DPIIT & WinZO to Boost Interactive Entertainment Startup Industry

There was a time when gaming and interactive entertainment were dismissed as distractions, a mere hobby with no real-world significance. Today, that perception has flipped on its head. The gaming industry is no longer just about play; it’s about innovation, technology, and a thriving business ecosystem. With the potential to reshape economies, gaming has emerged as a serious contender in the global market.

Recognizing this shift, startups and governments alike are doubling down on efforts to harness its potential, and India is no exception. In a groundbreaking move, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WinZO, a leading social gaming and interactive entertainment platform, to supercharge the Indian gaming ecosystem.

Read on as TICE explains how this partnership will further boost startup ecosystem in India.

A Bold Step Towards Global Gaming Leadership

The DPIIT-WinZO collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to become a global hub for gaming and interactive entertainment. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to support over 2,000 startups, innovators, and students in the sector, providing them with the mentorship, resources, and global exposure necessary to compete on the world stage. By aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the partnership is set to position India as a dominant player in the $300 billion global gaming market.

Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, emphasized the transformative potential of the MoU. “This partnership is a significant milestone in harnessing India’s optimal potential as a producer and exporter of world-class interactive entertainment products. It aligns seamlessly with our vision of a self-reliant India,” he said.

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Bridging Talent Gaps in a Booming Industry

One of the critical focuses of this partnership is addressing the talent gap in the gaming industry. According to a US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) report, India’s interactive entertainment sector is projected to grow to $60 billion by 2034, creating over 2 million jobs. The DPIIT-WinZO MoU aims to equip professionals with cutting-edge skills in coding, animation, game design, and development.

To achieve this, the initiative will organize hackathons, workshops, accelerator programs, and curated pitch events. These activities are designed to nurture talent and foster innovation, ensuring that Indian startups are not just participants but leaders in the global gaming arena.

Establishing a Center of Excellence

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE) by WinZO, in partnership with DPIIT. The CoE will serve as a launchpad for startups, focusing on:

• Skill Development: Training a workforce ready to meet industry demands.

• Monetization Strategies: Innovating revenue models for Indian gaming products.

• Intellectual Property Development: Creating ‘Made in India’ games and technologies for global markets.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attracting international funding to bolster India’s gaming infrastructure.

• Manufacturing: Driving the production of interactive technology products within India.

The CoE is envisioned as a hub for addressing long-standing challenges in the gaming industry, such as monetization issues and talent shortages, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s gaming ecosystem.

Scaling the Tech Triumph Program

WinZO’s flagship initiative, the Tech Triumph Program (Bharat Edition), will also see significant scaling under this partnership. This program has already showcased Indian gaming talent at international events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Gamescom LATAM. With DPIIT’s support, the program will now identify and mentor a larger pool of developers, empowering them to make a mark on the global stage.

A Vision for Self-Reliance and Global Excellence

India’s gaming industry is at a turning point. From being a consumer market, it is evolving into a creator’s hub, developing intellectual property and products that can compete globally. Sanjiv Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship.

“Through our collaboration with WinZO, we are fostering a culture of innovation and empowering startups to create products of global standards. This initiative not only contributes to India’s economic growth but also aligns with PM Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India,” he added.

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A Game-Changing Opportunity

With this MoU, DPIIT and WinZO are not just nurturing a growing industry but laying the groundwork for India to become a global leader in gaming and interactive entertainment. As the world watches, India is gearing up to transform its gaming dreams into a reality, bridging talent gaps, fostering innovation, and capturing a significant share of the booming global gaming market.

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