Government to plug skill gap in gaming industry

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) With the Indian gaming and animation industry growing by leaps and bounds, the information and broadcasting ministry has engaged a top multi-national firm to prepare a report on the burgeoning manpower needs in these sectors.

The ministry has asked PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world's largest professional services firms, to prepare a report on the future requirement of skilled manpower in gaming and visual effects sector.

'The report would aim at giving the government an understanding of the requirement of skilled manpower in view of the growing demand for professionals in these sectors,' a spokesperson of the information and broadcasting ministry said here Thursday.

The report would enable the government to plan and create necessary training facilities in the field.

The ministry has sought inputs from the industry, academic institutes and students and asked them to join a virtual open house for consultations on this sunshine sector in India.

The animation and gaming industry in India is estimated to be worth Rs.13 billion. The industry grew by 24 per cent last year and has attracted big players like Adlabs, UTV, Yash Raj Films, Percept and Pyramid Saimira.

Adlabs, with Ocher Studios, is planning an ambitious animation film titled 'Sultan', on Indian superstar Rajnikanth. Yash Raj Films, with Walt Disney Studios, is rolling out 'Roadside Romeo' in June this year.