The Andhra Pradesh GAME (Gaming, Animation, Media and Entertainment) Policy is ready and will be unveiled soon to encourage the sector, according to Ponnala Lakshmaiah, State Minister for Information Technology & Communications.

He said the incubation centre coming up at Madhapur, which will be ready by August 15, can be utilised by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the gaming, animation and special effects industry. Also, the 8-lakh-sq ft gaming and animation facility coming up at Rayadurgam will have all the necessary facilities and enable small companies to work on their projects.

It would serve as the foundation for the growth and prosperity of the State’s animation and gaming industry, he said.

Launches college

After launching Creative Mentors Animation & Gaming College, billed as AP’s first virtual online college for animation and gaming, Lakshmaiah said Hyderabad was becoming synonymous with creative talent in animation. The college, the second venture of seven-year-old Animation and Gaming Academy Creative Mentors, is located at Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad.

K. Basi Reddy, President of the association Animation, VFX, Comic & Gaming Industry of AP, quoting Nasscom figures, said there was a shortage of 3 lakh skilled workforce in the animation and gaming industry.

Suresh Kovvuri, Managing Director, Creative Mentors, said Creative Mentors Animation & Gaming College would offer BA and MA courses online while a BFA course would be offered offline only. Apart from the graduation programmes, several short- and long term courses in Animation, Visual Effects and Gaming would be offered. A one year-internship programme is also among the options.

rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in

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