India’s gaming industry continues to face challenges in securing the capital and publishing support needed to scale up, according to GameDev Outlook 2026, a report launched by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) at the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) in Chennai.
The report found that around 75% of game developers identified access to capital or publishing investment as a barrier to growth. The finding highlights a key concern for Indian studios seeking to expand their operations, develop new titles and compete with established gaming companies in international markets.
Funding and Publishing Support Remain Key Concerns
The report was developed in partnership with PhonePe Appstore, with research partner The Dialogue. It examines structural challenges facing Indian game developers and outlines priorities for building globally competitive studios.
Access to funding can influence a studio’s ability to hire skilled professionals, invest in technology, improve game design and support a title after launch. Publishing partnerships can also help developers reach larger audiences through marketing, distribution and platform access.
For smaller studios and independent developers, these resources may be particularly important as they work to turn creative concepts into commercially sustainable products. Limited access to investment can make it harder to maintain development timelines, experiment with new ideas or compete for talent.
Building Globally Competitive Indian Game Studios
The report’s focus on structural challenges points to the broader requirements for strengthening India’s game-development ecosystem. While a strong talent base and creative ideas can support the industry, developers also need access to sustainable financing, publishing opportunities and routes to domestic and international markets.
A stronger ecosystem could help studios move beyond individual projects and build businesses capable of developing and supporting games over the long term. Collaboration among developers, investors, publishers and digital platforms may therefore play an important role in improving the industry’s prospects.
For businesses operating in gaming and related digital sectors, financial planning and operational discipline can also support sustainable growth. Appropriate business advisory services can help companies assess expansion plans, manage resources and evaluate commercial risks as they develop their operations.
Industry Priorities Beyond Funding
The report was launched at IGDC in Chennai, bringing attention to the investment and ecosystem issues affecting Indian game developers. Its findings suggest that improving access to capital and publishing support remains a priority for studios seeking to strengthen their market position.
However, funding is only one part of building a competitive industry. Long-term progress also depends on the ability of studios to develop commercially viable products, understand player markets and establish reliable business models.
The report provides a snapshot of the challenges identified by developers. Further details about its recommendations, methodology and other findings would be needed to assess the full range of measures proposed for the sector.
As India’s gaming ecosystem evolves, the ability to connect creative talent with investment, publishing networks and sustainable business practices will remain important to the growth of locally developed games and studios with international ambitions.