Budget 2026: Gaming Industry Demands Tax Parity, IP Funding, Export Push

• India's gaming industry seeks tax parity, IP funding, and an export push in the upcoming Union Budget 2026.
• Key demands include formal recognition of esports as a sport, targeted budgetary support for original game IP under the AVGC-XR framework, and relief from financial frictions.
• The industry aims to position gaming as a driver of jobs, cultural exports, and digital soft power, with online gaming revenues projected to double to ₹66,000 crore ($8.9 billion) by 2028–29.
• Stakeholders emphasize the need for dedicated funding for homegrown intellectual property, skilling initiatives, and incubation programs to foster global competitiveness.
• The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, shifted industry focus towards skill-based competition and exports after banning real-money gaming.

Why It Matters: The Indian gaming industry seeks crucial policy and fiscal support in Budget 2026 for growth and global competitiveness.