India’s GCCs Rise as Powerhouses in Global Gaming
21 Apr 2025 / 02 min read
The global gaming industry, valued at $242 billion in 2025, appears to be undergoing a significant transformational shift. Amidst rising operational costs in traditional hubs like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, global gaming giants are recalibrating their strategies, with India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) emerging as strategic powerhouses, industry body NASSCOM has said in a blog post.
The global gaming industry, valued at $242 billion in 2025, appears to be undergoing a significant transformational shift. Amidst rising operational costs in traditional hubs like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, global gaming giants are recalibrating their strategies, with India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) emerging as strategic powerhouses, industry body NASSCOM has said in a blog post.
Companies like Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Tencent are leveraging India’s GCC ecosystem to achieve 30-50% cost savings, accelerate R&D cycles, and scale live operations globally. India’s cost-efficient talent pool, with salaries significantly lower than in Western markets, is driving this trend. A senior game developer in India earns approximately $40,000 per year, compared to $90,000+ in South Korea and $120,000+ in the U.S.
India’s gaming talent matrix boasts expertise in AI/ML, game engines, and emerging tech like cloud gaming and blockchain. GCCs are structuring operations in phases, starting with AI and core game development, followed by live operations and localization, and finally, blockchain and full-cycle development. Ubisoft’s Pune center, with over 1,000 employees, is a full-fledged AAA production hub contributing to flagship franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.
Global gaming leaders are betting big on India’s GCC ecosystem, with Krafton planning to establish an R&D center in Bengaluru or Pune focused on AI-driven esports analytics. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are also leveraging India’s expertise in cloud infrastructure and AI-driven gaming solutions. Microsoft’s GCC in Hyderabad supports Xbox cloud gaming and Azure AI integration, while Google’s Bangalore GCC develops Android gaming SDKs and developer tools.
India’s homegrown gaming startups, such as JetSynthesys and Nazara Tech, are also making waves, with partnerships with global IPs and esports ventures. JetSynthesys has carved a niche in digital entertainment through partnerships with global IPs and esports ventures, including a collaboration with Sachin Tendulkar for mobile gaming. Nazara Tech commands a robust portfolio spanning esports, gamified learning, and hyper-casual games, the NASSCOM blog post said.
The country’s gaming market is projected to grow to $1.5 billion by 2028, with 30 million gamers. As global gaming leaders face a choice between legacy hubs and India’s GCC ecosystem, early movers like EA and Ubisoft have already staked their claims. India is poised to become a critical node in the gaming value chain, driving innovation and growth in the industry.
