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India’s video games industry stands at the threshold of a global creative breakthrough. With a rapidly growing video gaming market, a massive pool of young talent, and a proven track record in delivering high-quality game art, the country is uniquely positioned to become the world’s largest source of skilled game artists. What powers this vision is the dynamism of India’s video games industry – fuelled by its vast and young creative workforce and a rapidly evolving entertainment culture.
A strong foundation to build upon
India already plays a significant role in the global video games industry, serving as a reliable outsourcing partner to international studios and producing high-quality game art for AAA titles, mobile games, and indie projects. Indian artists are behind some of the world’s most iconic characters, environments, and animations in video games – a testament to the country’s maturing expertise.
Today, Indian studios are not just contributing – they are co-creating – shaping the visual storytelling and artistic direction of video games alongside global partners. With experience working across diverse genres and platforms, studios have earned the trust of top-tier developers. This strong foundation has laid the groundwork for the next leap – from a support function to a global creative leader.
India’s creative edge lies in its scale. The country offers one of the most dynamic young digital workforces globally. This generation is digitally fluent, creatively ambitious, and increasingly choosing careers in game art, animation, and interactive design.
Supporting this shift is the rise of video gaming as mainstream entertainment. India now has hundreds of millions of active gamers, driven by mobile-first adoption. As gaming moves from the margins to the mainstream, so does the acceptance of game development as a serious, future-ready career.
What is more, a booming domestic gaming audience. According to Niko Partners 2025 Market Model Reports, India had 475.2 million gamers in 2024, a number expected to climb to 521.2 million in 2025 and nearly 724 million by 2029, growing at a five-year CAGR of 8.8 per cent. This will further create commercial incentives for studios, both Indian and global, to build content tailored to Indian audiences. The demand will be best met by local artists who understand the culture, context, and nuance of what Indian players value.
India’s potential is vast, but realising it requires thoughtful investment in talent development and ecosystem building. Four core areas need focus:
To truly lead the global market in-game art, India must build a strong mentorship ecosystem. Education must align with industry demands, emphasising hands-on, production-ready skills such as 3D modeling, digital sculpting, and proficiency in engines like Unreal and Unity. Partnerships between educational institutions and top studios can facilitate live projects, workshops, and studio visits that prepare students for real-world challenges.
A critical aspect of building a production-ready talent pool is investing in educators. Trainers’ compensation must be comparable with artist salaries to attract experienced professionals into teaching roles. When senior artists with hands-on production experience become trainers, students benefit from real-world knowledge. Additionally, regular “Train the Trainer” programs are essential to help keep trainers aligned with current industry standards.
India must encourage the growth of local game development communities—forums where artists, designers, and developers can share work, receive feedback, and learn from one another. Events like game jams, portfolio reviews, and mentorship circles can be powerful enablers to ensure diverse talent gets the resources it needs.
Government support for skill development in-game art must begin at the grassroots level. Expanding access to high-quality education is key – through the establishment of specialised academies in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, offering regionally tailored learning pathways, and integrating industry-aligned curricula. Standardised certification frameworks, developed in partnership with national skill councils and industry stakeholders, will ensure training is consistent and job-ready.
What sets India apart is more than just talent—it’s the unique cultural lens with which Indian game artists can contribute to global game development. From intricate folk art and mythology to reimagined traditional motifs, Indian artists can offer visual worlds that are both fresh and deeply meaningful. As studios here begin building original IPs, this cultural perspective can become a true differentiator in the global market.
India is poised to evolve from a trusted support hub into a global center of creative excellence in game development. While its contribution to international titles continues, a growing emphasis on nurturing homegrown IPs, investing in talent pipelines, and embracing cultural inspiration marks the path forward.
The dynamism of India’s video game industry – powered by its young, skilled, and ambitious creative talent – is the answer to the world’s growing demand for top-tier game art. The opportunity is here. The momentum is real. The future is for India’s young game artists to shape.
(This article has been contributed by Lakshya Digital founder and CEO Manvendra Shukul, and AnimationXpress does not necessarily subscribe to these views.)