India to launch digital games research initiative to promote and popularize local culture

India is set to launch its digital games research initiative to develop high-end technologies for an immersive gaming environment in a bid to promote and popularize Indian culture, a senior official has said.

The Science and Engineering Research Board’s (SERB) Digital Games Research Initiative will include three verticals: R&D in Learning and Recreational Gaming Platforms; Collaborative technical design process: SERB Game Labs; and immersive game prototypes focused on Indian culture and values.

SERB Secretary Sandeep Verma said on Twitter that the R&D initiative will connect universities, start-ups and industry to rapidly scale high-end R&D concepts for Indian game engine development, procedural content generators, design patents/copyrights on player and community-centric games.

Digital games and simulations present exciting science and technology problems for research and translation, leading to significant commercial potential globally, Verma said.

The innovation will include cross-cutting research in engineering, computer science, visual graphics, fine arts and social sciences, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fought to increase India’s footprint in the international gaming sector.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the creation of a task force to promote the animation, visual effects, games and comics sector.

Several domestic game developers have recently announced plans to release India-themed games, such as Indus Battle Royale, which draws inspiration from the weapons and landscapes that were part of the early Indian civilization.

Indian gamers had also launched FAUG – Fearless and United Guards, an India-themed battle royale game to counter PUBG and Free Fire.