Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, declared that by March 2023, Shillong, Meghalaya, would be home to India’s very first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for online gaming.

The Software Technology Parks of India will build the CoE under the Digital India Start-up Hub (STPI). In 1991, the MeitY established the STPI as an independent society in the fields of science & technology for such developments.

Boost to gaming in the North-East

In the post-Covid era, having digital skills is now essential for success. Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, the MeitY is re-launching Skill India in light of the importance of digital skills in the modern world. It is important to note that the Ministry of Electronics and IT has just posted a draft revision to the IT Rules 2021 about online gaming for public discussion.

Skills are indeed the new Passport to Prosperity, according to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who made the remark at the presentation in Shillong. He continued by saying that having the right talents is crucial for utilizing the many chances that are accessible. Under PMKVY 4.0, MeitY aims to train about 1,00,000 youngsters across multiple northeastern states.

The Centre of Excellence

In addition, he announced that the Ministry of Electronics & IT would establish a cutting-edge facility within the National Institute of Electronics & IT (NIELIT) in Shillong to offer training in the most recent Digital Skills. For this reason, a 10-acre campus that will soon meet the skill-training needs of young people in the North East Region will be ready.

The Next Gen Online Gaming Ecosystem is anticipated to be built by start-ups and businessmen from the entire North East Region with the help of the Centre of Excellence in Shillong. Shillong, Kohima, and other regions of North East India must produce the next generation of start-ups & business owners. Giving young people in the North East Region digital skills will help them take advantage of job & entrepreneurship opportunities in the rapidly growing digital economy.

Infrastructural Development in the North-East

The North-East region has seen the implementation of numerous initiatives by the government. For example, the government has set a deadline of 500 days to establish full telecom access in the region by the end of 2023 to speed up communication with the region.

According to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region’s (MDoNRE) year-end report, since 2014, Rs. 3,466 crores have been spent on enhancing telecom connection. Additionally, 4,525 villages in the area now have 4G access thanks to the cabinet.

According to the report, almost Rs. 190 crores have been used to improve the region’s infrastructure for skill development. Additionally, 165,801 individuals have received training through various programmes, and 193 innovative skill development institutions have been established. Additionally, the cabinet has approved the continuance of MDoNRE programmes with an expenditure of Rs. 12882.2 crores for the remaining time under the 15th Finance Commission (2022-23 to 2025-26).

A summary of the Initiatives

• The Shillong Center of Excellence will inspire start-ups and businesspeople from Northeast India to create the next-generation online gaming ecosystem.
• Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) brings Online gaming-related proposed revisions to the IT Rules 2021 for public comment.
• To provide digital skills training, MeitY will erect a cutting-edge facility within the National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) in Shillong. This will soon be ready on a 10-acre complex.
• Through PMKVY 4.0, the government is restarting Skill India, offering skill development chances to 50,000 Meghalayan youngsters.

Online Gaming in India

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) & Sequoia India report estimates that the Indian mobile gaming market will be worth $5 Billion in 2025, making it one of the major marketplaces for the gaming industry. However, the availability of violent and unrestrained content in online games is the other side of the coin. Thus, according to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MeitY has submitted the draft modifications to the IT Rules 2021 with respect to Online Gaming for public input. According to the proposed reforms, online gaming companies will have to register and can only lawfully operate in the nation after receiving official approval.

Additionally, as new entertainment gaming genres flood the market, the business has more phases to advance through. 507 million gamers were active in India in FY 2022, according to Lumikai research. By FY 2025, there may be 700 million gamers worldwide if the current growth rate continues. In addition to being a significant market for online gaming, India is also home to over 900 gaming companies.

Conclusion

Establishing a Centre of Excellence in Shillong is a great step towards developing the gaming industry in India. It will create amazing opportunities for existing as well as potential gamers. We hope to see similar initiatives in the future to help grow the industry in our country!