Highlights
- IGDC’s 18th edition runs from October 28 to 31 at the Chennai Trade Centre.
- Conference sessions take place on October 28–29, followed by IGDC Playground on October 30–31.
- The programme includes an Indie 60 showcase, investor-publisher meetings and more than 100 speakers, according to organisers.
The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) will host the 18th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) from October 28 to 31, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre. Powered by ELCOT, with Nazara Technologies, KRAFTON India and Tencent as partners, the event will bring together developers, publishers, investors and players.
Organisers expect more than 10,000 attendees across the four-day event. The latest programme announcements advertise more than 100 speakers, alongside exhibitions featuring Indian and international studios.
What to Expect at IGDC 2026
The business conference on October 28 and 29 will feature sessions covering game design, storytelling, programming, technology, production, publishing and investment.
The Indie 60 showcase will spotlight independent developers and studios, giving participants space to demonstrate their games and connect with industry professionals. Separate initiatives include a Women Gamemakers showcase and a Women in Gaming Networking Breakfast organised with Lakshya Digital.
Investor–Publisher Connect will facilitate meetings between game studios, publishers and investors. The event announcement named 32 participating organisations, with more expected to join. These include:
- Publishers: Devolver Digital, Voodoo, Headup, Miniclip and KRAFTON.
- Indian gaming companies: Nazara Technologies and Felicity Games.
- Investors: Lumikai, Makers Fund, Elevation and Prime Venture Partners.
Curated one-to-one meetings are subject to selection, and selected participants must hold a valid IGDC pass.
On October 30 and 31, IGDC Playground will open to players and creators, offering opportunities to try games from Indian studios and meet their developers. Conference tickets also include Playground access.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, GDAI Chairperson Sridhar Muppidi said the event brings together the association’s work on business opportunities, developer training and government engagement. He said the public showcase would broaden the audience for Indian games.
India’s gaming market and Chennai’s role
India’s mobile gaming market is projected to generate $2.4 billion in annual revenue by 2029, according to MIXI Global Investments’ India’s State of Play report. The estimate covers in-app purchases and advertising in mobile games, excluding real-money gaming.
IGDC returns to Chennai following its 2025 edition, during which the Tamil Nadu government signed memoranda of understanding with Nazara Technologies, Lakshya Digital and Reliance Games.
ELCOT Managing Director B. Vishnu Chandran said in the announcement that Tamil Nadu aims to develop local talent and attract domestic and international investment in animation, visual effects, gaming and comics.
IGDC 2026 tickets and pricing
IGDC’s advertised ticket options include:
- Delegate Early Bird — ₹1,500: Access to the October 28–29 conference, sessions and expo floor, after-party entry and networking lounges, plus IGDC Playground on October 30–31.
- Business Pass — ₹65,000: Four-day event access, including the conference and Playground, with additional benefits such as pre-event mixer entry and speaker-lounge access.
- IGDC Playground — ₹299 for one day or ₹500 for both days: Access to the public gaming event on October 30–31.
Prices and ticket availability may change. Readers should check the official registration page for current rates, applicable charges and pass inclusions.
