Fri Nov 15 08:25:15 UTC 2024: ## Women’s Perspectives Take Center Stage at India Game Developer Conference

**Hyderabad, India -** The second day of the 16th India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) in Hyderabad focused on women’s experiences and contributions to the gaming industry. A panel discussion highlighted the challenges women face, including hypersexualization of female characters in games and lack of support for maternity leave in smaller studios.

Panelists expressed optimism about a shift towards more nuanced and authentic portrayals of women in games, citing the new Grand Theft Auto as an example. They also emphasized the need for better mentorship programs and addressing gender bias within the industry.

The conference, South Asia’s largest and oldest, showcased a vibrant gaming landscape with over a hundred booths, including indie developers, board games, and gaming companies.

Sridhar Muppidi, President of GDAI, highlighted India’s booming gaming industry, driven by a massive youth population, widespread smartphone penetration, and government support. He pointed out that unlike the US and China, India’s market is primarily fueled by mobile gaming, contributing almost 90% of the industry. The future looks bright, with continued growth expected from multi-player games and exploration of Indian themes and vernacular languages.

The IGDC 2024 serves as a platform for industry leaders, developers, and innovators to collaborate and shape the future of gaming in India.

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