The Volunteer Movement Behind India’s Largest Game Developer Gathering

What began as a modest meet-up in Hyderabad has grown into one of Asia’s leading events for game developers, now aiming to join the ranks of the world’s most prominent gatherings. The India Game Developer Conference (IGDC), expected to host an unprecedented 4,000 attendees this year, has become an essential part of India’s burgeoning gaming industry, attracting investors, developers, and tech leaders from around the world. Its success story is one of community-driven resilience and strategic support, reflecting the growth and promise of India’s gaming sector on the world stage.

We spoke with Sridhar Muppidi, co-founder of mobile game development studio YesGnome and one of IGDC’s lead organizers, to understand the evolution of the conference, its objectives, and what attendees can expect this year as the conference seeks to elevate India's gaming scene to new global heights.

IGDC’s Journey from WhatsApp Roots to Global Recognition

Formerly known as the NASSCOM Game Developer Conference (NGDC), IGDC has played a crucial role in India’s gaming ecosystem for more than 16 years. Established as a volunteer-led initiative under the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the conference initially sought to provide a platform for local developers to connect, learn, and share insights. But propelled by India’s vast talent pool and the dedication of several industry veterans, IGDC has since gained international prominence.

The conference's journey has faced its share of challenges. It began in Hyderabad as part of a larger tech event, briefly moved to Pune, and reached a turning point when NASSCOM decided to step away from video gaming. At that point, NASSCOM handed the reins over to the group of volunteers already involved.

“They said, ‘We can’t support this anymore. Would you guys want to take over?’ We were more than happy to,” explained Sridhar. “Around that time, Hyderabad’s government stepped up, offering financial support, so we returned to Hyderabad. Since then, IGDC has grown to nearly 4,000 attendees, from an original 200. It’s become a significant event, and we’ve managed everything—from a WhatsApp group till recently, with just a couple of weeks each year dedicated to making this happen.”

At IGDC’s core is a dedicated team of over 75 industry veterans, each bringing expertise to organize various aspects of the conference. Leading this volunteer force are individuals like Rajesh Rao, an organizer who has been with the team since inception, alongside committed figures such as Manavinder, Manisha, Anando, Imtiaz, and Shruti. Sridhar emphasizes that he is just one of many volunteers, highlighting a large team of industry veterans who have been with IGDC every step of the way.

Central to the conference’s smooth operation is a compact team led by Machaiah Kalengada, whose work has been crucial to IGDC’s success. Sridhar acknowledges that without Machaiah and his team, IGDC wouldn’t have achieved its current scale. With this combination of expertise and dedication, IGDC has grown significantly, reflecting the rapid expansion of India’s gaming sector.

Despite IGDC’s growth, its mission remains the same: to foster community and make the conference accessible to Indian developers who may not have the means to attend costly international events. 

Sridhar MuppidiI used to travel often to the U.S. and even spoke at GDC in San Francisco around 12 to 15 years ago. At some point, you stop attending sessions because the tickets are so costly, and it becomes about the meetings you can arrange across different hotels—Marriott, W, Ritz, Intercontinental. In those two to three days, the networking is invaluable. I always thought not everyone can afford that kind of travel, so why not create something in India where people don’t need to leave to make those connections?”

IGDC today draws not only India’s game development community but also a growing roster of international participants. The conference has become a fixture on India’s gaming calendar, with organizers aiming to position it as a global must-attend event, on par with industry mainstays like San Francisco’s GDC and Germany’s Gamescom.

A Vision for a National Movement

Driven by a vision to elevate Indian studios on the world stage, IGDC organizers have crafted the conference into a space that connects young talent with investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

A cornerstone of this initiative is the Investor Publisher Connect. Originally held in a small rented restaurant, where a few investors casually met developers, it has expanded remarkably. This year, the program will host over 150 investors, publishers, and studios from across the globe, with more than 3,000 meetings scheduled, aiming to connect budding studios with critical funding and partnership opportunities.

Further, IGDC introduced specialized initiatives to foster indie game development. The Young Indies Scholarship, for instance, allows talented newcomers to attend the conference at no cost while receiving mentorship and guidance. Additionally, the Indie 40 program subsidizes booths and facilitates meetings for selected indie studios, helping them gain traction and exposure with potential investors.

“This year’s Young Indies Scholarship gives promising developers exposure to mentors, and the Indie 40 initiative connects proven talent with resources,” said Sridhar. “If a game shows strong metrics in traction, retention, or monetization, it’s fundable. If not, the IGDC offers a place to refine, gain feedback, and network within a supportive community.”

However, Sridhar notes that funding requires talent or a proven portfolio. “Investors aren’t likely to fund you unless you have exceptional skills or a solid track record. If you’ve held senior roles in design, engineering, or product development, raising a pre-seed or seed round is feasible. For others, IGDC is the perfect place to learn, receive guidance, and find mentors to grow.”

The Growing International Draw

The conference’s reputation has grown rapidly in recent years, attracting an influx of international speakers, investors, and gaming executives. Attendees now range from independent developers and regional studios to major international firms keen on tapping India’s burgeoning talent pool and market potential. IGDC has evolved from a networking event into a strategic entry point for global gaming firms eyeing India.

Sridhar and his team recognize the importance of fostering these cross-border connections. Actively recruiting renowned international speakers, they cover travel and lodging costs to encourage participation. “We cover travel and hotel expenses for many speakers because we see the value,” Sridhar said. “We encourage international business attendees to come, though they often cover their own expenses since it’s a business opportunity for them.”

This strategy has proven effective, with global participation on the rise. Several industry veterans who initially came as speakers have since returned to partner with Indian studios, some even taking on roles as co-founders or investors. 

Aiming for the Global Stage

The IGDC has ambitious goals to position itself among the world’s top three gaming events, alongside industry giants like San Francisco’s Game Developer Conference and Germany’s Gamescom. Organizers envision the IGDC as an annual pilgrimage, attracting not only Indian developers but also global industry players.

“In the short term, our goal is to become the number two or three gaming business event globally within two to three years. Long-term, we want India to own a significant share of global game development, potentially up to a third,” says Sridhar.

With India’s gaming market on the rise and an influx of young talent, IGDC organizers see a ripe opportunity to catalyze industry growth. They aim to establish the event as a platform for talent, partnerships, and funding opportunities that can enable Indian developers to scale and compete globally. The team is working to make IGDC not just a one-off conference but a catalyst for year-round engagement, supported by regional and online initiatives.

Sridhar MuppidiIGDC is evolving into more than just an annual event; we’re running activities year-round—College Connect, Game Connect, and Women in Gaming—to build awareness and skills in game development.”

For developers, investors, and gaming enthusiasts, IGDC 2024 is more than an event—it’s a pivotal opportunity to forge connections, gain insights, and explore the future of India’s gaming industry. Sridhar’s message is clear: “If you’re serious about game development, you should be at IGDC. This is where ideas turn into businesses and dreams turn into reality. Missing it means missing out on what could be the next big thing in Indian and global gaming.”

With over 5,000 attendees, IGDC 2024 will feature insights from executives at companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft on trends shaping the gaming landscape. Indian gaming leaders such as Krafton India and Nazara will share perspectives on regional challenges and opportunities. Investors from Lumikai and Play Ventures will also discuss the future of gaming in India, providing valuable insights for studios focused on scaling in the industry.

The conference floor will feature over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest tools and trends in game development. The expanded Indie Zone, supported by Xbox, offers indie studios a platform to showcase their work, connect with mentors, and attract investors. Select studios will have subsidized booths, providing exposure that could be critical for securing future collaborations and funding.

The Young Indie Scholarship Program will grant early-career developers access to the event, accommodations, and mentorship, reinforcing IGDC’s commitment to building a sustainable game development ecosystem in India.

This year’s IGDC will also mark the debut of the Game Developer Association, co-founded by some of India’s leading gaming studios. Adding to the event’s evolving profile, several Indian states will set up dedicated pavilions at IGDC, mirroring the national showcases seen at global events like GDC and Gamescom. Representations from Nagaland, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and other states will highlight each region's unique contributions to game development, providing a platform for showcasing local talent and innovations to a diverse audience.

For attendees, IGDC is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity to gain insights, make connections, and shape the direction of the Indian gaming industry. As IGDC strengthens its position as a premier event in Asia, it underscores India's growing influence on the global gaming stage, linking Indian talent with international markets and positioning the country as a key player in gaming’s future.

Learn more about this year’s event on IGDC’s website. Grab your passes here.

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