The Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) industry in Hyderabad has emerged as a vibrant hub with about 150 companies significantly contributing to India’s creative economy.
In fact, Telangana is also the first state in the nation to bring a designated policy on the AVGC sector in 2016 and now is planning to take it to the next level.
“We are in discussion with at least three global universities to set up campuses in India, exclusively focused on AVGC sector. We have not been able to close with anyone so far but we are close to concluding the discussions and making them an offer. Possibly, we will close it another 2-3 months. It’s an North American University,” Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Government of Telangana, said on October 15, 2024 at IAMAI’s Indian Global Convention.
Additionally, there are already about 25 institutions in Hyderabad including one state-run university, offering programs in game development, among other such courses.
“Our effort is to make sure that the curriculum they teach is always up to date. We update the syllabus based on the feedback that we get from various companies involved in AVGC sector,” Ranjan added.
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Ranjan also announced that gaming company Nazara is going to set up its Centre of Excellence for AI and gaming in Hyderabad, over the next few days.
“We are now working with their (Nazara’s) local representative to make it live, possibly within 15-20 days,” he said.
Ranjan further stated that the 1.6 million sq. feet facility called ‘Image Tower’ is all set to be set up in Hyderabad for AVGC sector by the end 2025.
He noted that this is going to be first such facility in India and what adds to it is that it’s a government investment. All companies will be able to apply for the space in ‘Image Tower’ by April-May 2025.
“Approximately around April or May of next year, we will open ‘Image Tower’ for people to apply for space. It will be first come, first serve,” he concluded.