The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), in collaboration with KGeN, has successfully concluded the Road to Game Jam, a flagship challenge under the Create in India Challenge: Season 1, as part of the Government of India’s World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). The top 10 shortlisted games will be announced on April 12 which will then be showcased at the upcoming WAVES event scheduled to be held in Mumbai between May 1-5, 2025.

With an overwhelming 5,500 registrations from over 1,650 colleges across 453 cities and towns in India, this exclusive Game Jam marks a significant milestone in nurturing young game development talent in the country. Staying true to GDAI’s mission of upskilling the nation’s gaming ecosystem, the initiative featured AMA and knowledge-sharing sessions led by industry leaders, equipping participants with valuable insights into game development and the business of gaming.

After multiple rounds of elimination, 175+ teams submitted their games, which were rigorously reviewed by a jury of industry experts over 10 days. From these, 20 standout games were shortlisted and are currently under review by a panel of Indian and international studio representatives.

Themed around "Everything Falls Apart," "Stuck Together," "Handle with Care," "Invisible Connections," and "The Sound of Silence," the Game Jam challenged participants to bring their creativity and technical skills to life.

From the top 20 shortlisted, the final 10 will be announced on April 12, 2025 and will receive an all-expense-paid trip to WAVES to present their games and pitch to an elite industry jury. This platform will provide unparalleled exposure and a chance to propel their creations into the global spotlight.

The winners will be awarded a prize pool of ₹7 lakh, with the 1st place receiving ₹4 lakh, the runner-up ₹2.5 lakh, and the 2nd runner-up ₹1.5 lakh.

Speaking about the Game Jam, Sridhar Muppidi, President, GDAI said, "The Road to Game Jam is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for young developers to explore careers in gaming, develop their skills, and build the future of India’s gaming industry. At GDAI, we are committed to creating an ecosystem that fosters creators and entrepreneurs, ensuring India’s gaming industry continues its exponential growth on the global stage.”

As India’s gaming landscape continues to expand, initiatives like these are critical in cementing the country’s position as a global hub for innovation and creativity in game development.

Below are the top 20 teams that have been shortlisted:

 

About GDAI

The Game Developer Association of India (GDAI) is a leading industry body dedicated to fostering the growth of India's game development ecosystem. Through education, industry collaborations, and strategic initiatives, GDAI empowers developers, strengthens India's presence in the global gaming market, and champions innovation in the industry.

 

About WAVES

The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Whether you're an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

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For media inquiries about GDAI, please contact: Machaiah Kalengada- +919986431762

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