Telangana Government Commits To Strengthening AVGC Sector Amid Rapid Industry Growth

At the India Gaming Convention 2024, Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Industries & Commerce of Telangana, outlined initiatives aimed at bolstering the state's Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector. With a workforce of approximately 35,000 across 150 companies, Telangana is positioning itself as a key player in the global AVGC landscape.

Ranjan stated that Telangana has implemented a dedicated AVGC policy since 2016, with ongoing investments in high-quality infrastructure. The upcoming IMAGE Tower, spanning 1.6 million square feet, will provide production facilities and training resources for talent in gaming, VFX and animation, serving as a collaborative space for industry professionals.

The IMAGE Accelerator program, a joint initiative between the Telangana government and the Government of India, supports startups by offering premium co-working spaces and access to vital industry resources, including mentorship and funding opportunities. Many of the participating companies in this program are focused on gaming.

Addressing concerns about online gaming, Ranjan talked about the potential negative impacts and stated that the government is taking steps to implement technology-enabled regulations. A draft law has been developed to address these challenges in line with national standards.

Ranjan also invited industry stakeholders to the India Game Developers Conference scheduled for 13 to 15 November, 2024, in Hyderabad, encouraging collaboration and engagement within the sector.

The Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association (TVAGA) plays a critical role in establishing industry norms and addressing high attrition rates. Ranjan also stated the need for ongoing industry feedback to ensure that the game development curriculum remains relevant to current market demands.