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Top Gaming CEOs Call Out Google’s ‘Extortionist’ 30% Tax on Gaming Apps at Consilience 2023

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Top gaming CEOs expressed their concerns over the ‘extortionist’ 30% tax imposed by Google on gaming apps at a panel discussion held at Consilience 2023, organized by the Law and Technology Society (L-Tech) at National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in partnership with All India Game Developers’ Forum (AIGDF).

Manish Agarwal, Co-Founder of IndiGG, stated that the 30% tax on gaming apps is unfair. “The 30% jagirdari tax is an extortion and I believe in India we should not allow anybody to do this, especially when you’re not an Indian company,” he said. He pointed out that, in a country like India, the focus needs to be to increase its propensity to pay and reduce friction in spending among consumers. Adding an extra 30% tax on top of the goods and services tax (GST) is a significant expense for consumers, which he believes is unproductive from a gamer’s perspective.

Anuj Tandon, Gaming Chief Executive Officer for JetSynthesys, expressed a similar sentiment. “When app stores and play stores were launched, the 30% fee was revolutionary compared to the 70% charged by OEMs or Telcos for game developers. At that time, it was a very good idea, but as the industry and business models have evolved, there needs to be a relook at the rates,” he added.

Sai Srinivas, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Mobile Premier League (MPL), highlighted that the 30% commission may be viable in advanced markets like the United States, but for India, it is crucial to ensure that Indian game developers receive more revenue to invest in game development and build more games. “Let’s evaluate the unit economics; if a developer charges 100 rupees, 30 rupees go to the play store or app store and 70 rupees goes to the developer,” he explained. “From that 70 rupees, they have to pay for hosting, user acquisition and other expenses. My view is that we should provide Indian game developers with more revenue to invest in game development and build more games.”

Sean Hyunil Sohn, Chief Executive Officer for Krafton Incorporated India, called for proper intervention by the government and encouraged the development of competition from third-party stores, supported by consumers.

Consilience 2023 marked the first conference of its kind to be held in the wake of the notification of the new online gaming rules by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The conference shed light on the legal and regulatory requirements that must be met, growth strategies to be adopted and policy needs for the industry to reach its full potential.

The conference explored topics such as online gaming regulations, taxation of gaming and new business opportunities that gaming companies can leverage. Speakers included Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder of Nodwin Gaming, Anupriya Sinha Das, Head of Corporate Development at Nazara, Rachit Rastogi, Chief Operating Officer for Good Game Exchange (GGX), Joyjyoti Misra, Group General Counsel for Gameskraft, Ritika Chatterjee, General Counsel for Mayhem Studios and Arun Prabhu, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The panels were expertly moderated by professors of NLSIU like Dr Betsy Rajasingh (Associate Prof, NUJS), who has expertise in intellectual property and technology law, Professor Sanyukta Chowdhury, who specializes in tax, Professor Rahul Singh, Associate Professor of Law at NLSIU, whose expertise lies in corporate affairs and competition law, and Dr TS Somashekar, Professor of Economics, NLSIU.

“Consilience has always been a syncretic conference bringing together different perspectives on law and technology,” said Shikhar Sharma, Convenor of the Law and Technology Society 2022/23. “This year, we are proud to host it with AIGDF and bring in the perspective of business into the intersection of Law and Technology.”

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Neela Mediatech Pioneers the Future of IP-Based Gaming in India with Gada Electronic

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Neela Mediatech, a trailblazing Indian gaming studio, is redefining the gaming landscape by leveraging beloved intellectual properties to create interactive entertainment experiences. By expanding the universe of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah beyond television, the company has transformed the iconic show into a multi-platform gaming phenomenon.

The studio’s latest release, Gada Electronics, has emerged as a top game in mobile gaming, proving that nostalgia-driven storytelling combined with strategic gameplay can drive massive engagement. The game has achieved remarkable milestones, ranking #2 among all App Store games in India, surpassing PUBG, and also securing the #1 position in the Adventure & Simulation category on iOS. With over 5 million downloads across Android and iOS, Gada Electronics manages a D1 retention of 35% as well. With Gada Electronics, Neela Mediatech has set a new benchmark for Indian IP-driven gaming.

Unlike traditional simulation games, Gada Electronics allows players to step into the shoes of Jethalal Gada, one of India’s most beloved TV characters, as they manage and expand his iconic electronics store. The game integrates elements of business strategy, resource management, and decision-making, making it both entertaining and intellectually engaging.

India’s mobile gaming market has long been dominated by battle royale and casual games, but Neela Mediatech has taken a unique approach by harnessing local intellectual properties that deeply resonate with Indian audiences.

Commenting on this success, Mr. Asit Kumarr Modi, Founder of Neela Mediatech, said, “For years, Indian audiences have loved the world of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. With Gada Electronics, we’ve given them a way to engage with the brand in an interactive format. This success proves that Indian IP-driven gaming has the potential to rival global franchises.” With an established fan base, the game has witnessed exceptional user engagement, retention, and organic adoption, further demonstrating the power of homegrown IPs in India’s gaming industry.

The success of Gada Electronics reflects a larger transformation in India’s gaming sector. The country’s gaming market is projected to reach $8.36 billion by 2030, with simulation games alone crossing 1 billion downloads in 2023. Business simulation gaming is expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion by 2032.

Mr. Harjeet Chhabra, CEO of Neela Mediatech, highlighted the shift in the industry, stating, “For years, Hollywood and global gaming giants have capitalized on IP-driven gaming—whether it’s Marvel, Star Wars, or Pokémon. India has an equally rich library of beloved franchises, and we are just scratching the surface of its gaming potential.”

Following the overwhelming success of Gada Electronics, Neela Mediatech is focused on expanding its IP-driven gaming portfolio. The company is working on new Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah-themed edutainment app for kids aged 2-6. Plans are also underway for interactive storytelling experiences featuring beloved TMKOC characters.

By seamlessly blending nostalgia, storytelling, and technology, Neela Mediatech is not just creating games—it is building a dynamic gaming ecosystem for Indian audiences. From television screens to mobile gaming, the future of IP-driven gaming has arrived, and Neela Mediatech is leading the charge.

The post Neela Mediatech Pioneers the Future of IP-Based Gaming in India with Gada Electronic appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Flamenco Passion is a slot with a Spanish soul and an innovative prize system

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The leading online casino game provider in Spain, MGA Games, announces the launch of its new 5-reel slot, Flamenco Passion. This new game transports players into the world of flamenco with every spin. Available from February 24 in the .com markets and March 3 in Spain, this slot promises an immersive experience with stunning graphics, flamenco music, and exciting gameplay mechanics.

This new release offers 25 pay lines, Wild symbols, and an innovative dynamic prize system with Mini, Major, and Mega options. Additionally, players can enjoy free spins with the Mega Figure, which appears on the central reels (2, 3, and 4), increasing the chances of winning prizes. The excitement increases with the Mega Reel, a special feature that ensures dynamic gameplay.

The design and setting of the game capture the essence of flamenco and Spanish folklore, with a Typical Spanish aesthetic that is appealing to players of all nationalities. Flamenco music and sound effects enhance the immersion, making each game a true celebration of this tradition.

With this release, MGA Games reaffirms its commitment to innovation and quality in the development of 100% localized content slots. Flamenco Passion promises to captivate players and become a hit in online casinos worldwide. ¡Olé!

The post Flamenco Passion is a slot with a Spanish soul and an innovative prize system appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Bulgaria first for Push Gaming with Kaizen Gaming’s Betano

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Push Gaming has entered the Bulgarian market thanks to an exclusive deal with Kaizen Gaming brand Betano, marking a milestone in its expansion in globally regulated markets.

For 12 weeks, tier-one operator Betano will have exclusive rights to Push Gaming’s portfolio in the country as it brings the studio’s hugely popular titles to Bulgaria for the first time.

Push’s extensive back catalogue of major hits, including Razor Shark, Razor Returns, Jammin’ Jars, Big Bamboo and Wild Swarm, are now ready to be enjoyed by players in Bulgaria, with more recent releases due to roll out imminently.

The launch enhances Push’s relationship with Kaizen Gaming, which has already seen success with its award-winning content in Greece, Denmark, and Brazil.

Agreements with over 15 direct integration partners have been achieved in 2024, and the supplier’s significant growth will be bolstered by several more announcements in the remainder of Q4.

Fiona Hickey, Chief Business Development Officer at Push Gaming, said: “Bulgaria is a territory we’ve been working on for some time, so it’s particularly pleasing to launch there with such an established and respected name as Betano.

“We know the strength of our product, and allied with Kaizen Gaming’s prominent positioning across regulated markets, we can make the most of our regional entries. They’re a fantastic strategic partner to work alongside, which breeds exceptional confidence that every launch period will perform strongly.”

Evangelos Dedoulis, Director of Product, Gaming and Rewards at Kaizen Gaming,  added: “Push Gaming is responsible for some of the finest games on the market, and as such, we have been eagerly anticipating bringing them to our Betano platform in Bulgaria too. In other markets where we have integrated Push Gaming’s titles, the reception from our audience has been exceptional, and we expect the same in this case too.”

The post Bulgaria first for Push Gaming with Kaizen Gaming’s Betano appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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