IGPDA to Media: Stop Confusing RMG with the Video Game Industry

The Indian Game Publishers & Developers Association (IGPDA) has issued a crucial advisory to media outlets across the country: stop referring to Real-Money Gaming (RMG) operators as "gaming companies". This urgent plea follows a recent wave of regulatory actions taken against various RMG platforms. The industry body has warned that mixing up betting platforms with legitimate video game developers is causing significant harm to the reputation of India’s creative technology sector.

The association emphasized a critical distinction that has already been acknowledged by the Government of India. The IGPDA pointed out that RMG platforms function entirely within a financial and betting framework, where the primary activity revolves around monetary stakes. In sharp contrast, the video game industry belongs to India’s creative, entertainment, and technology ecosystem. According to the IGPDA, these are two completely separate industries with vastly different objectives, audiences, and regulatory environments.

Misclassification Harms the Industry

The IGPDA expressed deep concern that misclassification in news headlines and reports is causing collateral damage to the actual video gaming industry. When betting apps are broadly labelled as "gaming", it negatively impacts the developers, studios, designers, and engineers who are working hard to build original Indian intellectual property. 

This confusion also affects esports professionals and creators who are fuelling the nation’s digital creative economy rather than the gambling sector.

To rectify this issue, the IGPDA has formally requested that editors, journalists, and commentators adopt accurate terminology. They are urging the use of the term "RMG operators" instead of "gaming companies" when covering news related to betting platforms. 

The organization stated that this clarity is essential to protect the integrity, reputation, and future success of India’s legitimate video game industry. The IGPDA remains committed to working alongside the government and media partners to ensure the creative gaming ecosystem is represented correctly.