India’s video games industry has welcomed a new government bill that officially separates video games and esports from real money gaming, betting, and gambling platforms.
For years, Indian developers and esports organisers have argued against being grouped with money gaming. The bill directly addresses that concern, though some industry leaders still have additional notes for the government.
Outlier Games CEO Harish Chengaiah called the move overdue recognition. “For the last two years, the singular demand of the Indian video games industry has been recognition and categorisation as a distinct industry, not clubbed with online money games. With the proposed bill, that demand has finally been met, and we thank the Government of India for it.” Chengaiah previously led an industry representation to government, when video game companies submitted a letter urging it to clearly differentiate between “video games” and “real money games.”
Chengaiah also urged three fixes:
- First, swap out “online social games” for “video games” to match with globally used terminology
- Keep regulations light while the local market is still small, sticking with international age rating systems like IARC for now
- Create a separate NIC category for video games, since they are still classified alongside money games under code 58203
Nodwin Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee praised the recognition of esports but flagged language issues. “The government’s intent to recognise and promote esports, as highlighted in the recent bill, is an encouraging step. However, for this vision to truly materialise, it is critical that the terminology used in the bill, particularly the distinctions between esports, online gaming, online social gaming, and online money gaming, be clearly defined and uniformly understood. The absence of precise definitions has often led to ambiguity and conflation around the term ‘esports.’”
Revenant Esports CEO Rohit N Jagasia added that the distinction between esports, video games, and money games is essential for credibility. “Once the detailed provisions are made public, we’ll have a clearer sense of its implications. But it could well mark the start of India’s rise as an international esports leader.”
The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) supported the bill too, citing the need to safeguard users from financial risks while promoting safe, community-driven digital entertainment. “This clarity provides a constructive basis for the sector’s structured growth,” the group said, while pledging to work with regulators on implementation.
Esports Federation of India (ESFI) vice president Lokesh Suji called it a “landmark decision” that finally puts esports on the same pedestal as traditional sports. “By clearly demarcating what constitutes esports and distinguishing it from online gaming, the Bill delivers a huge vindication of our efforts over the years,” he said.
Industry figures also linked the bill to creative growth. Ncore Games co-founder Vishal Gondal said banning RMG would “safeguard our youth while unlocking the future of Indian gaming — driven by original IP, creativity, and Make in India games.” Dot9Games CEO Deepak Ail echoed the sentiment: “Just like Indian movies act as cultural soft power, Indian games too can rise to that level.”
Aftermath Ventures CEO Mansoor “Nabu” Ahmed said the government’s move helps give esports “legitimacy” and lets players focus on “what they do best: performing,” while also creating space for organisations to grow.
Ginger Games CEO Sumit Batheja added that the decision lets studios shift attention back to core business challenges like monetisation and retention. More importantly, he said, it frees them to focus on “building great IP for India and the world.”
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Rayan Sayyed is a staff writer for IGN India with a primary focus on Asian entertainment, spanning from anime, manga, games to films and dramas from the East. You can reach out to him at rayan_sayyed@ign.com, or find him on Twitter/X @rayanaver and Instagram @rayansayyed
