How IGDC 2026 is changing the game for Indian and global developers

In which direction is the gaming industry in India developing, and why can the largest conference, IGDC, become a turning point for the entire region? Even now, thousands of professionals are closely following the preparations for IGDC 2026, expecting new discoveries, partnerships, and breakthrough projects. What is driving the scale of interest, and how does this event affect the entire industry landscape — let’s take a closer look.

How the conference became the center of the industry

The India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) was first held more than 15 years ago. Its main goal is to create a unified platform for knowledge exchange and support of the domestic industry. According to the Game Developer Association of India, it is thanks to IGDC that new professional communities have emerged, and the number of indie studios has been steadily increasing every year.

Comparing IGDC to such venues as GDC in the USA, experts note its unique Asian focus and orientation toward rapidly developing markets (source: Game Conference Guide). The Indian conference has become a bridge between young developers, investors, engineers, publishers, and business partners.

Over the past three years, the number of IGDC participants has almost doubled, and the list of speakers has been supplemented by well-known international experts (indiagdc.com). This growth indicates the increasing influence of the conference on the global industry.

Key formats and opportunities for participants

IGDC traditionally offers a wide range of opportunities for professional and creative growth:

• Exhibitions of game projects and studios, where you can test new products and ideas
• Specialized thematic tracks: programming, game design, visual arts, business models, modern tools
• Lectures and master classes featuring recognized experts from India and other countries
• Competitions, awards, and pitch sessions that give a chance to present your projects and receive funding
• Networking: dedicated sections for meetings between developers and investors, spaces for indie teams to communicate

In addition to video games, next year the organizers will for the first time offer the opportunity to try demo versions of some popular gambling games, including crash games. For example, at a special booth, you will be able to play LuckyJet, which, rumor has it, may become one of the sponsors of the exhibition. To find out what this game is, you can launch it for free at any online casino without registration. You can find here and see the full list.

In 2025, IGDC gathered more than 5,000 participants, including representatives of studios, investors, technology companies, and educational institutions (indiagdc.com, Global Game Jam). This format allows for solving various tasks: from finding teams to concluding strategic deals.

Why 2026 could be special for IGDC and the industry

Several key factors make the upcoming conference unique. First, there is a sharp increase in interest in innovative approaches: among the expected innovations are the integration of AR/VR, new educational programs, and the emergence of special sections for startups.

According to Rohit Sharma, a leading GDAI expert, “IGDC 2026 will be the largest and boldest experiment in history, opening the way for even more young teams and international investors.”

A special role is played by the possible change of the event location. After the move of IGDC 2025 to the Chennai Trade Centre, the expansion of geography and coverage of new regions is being discussed. This could stimulate the development of the industry not only in major cities but also beyond them (The Times of India).

Support for new participants is manifested through expanded incubation programs, mentoring, as well as special grants for young studios. Such multi-level support significantly increases the chances of success and growth for new projects.

Why should foreigners pay attention?

IGDC has long become a hub for international companies and experts. For foreign studios and investors, new prospects open up here:

• Access to one of the fastest-growing mobile and online gaming markets
• Finding new partners and specialists unique to the Asian region
• Technology exchange, participation in joint pitch sessions and panel discussions
• Integration into the global network of professional contacts and collaborations

In 2024, according to LinkedIn, the first agreements between Indian and European studios on joint development of mobile projects were concluded at IGDC. Such examples demonstrate the tangible impact of the conference on the global market.

Main topics and trends of IGDC 2026: what to discuss and what to learn

The organizers have already announced the main directions of the future program:

• Indie development and creation of unique IP (intellectual property)
• AR/VR and immersive games — new formats immersing the player in interactive reality
• Cross-platform solutions that allow games to run simultaneously on multiple devices
• Engagement of educational institutions — master classes and professional courses for students
• New models of cooperation between business, government, and research centers

The term “immersive games” refers to products that maximally capture the user’s attention, providing unusual forms of interaction with the virtual world. Such directions require new competencies, which makes educational programs especially relevant.

The challenges for young studios, as noted by the organizers, are related to finding funding and a shortage of personnel. At IGDC, much attention is paid to discussing these problems, and real support mechanisms are offered.

How IGDC helps launch successful projects and careers

For many participants, the conference has become a launching pad. For example, the studio Gameshastra first presented its mobile puzzle at IGDC 2018 and six months later found an investor among international partners.

According to the director of Indie Prize India, “IGDC is an incubator for ideas where startups get their first chance to be noticed.”

Master classes and case studies allow young developers not only to learn but also to build long-term professional connections.