Five Panels You Can’t Afford to Miss at IGDC 2025

The India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) returns to Chennai from Nov. 5–7, 2025, marking its seventeenth edition as India’s flagship gathering for creators, studios, and investors. This year’s event features over 150 sessions and global speakers, but these five standout panels offer actionable takeaways and high-impact connections. For anyone wanting to understand where Indian gaming is headed next, bookmark these must-attend moments.

Indian Gaming Market Status Quo

• Nov 5, Hall 1, 14:00-14:45
• Speakers: Aditya Swamy (Google), Pawas Shrivastava (Gameberry Labs), Sean Hyun Sohn (Krafton), Aakash Kumar (Matrix Partners/DeVC), Visesh K (Moonfrog Labs)
• Moderator: Imtiaz Hussain (Fanime)

If you want fast-track market knowledge at IGDC Chennai, this session features voices from tech giants and leading studios. Expect exclusive data and candid assessments of India’s gaming industry post-pandemic, which is crucial for startups, publishers, and investors looking for the lay of the land.

From Curiosity to Conviction: Global Investors on India’s Gaming Future

• Nov 5, Hall 1, 14:45-15:30
• Yasushi Komori (GFR Fund), Walter Paleari (Makers Fund), Tomoharu Urabe (MIXI Global Investments), Etsuko Horie (SEGA)
• Moderator: Vivek Ramachandran (Gameramp)

International venture capitalists share why India is now a “must-watch” gaming market. Founders get a window into funding challenges, risks, and what global VCs want in rising Indian game companies.

Leading With Intelligence: How Gaming Companies are Shaping Their AI Roadmaps

• Nov 5, Hall 4, 14:50-15:45
• Speakers: Amit Agrawal (Techno Digital), Sudhanshu Kumar (Keywords Studios), Deepak MV (Nazara), Sameer Pitalwalla (Google)
• Moderator: Vatsal Bharadwaj (Jabali)

AI’s impact on gaming takes center stage. Hear from companies integrating algorithms in game design, player engagement, and operations. The panel is ideal for devs and tech leads looking to harness AI tools and navigate new ethical territory.

Beyond the Arena: The Convergence of Sports and Esports

• Nov 7, Hall 1, 14:45-15:30
• Tim Cruickshank (Winners Alliance), Akshat Rathee (Nodwin Gaming), Parth Chadha (Stan), Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude
• Moderator: Vignesh Raghuram (Outlook Respawn)

Discover how legacy sports brands and the booming esports scene are blending in India. Timely for marketers and creators, this panel shows how cricket and gaming are producing crossover audiences and collaboration opportunities.

Fuelled by Passion: Indie Creators Building India’s Originals

• Nov 7, Hall 2, 14:30-15:15
• Shrey Kachhap (Psypher Interactive), Venkatesh Muskam (Rudrac Games), Shashank Singh (Xod Games), Manali Kanungo (MindYourLogic Studios)
• Moderator: Laxmi Khanolkar (Apar Games)

Closing out IGDC, this session celebrates India’s indie innovators. Devs share the challenges and triumphs of bootstrapping games, offering practical advice and inspiration for anyone forging their own creative path.