
Debunking Game Dev Myths with Industry Leader Nikhil Malankar
Nikhil Malankar of GameEon Studios shares insights on game development, debunks myths, and advises aspiring developers on skills, community, and future tech.

Nikhil Malankar of GameEon Studios shares insights on game development, debunks myths, and advises aspiring developers on skills, community, and future tech.

The inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai wasn't just another industry conference—it was a defining moment for India's creative economy. Held from May 1-4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, the summit brought together over 10,000 delegates from 90+ countries, marking India's bold declaration to become a global media and entertainment powerhouse. The event generated Rs 1,328 crores in business deals and established India as a serious player in the global creative landscape.

First launched in 2020, Valorant has grown to become one of the most popular Tactical FPS shooters in the world. With a diverse agent list, low system requirements and a remarkably cheater-free environment, it’s no wonder why. The games fun, visually appealing and competitive – The holy trifecta of any online shooter. On July 29th, 2025, Valorant Made one of the most significant technical changes in its history, migrating from Unreal Engine 4.27 to Unreal Engine 5.23, rolled out with the massive 21GB patch 11.02. This is the game’s first engine haul since 2020, laying the foundations for the future Riot’s game development. It was such a huge change, riot scrapped patch 11.01, dedicating all their resources to the game engine upgrade. It’s a move that demonstrates commitment to keeping Valorant updated and relevant. Developers completely rebuilt the game's core systems while maintaining the same gameplay experience that millions of players are used to. UE5 offers them new tools, experiences and capabilities, allowing finer and more optimal development of the game for the future.

The way we learn job skills is changing dramatically, and is now being adopted in the most unlikely of places: Tata Consultancy Services and Harley-Davidson. Both organizations are using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to train their employees in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. From complex software troubleshooting to motorcycle maintenance, immersive technologies are making professional training more effective and accessible than ever before.

India's animation industry stands at a thrilling crossroads. With a market valuation of USD 1.89 billion in 2023 and projections to reach USD 25 billion by 2032, the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth at a CAGR of 37.76%. But the real question isn't just about size—it's about identity. Will India remain the world's animation factory, or will it emerge as a creator of original stories that captivate global audiences?
The creative technology sector has unique educational challenges. How do you teach someone to be a visual effects artist, game designer, or animator when the field demands both technical precision and artistic vision? The answer? Hybrid learning models that combine the best of online flexibility with hands-on, in-person experiences. As the creative tech industry evolves rapidly, so must the way we prepare the next generation of digital artists and technicians.

Indian VFX studios have quietly become the backbone of global entertainment. From Marvel's universe-spanning epics to Bollywood's mythological spectacles, Indian artists are behind the visual magic that defines modern cinema. What started as a cost-effective outsourcing solution has evolved into something far more significant—a creative partnership that's reshaping both Hollywood and Bollywood.

India's gaming industry is experiencing explosive growth that's reshaping the global entertainment landscape. With 591 million gamers—about 20% of all global gamers—and projections showing the market reaching $8.92 billion within five years, India has evolved from a minor player to the world's second-largest gaming market by user base. This isn't just growth; it's a complete transformation of how Indians consume and create entertainment.

Animation is no longer what it used to be. While traditional hand-drawn techniques still have their charm, 2025 has brought us into an era where artificial intelligence, real-time rendering, and cloud-based collaboration are completely reshaping how animated content gets made. From Hollywood studios to independent creators in their bedrooms, these emerging tools are democratizing animation production and making the impossible possible.

The movie industry is at a crossroads unlike any it has faced before. As artificial intelligence transforms everything from scriptwriting to post-production, Hollywood's most celebrated directors find themselves divided on a fundamental question: Will AI enhance filmmaking or destroy its very soul? This is an issue dividing the industry's creative leaders, who are charting dramatically different paths forward in this world of machine-assisted storytelling.
