Milind Shinde, Founder and CEO of 88 Games, the newly launched game development division of 88 Pictures, writes exclusively for our special series BRIEF25.
In 2024, we witnessed a surge of homegrown studios and games, including our own, highlighting the immense potential for the industry’s growth. Another significant milestone was the announcement of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR in Mumbai. For a studio like 88 Games, which has a strong foundation in animation and VFX and is now venturing into game development, this represents a highly encouraging step forward.
Our honorable Prime Minister’s public endorsement of video games and his vision for India to become a global leader in the industry have further bolstered the sector’s credibility. The gaming industry has long strived to dissociate itself from being conflated with real-money gaming, and such advocacy plays a crucial role in establishing a distinct and positive identity.
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This sentiment was echoed by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), at IGDC 2024, where he emphasized the need to distinguish gaming from gambling, thereby reinforcing the sector’s legitimacy.
Moreover, 2024 also witnessed significant investments in the gaming sector, providing studios with a much-needed boost to innovate, expand, and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
For 88 Games, 2024 was a breakthrough year as we officially launched our gaming division under the 88 Pictures umbrella, marking our entry into the world of PC and console game development. Our commitment to blending India’s rich cultural heritage with high-quality visuals and engaging gameplay was met with enthusiasm from the global gaming community.
A key milestone was assembling a team of industry veterans to lead this vision, ensuring that our games set a benchmark for excellence. We also unveiled our first project at the India Game Developers Conference (IGDC) 2024, generating excitement among gamers and industry stakeholders alike.
Another highlight was our recognition as a leader in culturally inspired gaming narratives, positioning us as a torchbearer for India’s gaming future. These achievements reflect our dedication to creating immersive, globally appealing games while putting Indian stories on the world map.
In 2025, we expect a deeper integration of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and extended reality (XR) into game development. These technologies will enhance storytelling, interactivity, and player engagement, reshaping how games are developed and consumed.
The Olympic Esports Games will likely drive further global legitimacy for competitive gaming, inspiring increased investment in infrastructure, athlete development, and grassroots tournaments in India.
India’s focus on digital transformation, powered by 5G expansion and AI adoption, will continue to fuel the gaming sector. Initiatives like the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai will bolster India’s reputation as a global hub for gaming and animation, attracting more international collaborations and investments.
For 88 Games, 2025 is set to be a defining year as we prepare to launch our first PC and console game. This project encapsulates our mission to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge game design, offering players around the world an immersive and uniquely Indian experience.
We’re particularly excited about the growing demand for narrative-driven games, which aligns perfectly with our focus on storytelling as a bridge between cultures. With innovations in visuals, soundscapes, and interactivity, we aim to set a new benchmark for culturally inspired games on the global stage.
Beyond our milestones, we look forward to the broader evolution of gaming in 2025. The industry is poised to embrace transformative technologies, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and player engagement. As gaming continues to gain cultural and economic significance, we’re thrilled to contribute to this journey and help shape its future.
Milind Shinde, an animation industry veteran, has played a key role in establishing production infrastructure at India DreamWorks and Oriental DreamWorks in Shanghai. A contributor to Oscar-nominated films, he was instrumental in the success of franchises like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Now, as Founder and CEO of 88 Games, Milind is focused on creating premium PC and console games that highlight India’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the nation’s folklore, mythology, and history.
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