Pixar, Disney, Electronic Arts.

To bridge the gap between India's growing AVGC industry and the global standards set by countries like Japan and the USA, a comprehensive 360-degree approach to skilling and upskilling is essential. 

360 degree approach to skilling and upskilling

Currently, there are 260,000 AVGC professionals scattered across India, primarily clustered in about 11-12 cities. The hub-and-spoke model, extending to tier 2 and tier 3 cities, is a positive sign, enhancing connectivity and proximity, as per the report.

Startup hubs in smaller cities are emerging as powerful delivery systems, expected to evolve significantly in the next few years.

The state boards of schools, CBSE, ICSE, and higher education institutions have established a strong foundation, with over 160 universities offering relevant courses. While gaming and XR remain relatively unknown territories, there is a focus on upgrading skills in the middle of the pyramid, promoting upward mobility. As this sector becomes more formalised, we can expect substantial growth and development.  Ashish Kulkarni Member of AVGC Taskforce, Founder, Punaryug Art Vision

Integrating Creative Arts, Science and Technology to build a more holistic curriculum could boost the AVGC sector in India, creating numerous job opportunities and contributing to the economy. It also aligns with the global trend of integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics) with the arts, often referred to as STEAM, to foster a more well-rounded education. Integrating math and science with creative arts in STEAM enhances problem-solving and product design skills. This integration could be introduced as early as K-12 to foster creativity and innovation from a young age.

To capitalize on the growing demand for AVGC professionals and foster a vibrant ecosystem, India must prioritize the integration of creative arts, science, and technology into its educational programs. One Indian state seems to have the upper hand here.

Karnataka leads the way

Karnataka aims to serve as the epicenter for innovation, research and development in the gaming sector. It will house state-of-the-art facilities such as high-performance computing clusters, simulation labs and testing zones to support all aspects of game development from concept to deployment.

The largest CoE in the AVGC sector is in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It features advanced post-production infrastructure, specialised training programs, and strong industry collaborations. This facility supports startups and aims to drive innovation in the AVGC industry.

In Maharashtra, an AVGC policy for the state is proposed and awaiting cabinet approval. Maharashtra’s IT & ITES Policy 2023 supports the AVGC sector with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives with key highlights being Capital subsidy support for Anchor units (first three with Rs 50 crores investment and 50 employees) and new AVGC units with at least 10 employees, 25% reimbursement for skill development courses, Financial support of Rs 20 lakhs to host annual events/competitions, Rs 2.5 Lakhs recruitment assistance for employing 50 local students in business incubation labs within two years.

The AVGC Policy 2024-2029 is planned to position Kerala as a prime destination for AVGC-XR content creation, attracting international studios and investments. It targets 50K job opportunity by 2029 and support for at least 250 establishments.

Telangana introduced a dedicated AVGC policy, known as the IMAGE (Innovation in Multimedia, Animation, Gaming and Entertainment) Policy in 2016. Training & placement through Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) IMAGE CoE, an initiative by STPI, MietY, and the Government of Telangana, fosters innovation in Gaming, Animation, VFX, Computer Vision, and AI in Hyderabad Telangana State Government to establish the Telangana Skill University – School of AVGC in collaboration with Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association (TVAGA).

The state government is investing Rs 1,200 crore to create a state-of-the-art tower with 1.6 million sq. ft. of Grade-A space, facilitating over 30,000 workers.