Gaming and Esports Policies and Initiatives in Indian States

The gaming and esports industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, thanks to a vibrant young population, better internet access, and growing acceptance of competitive gaming as a sport. The National Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, has established a framework aimed at promoting esports while banning real-money gaming for consumer protection. Beyond this national framework, several Indian states have stepped forward with proactive policies, dedicated championships, and development programs designed to nurture talent, provide jobs, and boost the country’s position as a global gaming hub.

Karnataka: Championing AVGC-XR Growth

Karnataka is a clear leader in promoting the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector. Its latest five-year AVGC policy spanning 2024-2029 represents the third consecutive term for this focused effort. Karnataka aims to establish itself as a global pioneer in emerging AVGC-XR technologies by 2029. 

The policy offers financial incentives for animation films and series while integrating gaming and esports development, with grants supporting game creation, XR applications, and talent incubation. Bengaluru, the state capital and a tech hub, benefits from workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborations with industry leaders, strengthening Karnataka’s capacity to capitalize on India’s rapidly expanding $3 billion AVGC market expected to grow to $26 billion by 2030. The state’s involvement in major global esports events such as GAFX highlights its rising prominence in the sector.

Maharashtra: Partnership With IGPDA

Maharashtra is rapidly developing as a key player in India's gaming and esports industry, with strong support from both government and private sectors. The state has seen initiatives encouraging startups and technology hubs, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, which are emerging as centers for digital innovation. Maharashtra’s government policies promote investments in game development, esports tournaments, and skill-building programs.

A significant recent development is Maharashtra's partnership with the Indian Game Publishers and Developers Association (IGPDA), a new industry body formed by nine India-based developers and publishers. The IGPDA aims to foster the creation of original made-in-India intellectual property (IP), enhance skill-building across the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) value chain, and position India as a producer of globally competitive AAA gaming titles.

Under this partnership, IGPDA and the Maharashtra government intend to collaborate to make Mumbai a global games hub by attracting gaming companies to the state through policy support. The alliance focuses on driving strategic investments, fostering global partnerships, and accelerating infrastructure and technology initiatives. Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, along with his chief advisor Kaustubh Dhavse, have expressed strong support for this initiative.

Rajasthan: State-Level Esports Championship

Rajasthan has taken remarkable steps to formally integrate esports within its sports ecosystem, despite lacking a dedicated esports federation. The Rajasthan State Esports Championship (RSEC) 2025, organized jointly by the Rajasthan Youth Board and AA Gaming, offers college students from all districts a platform to compete in popular titles like BGMI, Counter-Strike 2, eCricket, and eFootball. 

The championship presents a structured format from open qualifiers to finals, livestreamed to grow viewership. Beyond competition, RSEC emphasizes education about gaming techniques, game development basics, career pathways, mental health, teamwork, and professional conduct. This inaugural government-backed event serves as a foundational move to nurture grassroots esports talent in Rajasthan.

Tamil Nadu: From Grassroots to Global Championships

Tamil Nadu has positioned itself as a rising gaming and esports powerhouse. The state received the 'State Contribution to the Esports Industry' award at GAFX 2025, reflecting its pioneering stance. Esports made a debut at the Chief Minister's Trophy Games in 2024, engaging over 1.5 million participants and viewers. Building on this momentum, Tamil Nadu announced the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CeGC) slated for late 2025, aiming to host top international esports teams in Chennai. 

The state’s regulatory framework supports esports and free-to-play games like BGMI but restricts real-money gaming under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. Tamil Nadu’s balanced approach seeks to foster skill-based gaming while curbing addiction risks, supporting its vision to become a leading Indian gaming capital through infrastructure development and competitive leagues.

Nagaland: Task Force and Skill-Building Focus

Nagaland has created a dedicated task force in 2025 to promote the AVGC-XR ecosystem and formulate related policies and incentives. With active participation in national youth sports events like the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Nagaland underscores institutional backing for esports. The state organizes practical skill development workshops in partnership with industry bodies such as CII and leverages programs like KRAFTON’s India Incubation to support aspiring game developers. Nagaland’s existing laws also incorporate licensing and regulatory mechanisms distinguishing skill-based games, positioning it as a promising digital innovation hub in Northeast India.

Bihar: Integrating Esports into Education and Sports

Bihar is aggressively leveraging esports as a youth development and employment tool. The state’s esports policy under the sports department integrates competitive gaming into school and college curricula to build digital skills. Hosting landmark events such as the Bihar State Esports Open Championship and the National Esports Championship in 2025, Bihar emphasizes infrastructure development and talent scouting. Collaborations with esports industry players like Fnatic strengthen its ecosystem, signaling Bihar’s intent to be a key driver of India’s esports revolution.

Telangana: IMAGE Policy and Broader Sports Integration

Telangana’s IMAGE Policy, part of the Digital Telangana initiative since 2016, supports Multimedia, Animation, Gaming, and Entertainment sectors, including game development. Hyderabad, the state capital, has grown as a gaming and esports hub through these efforts. The Telangana Sports Policy 2025 includes ambitions for esports development supported by institutions like the Young India Sports University. Discussions around esports-specific regulations, including taxation on winnings and hosting Khelo India events, reflect the state’s progressive stance. Telangana encourages private investment to build robust esports infrastructure.

Kerala: Government-Esports Partnerships

Kerala has formed partnerships with organizations such as NoScope Gaming India and Beta Group to launch Kerala Esports Apex (KEA), a state-supported platform to organize tournaments and promote skill development. This initiative reflects Kerala’s increasing government engagement in esports to nurture community building and competitive gaming culture.

India’s decentralized approach to esports and gaming reflects diverse regional strengths, with these states leading through tailored policies and programs. From Karnataka’s ambitious AVGC growth to Tamil Nadu’s international championships and Bihar’s focus on education, the industry’s expansion is well supported at state levels. Such initiatives complement the 2025 national legislation, securing India’s future as a global gaming powerhouse through sustainable growth and talent development.