The huge immersive 3D realm of the Metaverse has generated a lot of discussion because of what it can contribute to civilization. Metaverse will be the key to the door leading to the web3 transition, where the physical and digital worlds will collide. It has become essential to understand what opportunities and difficulties there will be, and how it will affect the globe moving forward. How will it produce a strong and sustainable landscape for all.

In recent years, the video game business has expanded its presence and no longer has a niche presence. The industry has been built up by the growing number of players and diversity of games offered online. It is now at a point where an increasing number of people want to make a career out of games. How are the brands tapping into this industry? How can companies support the evolving marketplace?

With the increase in fans, players, teams, and organisers, the Indian esports industry has come of age. Not only that, but non-indigenous businesses are showing a lot of interest in collaborations and partnerships, which has further bolstered the sector to maintain its growth curve. Today, Indian esports is a billion dollar industry. Resuming LAN events after the pandemic and holding amateur competitions would further encourage player’s involvement and viewership growth. The FICCY EY June report's prediction that the Indian esports market will reach Rs 11 Billion by FY 2025 may prove to be accurate.

Gamers have long been accustomed to either purchasing or winning in-game rewards. With the development of Web3, it is conceivable that the in-game economy will eventually surpass the real-world economy in value. NFT stands for the actual ownership and ownership visibility of exclusive assets, which will become an integral feature of games as the nation gets ready for the Web 3.

Ashish Kulkarni embarked on his journey in the field of arts and media in 1995, and is the founder of Punnaryug Artvision. Ashish is also the Chairman of the AVGC forum at FICCI and MCCIA, and has been persistently engaged with AVGC policy makers in India at central and state levels.

In the last two decades, Ashish's push for state level policies inclusive of AVGC skill development and creation has allowed for their successful implementation under IT ITES policies or independent AVGC policies in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP, Telangana, Goa, MP, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Kerala. Moreover, states like UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat are actively considering the formation of AVGC policies to promote creative skill development and job creation.

I live and breathe video games, having worked in a variety of roles from retail to game development with a focus on result-driven strategies and return on investment.

An alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and a post graduate from the Xavier’s Institute of Communication, Mumbai, Sharmilee Daru is a pioneer of focused and curated, successful communication for gaming solutions in the country and is one of the most noted names in the space.

With a proven track record of establishing gaming as a formidable niche in the media, Sharmilee Daru branched out to etch more success stories. She recently launched 4WD Gaming, the first of its kind specialised gaming PR and marketing consultancy in the country for Indian and international brands. She believes in the seamless merger of gaming into the Indian mainstream ecosystem while enabling sectoral growth.

Managing the communication mandate for Nazara Technologies Ltd., allowed Sharmilee Daru to set the path for the gaming PR ecosystem in the country. She has been instrumental to Nazara’s growth story. Starting the corporate communication department for a gaming company seemed far fetched in March 2016. Architecting plans and strong execution, while managing reputation, she saw the company through the public listing process. Today, it stands as India’s only listed online skill-based gaming firm enabling her to be among the pioneers for gaming communication in the country.

Being among the early adopters and proponents of gaming communication, she has seen the industry evolve. Be it the ongoing battle for regulation and skill based real money gaming, or the introduction of Web3, among other trends setting in - she has an advantage in all gaming categories. Be it fantasy sports, esports, sports media, gamified learning, real money or casual gaming, she has managed to gain a strong foothold in the overall Indian gaming ecosystem.

With more than two decades of experience in the communication space, Sharmilee Daru has been instrumental in creating successful brands by providing guidance, training and strategic direction. From consulting with big names of the industry like RIL and HUL to emerging gaming start-ups, her experience as a communication advisor with a sharp eye for detail and strong domain knowledge has culminated in the inception of 4WD Gaming.

When she is not working, she loves to spend her time horse riding, swimming or at the gym.

Best known as the father of the Indian gaming industry, Vishal Gondal sold his first entrepreneurial venture India Games to Walt Disney. A health and fitness enthusiast, he runs marathons, treks and goes ski diving. A notable angel investor, Vishal was listed among the top 50 executives in the mobile content space by the UK based 'Mobile Entertainment' Magazine alongside noted people like Steve Jobs. His passion for technology, fitness & gaming led him to his next venture’ GOQii’ which is focused on helping people make a change towards a healthier lifestyle and be the force of good. Currently, he brings his knowledge and love for interviewing people to a whole you platform by hosting a podcast series ‘Beneath the Force: The Vishal Gondal Show, he has conversations with personalities from various walks of life providing a sneak peek into their fascinating lives while in his own style.

Vishal Gondal is best known as the father of the Indian gaming industry. He sold his first entrepreneurial venture, India Games, to the Walt Disney Company. He is the founder of GOQii and nCORE Games, driving innovation across the gaming and healthcare sectors.