Pooja Arora (COO, MESC), Roland Landers, Chair, All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), Shankar Mahadevan (renowned Musician & Chairman MESC, Mohit Soni, CEO MESC
New Delhi [India], January 16: TheIndian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), under the aegis of theMinistry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE),National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and theMedia & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), has signed aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU)with theAll India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF)to strengthen skill development, training, and career pathways in thegaming and interactive entertainment sector.
This strategic collaboration aims to create a strong talent pipeline for India’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem by aligningindustry needs, emerging job roles, and structured skilling programs. The partnership will focus on buildingindustry-ready professionalsacross game design, game art, game programming, quality assurance, live operations, and interactive media domains.
Under the MoU, IICS and AIGDF will jointly design and deliverindustry-aligned training programs, workshops, and certification pathways that reflect real-world game development studio workflows. The collaboration will also supportcurriculum development, industry mentorship, expert-led masterclasses, and exposure to contemporary gaming technologies and platforms.
A key focus of the partnership will beindustry engagement and employability, enabling learners to interact directly with game development studios, startups, and professionals throughguest lectures, mentoring sessions, live projects, and career connect initiatives. The MoU also aims to promoteinnovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible game development practiceswithin the sector.
Speaking on the occasion,Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, renowned Singer, Musician &Chairman, MESC, said:
“Gaming is an important pillar of India’s emerging digital economy. This collaboration with the All India Game Developers’ Forum will help build structured skilling pathways that align creativity, technology, and industry demand, empowering young talent to access meaningful career opportunities.”
Mohit Soni, CEO, Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), added:
“The MoU between IICS and AIGDF is a timely step towards strengthening India’s gaming talent ecosystem. By bringing the developer community closer to skilling institutions, we can ensure learners are trained on relevant tools, workflows, and job roles required by the industry.”
Representing theAll India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF),Roland Landers, Chair – Industry Affairs, stated:
“India’s game development ecosystem is expanding rapidly and requires skilled professionals across multiple disciplines. Partnering with IICS allows us to contribute to structured talent development while supporting innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.”
Key Highlights of the MoU
- Collaboration betweenIndian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS)andAll India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF)
- Development ofindustry-aligned skilling programsfor game development and interactive media
- Curriculum mapped tocurrent and emerging game development job roles
- Industry mentorship, masterclasses, and expert-led sessions
- Career connect initiatives with game studios and startups
- Strengthening India’sgaming and interactive entertainment talent ecosystem
This collaboration aligns with national priorities such asSkill India,Atmanirbhar Bharat, and theNational AVGC Policy, supporting India’s vision of becoming a global hub for gaming, animation, and interactive digital content.
About Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS)
The Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS) is a creative incubator and national initiative focused on nurturing creative talent through industry-integrated training, hands-on learning, global exposure, and strong academic–industry partnerships.
About All India Game Developers’ Forum (AIGDF)
TheAll India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF)is an industry body representing game developers and studios across India. AIGDF works to promote skill development, innovation, collaboration, and the sustainable growth of India’s game development ecosystem.
About Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC)
The Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), established in 2012, is a not-for-profit organization under theMinistry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, dedicated to enhancing skill development in the Media & Entertainment sector. Initially funded by theNational Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)and incubated atFICCI, MESC operates as an awarding body with theNational Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). Chaired byPadma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, MESC bridges the gap between academia and industry by providing high-quality, skill-based education.
Admissions are now open at theIndian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS)for industry-integrated programs inGaming, Interactive Media, and related creative domains. Aspiring learners, professionals, and institutions interested in building careers at the intersection of creativity and technology are invited to apply.
Foradmissions, program details, and partnership enquiries, please write to:
?[emailprotected],[emailprotected]
Contact Number: +91- 959-4949-959
Website: www.iicsindia.org
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