Highlights:
* The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR will provide training-cum-learning programs and also help other companies in the sector.
* Anchoring the AVGC-XR ecosystem of India, the NCoE aims to grow both domestically and internationally, by focusing on cutting-edge technology.
On September 18, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, approved a proposal for the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR). It will deliver specialized training-cum-learning programs to amateurs and professionals while fostering research and development for potential breakthroughs in the AVGC-XR fields. A stride in enhancing India’s position as a global media and entertainment sector, the new establishment will also help new and early-stage companies develop in the animation, VFX, gaming, comic, or XR fields, by providing necessary resources.
National Centre of Excellence Heralds The Growth Of The AVGC-XR Industry In India
According to a press release, the National Centre of Excellence aims to create India’s Intellectual Property (IP) for domestic and international outreach. The created content will be rooted in the nation’s historical and cultural heritage. An example is SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale, an indo-futuristic shooter in early access. CEO of SuperGaming, Roby John, mentioned that the creation of India’s IP, one that highlights the cultural richness of the land, echoes their motives because they are developing the most ambitious Made-In-India BR game.
The National Centre of Excellence is in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative as it will boost the local sectors of content creation. Apart from focusing on cutting-edge technology that boosts foreign investments, NCoE for the AVGC-XR industry will also create more employment in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated their goals in a post on X.
The National Centre of Excellence will be established in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in accordance with the principles laid by the AVGC-XR Task Force. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated during a press conference:-
“AVGC-XR sector today plays an indispensable role in the entire realm of Media and Entertainment including filmmaking, Over The Top (OTT) platforms, gaming, advertisements and several other areas including health, education and other social sectors thereby encompassing the overall structure of the country’s growth story. With rapidly evolving technology and increasing internet penetration all across the country, coupled with one of the cheapest data rates, the usage of AVGC-XR globally is poised to grow at an exponential pace. To keep up with this brisk pace, the National Centre of Excellence is being established to act as the pinnacle institution to anchor the AVGC-XR ecosystem in the country,””
PM Modi has interacted with Indian esports personalities like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Payal Dhare (Payal Gaming), and Naman Mathur (Mortal). He shared his visions and plans with the Indian gamers. Following the news of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR, Animesh Agarwal, CEO and Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, said that the NCoE was “absolutely commendable” because it will “serve as a platform for young enthusiasts across the country by providing them access to the latest technology, valuable mentorship, and guidance to be able to upskill and enter this industry.”
CyberPowerPC, one of the top companies specializing in gaming computers, recently opened its stores in India. CEO Vishal Parekh was thrilled to hear about the NCoE and, given that India is poised for exponential growth in the AVGC-XR sector, he is willing to contribute towards it with CyberPowerPC India. He appreciated the support of the government in the animation and gaming industry.
The National Centre of Excellence caters to the youth of India. NODWIN Gaming, which has been spearheading Indian gaming, esports, and entertainment with various IPs, will get a major boost with the help of the NCoE. Co-founder and Managing Director Akshat Rathee remarked that the establishment will lead to the growth of their IPs such as Comic Con India, DreamHack India, and BGMS “by creating skilled professionals by nurturing creativity through cutting edge technologies and expert mentorship.”
