Priyank Kharge: The Gaming Industry Could Drive Employment Growth

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge spotlighted the possibility of increased employment in the gaming industry and long-term benefits to the economy by assisting regulatory framework to it. 

On Tuesday, Kharge participated in the Indian Gaming Convention (IGC) held at Taj Palace in New Delhi.

He Spotlighted that the market for the gaming industry in the country is estimated to be around Rs 16,500 crore and has the possibility to grow much more.

"Our market is estimated to be close to around Rs 16,500 crores and in the next four to five years it has great potential to reach up to Rs 34,000 crores. Directly and indirectly, it can create another 2,50,000 jobs in this sector," he told ANI.

He added that establishing a regulatory framework for the industry could lead to increased employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits.

"If we can provide a regulatory framework for the gaming industry, I am sure it will create a lot of jobs and will benefit the economy in the long run. I think the central government and state government need to take this seriously. (They should) push more for responsible gaming, push more for skilling in this sector, and provide a conducive environment. As of now India has around 44 crore gamers, and we have more than 2000 startups in this sector. This will create jobs and benefit the economy in the long run," he said.

Describing Karnataka as the "innovation and skilling capital of the country," he also emphasized the numerous centers for animation, visual effects, and other related fields established in the state.

"Karnataka is the innovation and skilling capital of the nation. We have set up centers of excellence in animation, visual effects, and graphics. We are also looking at a gaming accelerator. So by default since we are the technology capital we also become the gaming capital. We intend to anchor skilling and innovation in this sector, probably in the next 2-3 years you will see a lot of global IPs being produced from the state," he added.