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Axana Estates LLP has acquired a 5.4% stake in online gaming company Nazara Technologies through a preferential issue of equity shares, according to a regulatory filing.

The disclosure, filed with stock exchanges, outlines that Axana Estates, along with its Persons Acting in Concert (PACs)—which include Plutus Wealth Management LLP, Junomoneta Finsol Private Limited, and individual investors Arpit Khandelwal, Mithun Padam Sacheti, and Siddhartha Sacheti, collectively hold 27.15% of Nazara’s total diluted share capital. 

Notably, Plutus Wealth Management LLP has acquired 10.91% in Nazara, followed by Arpit Khandelwal at 7.44%, Junomoneta Finsol at 1.7%, and Sachetis at 0.85% each, respectively.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nazara-debuts-in-metaverse-gaming-launches-pokerverse-vr-70415.htm">Nazara debuts in Metaverse gaming, launches Pokerverse VR</a>

Prior to this acquisition, the PACs already held around 23% of the company’s shareholding.

The preferential allotment involves the issue of 50,00,000 equity shares of face value Rs 4 each.

Post-acquisition, the total equity share capital of Nazara Technologies has increased from Rs 35.04 crore to Rs 37.04 crore, consisting of 9.26 crore shares, including ESOPs.

Nazara is known for its presence in esports, interactive gaming, and gamified learning. Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the acquisition of a majority stake or control in Nazara Technologies Limited by Axana Estates LLP, and other six.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/nclt-approves-nazaras-resolution-plan-for-smaaash-entertainment-for-rs-126-crore-69345.htm">NCLT approves Nazara’s resolution plan for Smaaash Entertainment for Rs 126 crore</a>

Axana's business activities include real estate and investment-related operations, such as acquiring, holding, and dealing in shares, securities, and financial instruments.

On the other hand, Plutus is engaged in stock and commodity broking, along with trading and investment activities across those segments. Junomoneta operates as a proprietary stockbroking firm.

Shares of Nazara Tech were down by 0.22%, trading at Rs 1,316 at 10.46 am on Thursday.

Axana Estates, Plutus, others snap up 27% stake in Nazara Tech

As India prepares to chart its next chapter in the global digital entertainment revolution, the Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) will welcome Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting; and Parliamentary Affairs, as a key government voice helping shape the country's media and content landscape.

The summit, to be held on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, arrives at a pivotal moment when the nation's digital economy and creative sectors are poised for transformative growth.

Dr. L. Murugan

Dr. Loganathan Murugan brings with him a unique blend of legal expertise, grassroots political experience, and a deep understanding of public communication in the digital area.

A Rajya Sabha MP representing Madhya Pradesh, he has served in various capacities, most notably as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting; and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying from 2021 to 2024. 

His current portfolio reinforces his critical role in overseeing the evolving intersection of media, governance, and public discourse.

Born on May 29, 1977, in Konur, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Murugan hails from the Arunthathiyar community and made history as the first person from the community to head the BJP Tamil Nadu unit.

His legal acumen - shaped by a law degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law College and a doctorate from the University of Madras - has been central to his public life. Before entering politics full-time, he practiced law for over 15 years and served as Standing Counsel to the Government of India at the Madras High Court.

Early in his career, he was inspired by the Hindutva movement and joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1997.

He held leadership positions in both organizations, including as National General Secretary of the Scheduled Caste Morcha, reflecting his longstanding commitment to community empowerment and social justice.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

Dr. L. Murugan set to take the stage at Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

With the world's largest digital population and a media economy evolving at warp speed, India is asserting itself as a global force in the digital entertainment revolution. The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), scheduled for June 27 at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, signals and celebrates this transformation. Backed by Network18 Group - with flagship platforms like CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India - the summit comes at a time when the global digital power structure is being redefined, and India is in pole position.

Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. The event is expected to unpack India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.

Powering India's Next Entertainment Boom

India's digital momentum is backed by numbers. The country's gaming market alone clocked $3.8 billion in FY24 — a 23% YoY surge. Artificial intelligence, emerging tech, and digital skilling are converging to create an ecosystem ripe for innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for advancing the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector has already catalysed this surge.

At DES 2025, top policymakers will come together to chart the next course for India's entertainment and creative economy - especially in gaming, monetization, regulation, and skilling.

Jayant Chaudhary

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary will be a key voice at the summit. A third-generation politician and a modern reformer, Chaudhary has transitioned from farmer advocacy to shaping India's youth and startup-focused policy frameworks. With degrees from Delhi University and London School of Economics, his global perspective and grassroots grounding position him uniquely to scale India's talent pipeline for the entertainment and gaming sectors.

Chaudhary's ministry is a cornerstone for enabling India's creative and digital workforce - one that the summit will position as central to the next phase of the global media economy.

Jayesh Ranjan

Another pivotal speaker, Jayesh Ranjan, serves as Principal Secretary, I&C and IT Departments, Telangana Government. An IAS topper of the 1992 batch, Ranjan has been instrumental in transforming Telangana into a tech-forward state. With educational stints at IIM Calcutta, LSE, Harvard, and the National University of Singapore, his career blends governance and global insight.

Ranjan's efforts have made Hyderabad a magnet for AVGC investments and innovation. His leadership in setting up frameworks for industrial growth, startup incubation, and digital empowerment reflects the scale of opportunity that states like Telangana can unlock through policy alignment and tech adoption.

Abhishek Singh

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of the India AI Mission, joins the line-up of impact-makers and influential voices at DES 2025.

A 1995 batch IAS officer and IIT Kanpur graduate with further credentials from Harvard Kennedy School, Singh brings a technology-first, people-centric approach to policy.

Singh has led transformative initiatives through roles at Digital India Corporation, MyGov, and National e-Governance Division. His current focus areas - Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skilling - are at the heart of India's tech-forward entertainment landscape. Under his watch, the India AI Mission is laying the groundwork for responsible AI innovation.

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, born in 1983, is a second-time MP known for his sharp focus on education, innovation, and development. An alumnus of La Trobe University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied media, Devarayalu brings academic and international perspective to the evolving digital ecosystem.

He began his parliamentary journey in 2019 with the YSR Congress Party and later made a strategic shift, winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His new political role positions him as a key advocate for regional and national digital growth.

Outside Parliament, Devarayalu serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vignan Group of Institutions, a Guntur-based educational powerhouse with a student base of over 45,000 across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Dr. M.C. Sarangan

Dr. M.C. Sarangan, a recipient of the prestigious President's Police Medal for distinguished and meritorious service, has seamlessly transitioned from law enforcement to policymaking in the digital realm.

He currently serves as the member of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), where he plays a key role in framing guidelines and preventive measures around online gaming addiction, especially among students and young users.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will not only bring together government officials and policy thinkers, but also industry leaders, gaming innovators, and content creators. As India moves from being the world's largest consumer of digital content to one of its most influential creators, forums like DES are central to shaping policy, strategy, and collaboration.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">See more: Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Top policymakers to take center stage at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), has significantly altered its whitepaper on opinion trading in India—removing all references to opinion trading platforms like Probo, SportsBaazi and TradeX. The move, widely viewed as a capitulation to mounting pressure from controversial platforms and corporate legal threats, has drawn sharp criticism from within the advertising and media regulation ecosystem.

The revised whitepaper, released on June 17, comes shortly after Galactus Funware Technology—parent company of Mobile Premier League (MPL)—slapped a ₹50 crore defamation notice on ASCI. In the updated document, ASCI now states: “This is the updated final version of the Whitepaper. This version supersedes all previous versions of this publication. The contents of this paper have been updated to remove references to any entity and in order to maintain focus on the broader subject matter.”

In addition to scrubbing the names of opinion trading entities, ASCI has also withdrawn sample advertisements flagged in its earlier version, some of which pertained to platforms currently banned or are under scrutiny across several Indian states.

Advertising veteran Sandeep Goyal, Managing Director of Rediffusion, minced no words in his criticism. “ASCI has never really understood the gravitas of its mandate. They have always approached their task with scant understanding, and commitment,” he said, calling the revisions emblematic of institutional weakness. “Their lack of expertise, and application is what results in the tweaks—changing stances due to pressures or inaccuracies which do not behove their professional pedestal as a self-regulator.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/mpl-vs-asci-defamation-notice-to-asci-more-about-optics-than-legal-merit-say-experts-68741.htm">Read More: MPL vs ASCI: Defamation notice to ASCI more about optics than legal merit, say experts</a>

A senior executive from the real-money gaming (RMG) industry went further, accusing ASCI of yielding to entities he described as “notorious.” “ASCI has been forced to bow down to the notorious opinion trading platforms who are clearly trying to build their narratives before a major regulatory body steps in,” he said. “If such regulatory action continues, multiple opinion trading platforms will fall apart before the end of this year.”

The regulatory climate surrounding opinion trading platforms has grown increasingly hostile. Platforms like Probo, TradeX, and SportsBaazi have already been banned in Chhattisgarh and have ceased operations in Haryana under pressure. Tamil Nadu has issued notices, and legal challenges are pending in the Bombay and Gujarat High Courts, as well as in the Supreme Court.

MPL’s own product, ‘Opinio,’ had to halt services in Haryana in light of legal challenges and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on such apps.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/mpl-shuts-operations-of-opinio-in-haryana-amid-legal-crackdown-on-opinion-trading-66420.htm">Read More: MPL shuts operations of 'Opinio' in Haryana amid legal crackdown on Opinion Trading</a>

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a strongly worded public advisory, warning investors about the risks of opinion trading. According to SEBI, these platforms lure users with financial market terminology—like “profits,” “stop loss,” and “trading”—to simulate legitimacy, while functioning more like betting operations with zero investor protection.

ASCI has refused to provide a detailed statement on the revisions. A spokesperson said, “As per our policy, we do not comment on legal matters.” However, a source within the council confirmed that the revision was driven by legal developments and the need to avoid prejudicing ongoing proceedings against opinion trading platforms in the High Courts and Supreme Court.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/gaming-news/opinion-trading-platforms-sportsbaazi-probo-shut-operations-in-haryana-amid-legal-heat-67749.htm">Read More: Opinion Trading platforms SportsBaazi, Probo shut operations in Haryana amid legal heat</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/asci-flags-risks-of-opinion-trading-warns-of-misleading-advertisements-66490.htm">Read More: ASCI flags risks of Opinion Trading, warns of misleading advertisements</a>

ASCI alters whitepaper on Opinion Trading; removes Probo, SportsBaazi and TradeX references

As India cements its position as a global digital powerhouse, conversations around entertainment, regulation, and online safety are more relevant than ever. The upcoming Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES), taking place on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, promises to be a landmark event in shaping the future of the country's digital and creative economy. 

Among the notable participants this year is Dr. M.C. Sarangan, retired IPS officer, is a member of Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) and a leading authority on cyber law and online gaming regulation.

Dr. M.C. Sarangan 

Dr. M.C. Sarangan, a recipient of the prestigious President's Police Medal for distinguished and meritorious service, has seamlessly transitioned from law enforcement to policymaking in the digital realm.

He currently serves as the member of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), where he plays a key role in framing guidelines and preventive measures around online gaming addiction, especially among students and young users.

With academic credentials including a B.Com., MBA, PGDIT, and a Ph.D., Dr. Sarangan combines on-ground policing experience with a deep understanding of cybercrime and digital behavior. 

His previous post as Additional Commissioner of Police, Law & Order (North), Greater Chennai Police saw him spearheading several high-stakes operations and public safety initiatives.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit, backed by Network18 Group with flagship coverage from CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India, builds on the momentum from the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), continuing to chart India's course in the global entertainment landscape. 

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

See more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

Dr. M.C. Sarangan to join Storyboard18's Digital Entertainment Summit 2025

With India rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse in digital media and entertainment, leaders across politics, business, and technology are coming together to shape its next chapter.

At the forefront of this conversation is Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Lok Sabha MP of Andhra Pradesh, who will be one of the key voices at the upcoming Digital Entertainment Summit by Storyboard18, to be held on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace in New Delhi.

Backed by the Network18 Group with flagship media platforms such as CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol and Forbes India, DES 2025 comes at a time when India is recalibrating its position in the global entertainment economy. The summit builds on momentum from policy-backed initiatives like the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), and brings together stakeholders from across content, commerce, and culture.

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, born in 1983, is a second-time MP known for his sharp focus on education, innovation, and development. An alumnus of La Trobe University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied media, Devarayalu brings academic and international perspective to the evolving digital ecosystem.

He began his parliamentary journey in 2019 with the YSR Congress Party and later made a strategic shift, winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His new political role positions him as a key advocate for regional and national digital growth.

Outside Parliament, Devarayalu serves as the Vice Chairman of the Vignan Group of Institutions, a Guntur-based educational powerhouse with a student base of over 45,000 across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

The institution’s legacy of transforming rural lives through education, particularly producing first-generation graduates from agricultural backgrounds, stands as a testament to his long-term vision for societal upliftment through access and learning.

Digital Entertainment Summit

As home to the largest digital population in the world, India can lead the global agenda on a fast-growing and influential industry, with the power to generate billions in revenue while engaging millions across the world. The Digital Entertainment Summit will help surface the stories and the winning strategies that will unlock the next level of exponential growth. Take India's gaming market, which has experienced exponential growth despite facing various challenges. The industry saw a 23% year-over-year (YoY) revenue increase, reaching $3.8 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24). Real-money gaming (RMG) remains the primary revenue driver for the industry, contributing $2.4 billion to the overall revenue pool. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong vision for developing the AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) has significantly boosted the gaming industry. The central government has opened numerous opportunities, accelerating the industry's growth.

The Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit will focus on the online gaming industry and the policies aimed at supporting the gaming ecosystem. With Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, many gaming companies are leveraging smart technology to enhance the gaming experience. Discussions will center on monetizing gaming apps and expanding revenue models, which are key to driving industry growth. The industry has long advocated for favorable conditions to operate within the country.

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT</a>

See more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/digital-entertainment-summit">Digital Entertainment Summit 2025 to debut in Delhi as India stakes its claim on the future of global media</a>

MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu to speak at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit

US-based toy manufacturer Hasbro has laid off 150 employees amid a tariff war with China. The job cut amounts to 3% of its global workforce. According to a report by Reuters, half of the toys and games of Hasbro are made in China. Now, with the Trump administration hiking the tariffs, the toy company has begun to diversify its sources and reduce exposure to China.

Hasbro Chief Executive Officer Chris Cocks said that higher tariffs translated into higher selling prices for consumers and potential job losses.

"We are adjusting to absorb increased costs and reduce profits for our shareholders," Cocks said.

Hasbro had 4,985 employees globally as per the company's 2024 annual filing. The toy manufacturer is also reassessing logistics routes and manufacturing to reduce the impact of high tariffs.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/india-may-lose-up-to-1-95-lakh-jobs-as-pay-tv-households-fall-by-70-million-69489.htm">India may lose up to 1.95 lakh jobs as Pay TV households fall to 70 million</a>

In April, Hasbro's revenue rose 17.1% to $887.1 million in the first quarter. The revenue from its digital gaming segment jumped 46%.

Reuters reported that Hasbro has shifted its focus towards digital and licensed gaming business, attracting younger customers after its toy business has struggled with weak demand for about three years.

Additionally, the company's efforts such as streamlining its supply chain and maintaining leaner inventories, also helped the company to report an adjusted operating margin of 25% in the first quarter of 2025.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/pg-plans-to-cut-7000-jobs-in-non-manufacturing-department-over-next-2-years-69036.htm">P&G plans to cut 7,000 jobs in non-manufacturing departments over 2 years</a>

US President Donald Trump unveiled a 10% tariff on goods from China in February, and he doubled it to 20% in March.

On 2 April, Trump imposed a universal 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the US, but a few countries were subjected to higher rates, including China.

Thereafter, Xi Jinping-led Chinese administration retaliated with its own tariffs. Consequently, Trump imposed a 145% levy on Chinese imports. In return, China introduced a 125% duty on some US goods.

Now both countries have agreed to cancel some tariffs. During a recently held talks in London, Trump said, "Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, upfront, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!). We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, China is getting 10%."

Toys maker Hasbro to cut 150 jobs amid tariff war with China, shifts focus to digital gaming

With the world's largest digital population and a media economy growing at breakneck speed, India is fast emerging as a global force in shaping the future of entertainment and technology. The upcoming Storyboard18 Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) - set to take place on June 27, 2025, at The Leela Palace in New Delhi - will spotlight this rise, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and digital pioneers to define India's next chapter in the entertainment revolution.

Abhishek Singh

Among the distinguished speakers is Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of the India AI Mission. 

A 1995-batch IAS Officer, Singh brings with him over 29 years of experience across governance, public policy, and technology-led transformation. His current role sees him at the helm of India's most critical digital focus areas - including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Emerging Tech, and Digital Skilling.

Previously, Singh has served in key leadership roles as President & CEO of the National e-Governance Division, Digital India Corporation, and MyGov, where he championed large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

His efforts from 2019 to 2024 were instrumental in deepening citizen engagement and enabling policy implementation through technology. He also served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, and earlier, led strategic operations at the Food Corporation of India.

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur and Harvard Kennedy School, Singh is recognized for bridging the gap between grassroots governance and cutting-edge innovation. His work with global development agencies like DFID, UNICEF, and WHO underscores his commitment to people-first tech policies.

The Digital Entertainment Summit 2025, hosted by Storyboard18 and backed by Network18, with flagship coverage from CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, Moneycontrol, and Forbes India, builds on the momentum of the government's WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) initiative.

The Delhi edition promises to be a high-impact gathering that explores the convergence of policy, innovation and entertainment like gaming in the digital era.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/digital-entertainment-summit-2025-to-debut-in-delhi-as-india-stakes-its-claim-on-the-future-of-global-media-69595.htm">READ MORE:</a> DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT

MeitY's Abhishek Singh to speak at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit

Meta has launched Meta Gaming Accelerator, an incubator to back small and medium gaming developers across India. The announcement came at the Meta Marketing Summit – Gaming Edition attended by brands, venture capital funds, and gaming studios and developers. 

 
“India’s gaming community is a hotbed of creativity and innovation, but to unlock its full potential, we need to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. That’s why we’re launching the Meta Gaming Accelerator – to provide Indian gaming developers with access to cutting-edge ad tools, expert mentorship, and critical guidance that they need to scale their businesses and take on the world. By combining expert sessions from Meta with structured guidance from the country’s top Venture Capital firms, we hope to not just empower local success stories but also create a launchpad for Indian gaming companies to scale globally.” – Arun Srinivas, Managing Director and Head, Meta (India).

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/meta-appoints-arun-srinivas-as-india-head-and-managing-director-70392.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Meta names Arun Srinivas as the Managing Director and Head for India</a>

 
The Accelerator is being launched in partnership with four Venture Capital Funds Bitkraft Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Lumikai Fund, and Elevation Capital. In its launch phase, the program is designed to support 20–30 emerging Indian developers and studios through a structured curriculum. The program will offer guidance across monetization, user acquisition, cross-border scaling, and AI-led game development, with a special focus on how developers can integrate Meta’s AI tools, including Llama, into their game creation and optimization processes.

 
“At BITKRAFT Ventures, we have a front-row seat to the explosive global growth of the gaming industry over the years, with a portfolio that spans over 140 companies across six continents. Yet, for emerging gaming markets like India, there is a big opportunity and need for the ecosystem to come together and help small and medium gaming companies. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Meta on the Gaming Accelerator—a good initiative aimed at enabling the ecosystem, unlocking new opportunities, and helping accelerate the growth of India’s gaming sector.” – Anuj Tandon, Partner, BITKRAFT Ventures

 
“India’s gaming industry is poised for the next chapter of its explosive growth, but it needs more interventions to reach its full potential. We’ve seen time and again that young companies with access to timely guidance, strategic resources, and a supportive ecosystem are better equipped to overcome growth hurdles and achieve success. That’s why initiatives like Meta’s Gaming Accelerator are crucial – this program directly addresses the scaling challenges faced by indie studios and offers unparalleled access to Meta’s experts, paving a clear path for sustained growth in this dynamic market.” – Vamshi Reddy, Partner, Kalaari Capital

 

“For our fund, it’s a strategic partnership that ensures our portfolio companies, particularly those at the early and growth stages, receive the precise handholding required to master efficient user acquisition and retention strategies.” – Salone Sehgal, Founder and Managing Partner, Lumikai Fund

 
As part of the curriculum, developers will engage in:

Sessions on ad monetization and platform integration using Meta Ads and Audience Network

Deep dives into player acquisition strategies and campaign optimization

Workshops on Llama & AI-powered tools for storytelling, personalization, and game design

Business and funding mentorship, led by participating VC Funds and industry experts

Tailored guidance for cross-border scale and international market entry

The program will conclude in a high-stakes Demo Day, where participating developers will demonstrate how they’ve leveraged Meta’s ecosystem to solve real-world growth challenges. The event will be attended by investors, Meta leadership, and industry stakeholders, with top-performing studios receiving platform-level amplification and potential funding for driving acquisitions leveraging Meta solution.

Read More:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/meta-to-fully-automate-advertising-with-ai-by-end-of-2026-68422.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Meta to fully automate advertising with AI by end of 2026</a>

Meta backs emerging gaming developers in India with new Accelerator and VC-led mentorship

In a landmark decision addressing the legal vacuum surrounding online gambling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Government of Uttar Pradesh to constitute a high-powered committee to formulate a comprehensive legislative framework for regulating online gaming and betting. The committee will also engage with stakeholders in the coming weeks to gather industry perspectives.

The directive was issued by Justice Vinod Diwakar while quashing a police chargesheet and summoning order against two individuals, Imran Khan and Irfan Khan, who were accused of running an online betting racket from their residence in Agra. The case was registered under the archaic Public Gambling Act of 1867.

During proceedings, the Court acknowledged that the existing law — a colonial-era statute — fails to address the realities of the digital age. "The Public Gambling Act, 1867, is a pre-digital law that has lost its relevance in the face of modern online gambling operations," the order noted. The Court cited examples from global jurisdictions, including the UK and the US, which have adopted more adaptive and responsive regulations for the digital gaming industry.

The High Court highlighted serious concerns related to digital gambling, such as addiction, youth distraction, financial losses, cybercrime, and the use of offshore servers that evade Indian jurisdiction. It observed that mere fines and short-term imprisonment do not act as deterrents for large-scale illegal operators.

“The Act makes no mention of digital platforms, servers, or cross-border transactions... Negligible penalties do not deter large-scale illegal operations,” the court observed.

Invoking its constitutional authority, the Court took suo motu cognizance of the legislative gap and directed the formation of a committee to address the issue comprehensively. The committee will be chaired by Professor K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the UP Government, and include the Principal Secretary (State Tax) as Member Secretary, along with domain experts.

“This court cannot turn a blind eye to the regulatory vacuum,” the order stated.

The committee is tasked with examining social, technological, financial, and legal aspects of online gaming and betting. Its findings are expected to pave the way for a robust, state-level regulatory regime that accounts for age restrictions, financial safeguards, jurisdictional enforcement, and digital platform accountability.

The court noted that, “Modern, technology-sensitive legislation is urgently needed to address the psychological, social, and national security implications of online gaming.”

The Registrar (Compliance) has been instructed to immediately forward the court's order to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh for necessary action.

A leading real money gaming operator said, "Uttar Pradesh being the largest state is a key market for Real Money Gaming operators. It is a positive development which will enable the government to distinguish between legitimate online gaming platforms and offshore gambling and betting platforms operating in the country." 

An official from a gaming federation confirmed that the committee for gaming will meet multiple stakeholders to understand the nuances of the industry. 

"The gaming committee officials have sought details regarding the operations of RMG platforms and we will be meeting the officials to discuss further details. The major talk points will include distinguishing games of skill and chance. Also, developing a framework for safe and responsible gaming charter for the industry." 
 
With the committee’s engagement process underway, industry experts are hopeful the move will result in modern, enforceable legislation that protects consumers while promoting innovation and accountability in India’s booming online gaming ecosystem.

GAMING