About the Conclave
GameForge 2026 is a premier national conclave that brings together leaders from academia, industry, government, technology, and the esports ecosystem to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of competitive gaming.
As esports evolves into one of the fastest-growing segments of India's digital economy, the conclave aims to foster dialogue on emerging technologies, industry growth, policy frameworks, talent development, and new career pathways. Through keynote sessions and expert panel discussion, GameForge will examine how AI is transforming competitive performance, content creation, fan engagement, governance, and the broader esports value chain.
The conclave seeks to build meaningful collaborations between academia and industry while contributing to the development of India's future-ready esports ecosystem.
About Jio Institute
Jio Institute is a multidisciplinary higher education institution established as a philanthropic initiative of the Reliance Group. Committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation, the Institute brings together leading scholars and industry experts to create transformative learning experiences.
Located on a sprawling residential campus in Navi Mumbai, Jio Institute offers cutting-edge infrastructure, interdisciplinary programmes, and strong industry partnerships that prepare learners to lead in emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, management, and sports.
About IDGS
The Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS) is a not-for-profit industry association established under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). As the apex body for India's digital gaming ecosystem, IDGS works to promote innovation, responsible gaming, policy dialogue, and industry collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from government, academia, technology, and the gaming industry.
Through research, knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, IDGS supports the sustainable growth of India's gaming and esports ecosystem. It plays a key role in advancing emerging technologies, developing talent, and strengthening India's position as a global hub for digital gaming and esports.
AI and the Evolving Landscape of E-Sports
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every aspect of esports, from player training and performance analytics to tournament operations, broadcasting, fan engagement, and talent discovery. As India's esports ecosystem enters its next phase of growth, AI presents unprecedented opportunities to enhance competitiveness, create new business models, and generate employment across the digital sports economy.
GameForge 2026 explores how technology, policy, education, and industry can work together to shape a sustainable and globally competitive esports ecosystem for India.
Key Focus Areas
Conference Structure
GameForge 2026 brings together thought leaders from the gaming industry, technology companies, educational institutions, policymakers, esports organisations, and startups for a half-day conclave featuring keynote addresses and an expert panel discussion. The programme is designed to encourage dialogue on technology, innovation, industry growth, and future workforce development.
Welcome & Opening Address
The conclave will begin with welcome remarks from Jio Institute followed by the Opening Address by the Indian Digital Gaming Society (IDGS), setting the context for India's evolving esports landscape and the opportunities created by AI and digital innovation.
AI and the Future of Competitive E-Sports
This keynote explores how artificial intelligence is transforming competitive esports through intelligent performance analytics, personalised coaching, strategic decision support, anti-cheat systems, and enhanced audience experiences, redefining the future of digital competition.
E-Sports in India: Powering the Next Wave of the Digital Sports Economy
This session examines the rapid growth of India's esports ecosystem, its economic potential, investment opportunities, policy developments, and its role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment across the digital economy.
India's Opportunity: Skilling Beyond Code — Careers in E-Sports
The panel brings together experts from industry and academia to discuss emerging career pathways across the esports ecosystem. The discussion will explore opportunities in tournament management, broadcasting, content creation, marketing, analytics, talent management, operations, and other multidisciplinary roles that extend well beyond game development and programming.
GameForge 2026 offers participants an opportunity to:
- › Understand how AI is transforming the esports ecosystem.
- › Learn about emerging industry trends, technologies, and business models.
- › Explore career opportunities across the rapidly growing esports sector.
- › Network with industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and technology experts.
- › Gain insights into India's evolving digital sports economy and future talent requirements.
The conclave is designed for:
- › Students interested in gaming, AI, sports management, and digital technologies
- › Esports professionals and gaming organisations
- › Technology companies and startups
- › Researchers and academicians
- › Policymakers and government representatives
- › Investors and industry leaders
- › Media and content creators