Gaming
Game on, but play fair: India’s gaming industry rolls out ethics code
MUMBAI: The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have come together to set the rules of engagement—quite literally. With the launch of their code of ethics (CoE), the gaming industry is hitting pause on unchecked practices and fast-tracking a new era of responsibility, transparency, and fair play.
This isn’t just about PR-friendly promises—it’s a concrete roadmap for player safety, ethical advertising, and industry accountability. The CoE mandates stringent KYC processes, age restrictions, self-imposed spending limits, and annual third-party audits. Gaming platforms with annual revenues above Rs 100 crores have six months to get their act together, while smaller operators have nine months to comply. Those who play by the rules will receive a certification—valid for a year and renewable only after a fresh audit. No loopholes, no excuses.
India’s online gaming industry is no stranger to scrutiny. With over 50 crore gamers navigating skill-based real-money games, the need for structured regulation is long overdue. The CoE’s principles include:
. Responsible gaming: Strict age-gating, no operations in restricted states, and robust KYC enforcement.
. Player protection: Data security and proper management of player funds.
. Fair play: Ensuring integrity and transparency in gameplay.
. Informed choices: Players can set limits, self-exclude, and make better decisions.
. Support for vulnerable users: Resources to help at-risk players.
. Ethical advertising: No misleading promotions or shady marketing tricks.
AIGF CEO Roland Landers made it clear that ethical gaming is the foundation for long-term industry growth. “As the largest and oldest industry association, we at AIGF believe that a thriving gaming industry must be built on the pillars of responsibility, transparency, innovation, and player protection. This Code of Ethics reinforces our commitment to fair play, compliance with Indian laws, and fostering a secure and responsible gaming environment. Through collaboration with other industry federations, we are setting new benchmarks for ethical gaming, strengthening the credibility of India’s online gaming sector, and building a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem.”
FIFS director general Neil Castelino echoed the sentiment. “This joint code marks a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment in the country. By working together as an industry, we are setting a unified standard that prioritizes player well-being, integrity, and accountability across the industry. This we believe will be pivotal in ensuring a safe environment for the 24 crore FS users in the country.”
Meanwhile, EGF CEO Anuraag Saxena didn’t mince words, “National interest, consumer interest, and the industry’s interest have all suffered too long. Unethical gambling operators have been parasitically harming the nation, its exchequer, and its people. I’m delighted that the industry is collaborating on the joint code-of-ethics today. The adoption of these standards reinforces our commitment to accountability through third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the industry taking due cognizance of this is a great step ahead for gaming in India.”
The gaming industry is no longer playing defence. With the code of ethics in place, India is setting a global benchmark for responsible gaming, ensuring that players can enjoy the thrill—without the pitfalls.
Gaming
Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons launch India’s first official F1 sim racing championship
Nationwide competition creates pathway from virtual racing to pro motorsport
MUMBAI: Formula 1 has teamed up with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited to launch India’s first officially sanctioned F1 sim racing competition, marking a new step in the country’s growing motorsport ecosystem.
The championship, titled F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, will offer a structured national platform for sim racers, with participants competing on the official F1 25 across multiple stages. The competition will begin with online qualifiers, followed by city-based simulator rounds, before culminating in a national final in Mumbai this November.
Open to players across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox, registrations for the event will begin on 30 April via the Mumbai Falcons app. The format mirrors real-world racing, featuring official circuits, team liveries and competitive structures aligned with the global series.
Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan said the initiative arrives at a time when interest in the sport is surging in India, adding that a structured sim racing platform could help identify and nurture the next generation of talent.
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited managing director Ameet Gadhoke noted that the championship aligns with the team’s long-term goal of building a strong motorsport pipeline in the country and placing Indian talent on the global stage.
The launch also reflects broader momentum in esports, especially after its recognition under India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. By bridging gaming and real-world racing, the initiative aims to offer aspiring drivers a credible entry point into professional motorsport.
With interest in Formula 1 steadily rising and conversations around its return to India gaining pace, the new championship could become a proving ground for future racing stars.
