India’s Gaming Industry Calls for Tax Reforms and Policy Support Ahead of 2025 Union Budget

As the Indian gaming industry looks ahead to the 2025 Union Budget, industry leaders are calling for tax revisions and policy measures to sustain the sector’s rapid growth and global competitiveness. The online gaming industry, which has shown remarkable resilience despite regulatory challenges, is urging the government to reconsider its taxation policies, particularly the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed in 2023.

 

Rethinking GST to Support Growth

According to Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), India’s online gaming industry has demonstrated impressive adaptability, reaching $3.8 billion in revenue in FY24 despite regulatory uncertainties and the implementation of the high GST rate.

 

“In 2024, India’s online gaming industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, overcoming regulatory challenges and the impact of the 28% GST. Despite these hurdles, the sector has exceeded expectations, reaching $3.8 billion in revenue in FY24,” said Landers.

 

Landers emphasized the need for a GST reduction and the resolution of retrospective taxation concerns to provide the industry with much-needed clarity. He also pointed out that the government’s focus on advancing the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector is promising, and increased funding for this initiative would further boost India’s gaming landscape.

 

“With continued efforts, we envision a future where more Indian developers and gaming studios create world-class games and content, solidifying India’s position as a global leader in gaming. Further emphasis on supporting startups and fostering innovation will be crucial to ensure the industry’s sustained growth and contribution to India’s digital economy,” he added.

 

Addressing Offshore Migration and Policy Inefficiencies

Amrit Kiran Singh, President of the Skill Online Games Institute (SOGI), highlighted the unintended consequences of the massive GST hike, which has driven a significant portion of Indian gaming expenditures to offshore platforms.

 

“The huge USD 300 billion global online games industry (four times the size of the movie and music industry combined) has the potential to contribute significantly, for several decades, to India’s GDP growth and jobs, like IT has done. Negatives like addiction can be mitigated through the use of ‘smart tech.’ The massive 1400% increase in GST in October 2023, ostensibly introduced from a moralistic perspective, has not met its objectives. Instead, it has caused 83% of Indian player spends on online games to migrate from Indian platforms to ‘no tax’ offshore (mainly Chinese) platforms,” Singh explained.

 

He further noted the challenges in blocking offshore gaming platforms due to “domain farming” and the difficulty in getting these companies to register and pay taxes in India.

 

“There is an urgent need to address the elephant in the room—abnormally high taxes—and correct the situation through the ‘review’ mechanism that the Finance Ministry had promised the industry,” he added.

Encouraging Innovation and Strengthening India’s Digital Economy

 

Echoing similar sentiments, Aman Gupta, Vice President of Finance at Witzeal, stressed the importance of fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

 

“In 2024, India’s online gaming industry has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, achieving impressive growth despite challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and the implementation of 28% GST on user deposits. The sector’s ability to surpass expectations and reach $3.8 billion in revenue in FY24 is a testament to its potential,” said Gupta.

 

Gupta emphasized that a reduction in GST on skill-based gaming—bringing it in line with other entertainment services—and addressing retrospective taxation issues would bring much-needed clarity, encourage innovation, and foster long-term growth.

 

“The government’s commitment to advancing the AVGC sector is a positive step, and we are hopeful for increased funding and supportive policies in this area. At Witzeal, we envision a future where Indian developers and gaming studios deliver world-class games, positioning India as a global leader in gaming. Continued support for startups and innovation will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and strengthening the industry’s role in India’s digital economy,” Gupta stated.

 

The Road Ahead

With expectations running high for the 2025 Union Budget, India’s gaming industry is looking for policy measures that will strike a balance between regulation and growth. The industry leaders agree that a revised tax structure, increased funding for the AVGC sector, and policies encouraging innovation will be crucial in maintaining the momentum of this booming sector. Whether the government takes decisive action to address these concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the gaming industry is ready to play a pivotal role in India’s digital and economic transformation.