India's Gaming Industry Body Pivots to Focus on Esports

• CII’s gaming arm rebrands as IDGES to prioritize esports in India.
• IDGES suggests dedicated funding and various talent development initiatives.
• Proposed ₹500-crore fund aims to boost India’s esports ecosystem.

India's apex industry chamber, the Confederation of Indian Industry, has overhauled its flagship gaming initiative to keep pace with a rapidly changing market. The Indian Digital Gaming Society, established in 2018 as a nonprofit platform for developers, publishers and policymakers, will now operate as the Indian Digital Gaming & Esports Society, officials announced at the group's annual meeting. The shift is designed to put competitive gaming at the center of its agenda.

What Does IDGES entail? 

The rebrand of CII's gaming arm marks the first major restructuring of the body since its inception. By explicitly including "Esports" in its name, the Indian Digital Gaming & Esports Society signals a realignment of priorities amid rising viewership, international tournaments in India, and a policy push to treat esports separately from online gambling.

The announcement drew more than 60 delegates including government officials, gaming firms, esports organizations and academia to the annual meeting, highlighting a collaborative approach for the sector's development.

The move reflects a strategic shift to place esports at the forefront of India's digital economy and to align with the government's vision of building a world-class gaming ecosystem.

Alongside the new identity, the society unveiled a roadmap for the structured development of India's esports ecosystem. The plan focuses on grassroots athlete support, industry capacity-building and policy advocacy. The initiative includes a proposed fund of 500 crore rupees ($60 million) and the launch of an "India Gaming Mission," developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Maharashtra government to coordinate efforts across industry, government and academia.

The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure, expand competitive circuits and integrate esports into the national digital entertainment strategy.

At the meeting, senior officials from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and industry leaders emphasized the integration of esports into India's creative economy and digital ecosystem. The society outlined flagship initiatives including talent development programs, infrastructure support such as venues and broadcast facilities, and policy consultations aligned with international esports standards. While these plans are well-defined, key aspects such as timelines, implementation strategies and resource allocation are yet to be finalized. The success of the roadmap depends on execution and coordination among stakeholders.

Industry Welcomes Change Despite Challenges

The rebranding has been welcomed by gaming companies and esports operators, who see it as a timely step. Esports have long shared technology, audiences and monetization strategies with digital gaming. The new focus is expected to sharpen priorities for tournaments, infrastructure, broadcast rights and revenue models.

However, several challenges remain. Implementing ambitious plans such as the proposed 500 crore rupee fund and the "India Gaming Mission" will require careful governance and coordination, particularly given India's uneven gaming infrastructure. Regulatory uncertainty around online gaming and real-money games could affect how esports is classified, regulated or incentivized.

The sector's fragmentation is another concern. Multiple bodies, federations and private tournament organizers operate simultaneously, making it crucial for the society to clarify its role and avoid overlap. Sustainability also poses a challenge. Developing grassroots talent outside major cities and maintaining engagement beyond marquee events will demand ongoing financial and logistical support.