How Indian Developers Became the Leading Choice for Global Gaming Studios

From developing role-playing games to rummy and first-person shooter to battle royale games, Indian game developers are the hot property in the gaming world. This reputation is built on a solid legacy as well. Around two decades ago, Indian game development studio, IndiaGames, attracted interest from the likes of Cisco and Walt Disney. The latter went on to buy a 100% stake in the studio in 2011.

Be it laying down the foundations of rummy game rules or bringing a shooter game’s narrative to life, Indian developers have been popular among Indian as well as global gaming studios. The domination in information technology, the value arbitrage that overseas studios get in India, and a growing track record are some of the many factors that have resulted in increased collaborations between Indian developers and global studios.

Making Their Presence Felt

Nearly 0.9 billion of the 1.4 billion Indians are below the age of 35. Millions of them opt to study IT in thousands of colleges and institutes. There are nearly 1,800 colleges in the country just for studying a bachelor's degree in computer science. Add the numerous institutes and academies that teach certificate and diploma courses, and this number would multiply.

More than 751 million Indians have internet access, and one can assume that the bulk of these are youngsters. After all, India has the second-largest internet user base in the world. Give the youth internet access and IT education opportunities. What do you get?

India is home to around 15,000 game developers, all of whom are not necessarily employed by the 1,400+ domestic gaming companies. Major players like Microsoft, Nvidia, UbiSoft, Electronic Arts, Disney and Sony have their presence in India. They are collaborating first-hand with highly skilled and talented Indian developers. Not to mention, they can be hired at a much more affordable rate compared to global standards.

What Makes Indian Game Developers Special?

The proficiency of Indian developers has earned them a niche position in the gaming world. They are adept in platforms like .NET, ASP.NET, C#, .NET Core, Python, etc., game engines like OGRE, Unity, and Bink video, and middleware like Autodesk Scaleform. They have the calibre in PC gaming skills like logic implementation, game loop creations, NPC programming, level design implementation, 3D modelling, etc.

The excellence also permeates onto console game requirements, including scripting languages like Lua, the ability to work with different APIs, and proficiency in PhyreEngine, C++ as well as game engines like Unreal, Unity, CryEngine, Snowdrop, Anvil, etc. They are also up to speed in mobile gaming, the biggest vertical in the industry. Their expertise spans Visual C++, J2ME, VB, WAP, etc., graphics software like Macromedia Fireworks and Freehand, and animation software like Maya, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, etc.

India is the Agenda

For many leading gaming studios, collaborations with Indian developers are high on the agenda. Korean game publisher Krafton runs an incubation programme where Indian developers and firms develop exciting gaming ideas under their mentorship. Sony Interactive Entertainment takes a similarly keen interest in budding Indian developers. Their PlayStation India Hero Project is a cohort programme that provides the infrastructure and guidance to promising Indian developers.

Ubisoft is another big player with an Indian presence in Pune and Mumbai. Its Pune team is actively involved in the development of its upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This Indian team has been involved in the development of several AAA games, including Just Dance 2024, Skull and Bones, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, etc.

The presence of expertise and talent cohorts has attracted investors to Indian developers. The involvement of Indian developers in international studios is now complemented by an increasing investor interest in them. In the last two years, 27 Indian game development entities have secured venture capital investments of over $83 million. Many of these developers are working on mid-core and hardcore game projects. This interest is not limited to gaming investors. Many non-gaming-focused investors are also increasing their investments in Indian developers and firms.

Converging on Technicalities

The collaboration between Indian game developers and global entities is not limited to hiring and investments. Indian gaming platforms are getting the best of overseas options for technical expertise. Leading rummy platform, RummyTime, recently partnered with US software firm Moloco for their machine learning expertise. RummyTime is using Moloco’s tailored solution for user acquisition and target optimisation.

Collaborations like this can also confirm that a platform ensures strong adherence to rummy game rules and digital safety while providing an immersive visual experience.

A Rise in Prominence

While the focus on IT has formed the bedrock for game development talent in India, there is a more specific focus on gaming now. Several Indian states are launching Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) centres of excellence and policies. This is backed by a central AVGC mission and the objective of ‘Create in India’ when it comes to gaming and ancillary industries.

Consequently, the rise in prominence of Indian developers could be on the ascendancy for quite some time now.