An initiative by Nilee Games and IICS, supported by MESC and AIGDF, highlights the transformative role of AI in game development
In a landmark moment for India’s game development ecosystem, Nilee Games and Future Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), successfully hosted India’s first-ever AI Game Jam 2025 at the IICS Delhi campus in Lajpat Nagar. The event represents a bold step forward in exploring the creative potential of artificial intelligence within gaming.
Backed by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) – a sector skill council under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Game Jam brought together some of the country’s most promising talent to build original, playable games within just nine hours, using AI as a core enabler.
Organized by Nilee Games, the event saw participation from 25 teams, each comprising 1–3 members. Hosted under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) format with hardware support from IICS, the challenge pushed developers to meaningfully integrate AI into various stages of development, from asset creation and design to gameplay mechanics and user experience. Teams were required to submit a playable build (.apk, .exe, or online link) along with a short explainer video detailing the use of AI tools in their creative process.
The judging panel comprised of seasoned professionals from India’s gaming industry, evaluated entries on the basis of innovation, gameplay quality, and thoughtful application of AI, with a strong emphasis on using AI as a creative ally rather than a shortcut.
Open to all age groups, the Game Jam attracted a diverse group of participants, including students and working professionals from across India with strong representation from states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. While held in Delhi, the event truly reflected a pan-India spirit.
Anand Jha, CEO of Nilee Games and Chief Mentor at the IICS School of Video Games and Digital Media, remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many young minds embrace AI as a creative partner. At Nilee Games and now through the School of Advance Gaming and Extended Reality (XR) Innovations, our mission is to equip the next generation of developers with the tools and mindset to build the future of games: ethically, intelligently, and creatively.”
Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “The AI Game Jam 2025 has been an incredible showcase of the creativity and talent emerging from India’s game development community. Watching participants harness AI tools to bring fresh ideas to life in such a short time was truly inspiring. At IICS, we are proud to pioneer initiatives that push the boundaries of technology and creativity. This event marks only the beginning of our commitment to building a dynamic and future-ready gaming ecosystem in India.”
In line with the principles of ethical game development, all teams were required to use self-created or legally sourced assets. The event underscored that AI, when applied responsibly, can be a powerful creative collaborator, not a substitute for originality or design thinking.
The winners of the AI Game Jam were felicitated on 17th May at the IICS campus in Delhi. Team Ear, comprising Ajay Sharma, Eshan, Kaushik, and Ritesh Kumar, secured the first prize of ₹1,25,000 for their game “Wild West Graveyard Rush.” The second prize of ₹75,000 went to Team Shivance, represented by Akash Suryal and Krithik Mangal, for their game “Signal States.” The third place was awarded to Team Dhroova Games, a solo entry by Dhroov Sharma, who took home ₹50,000 for his game “Treasure Hunt.”
Looking ahead, the Indian Institute of Creative Skills continues its mission to prepare creators for the future. Registrations are now open for its upcoming programs in AI Game Development, 3D Game Art, Digital Content Creation, Sound Design, and Performing Arts, reinforcing its role as a hub for next-generation creative education in India.
As conversations around AI’s role in the gaming industry grow globally, the success of AI Game Jam 2025 makes one thing abundantly clear: When used ethically and inventively, AI can empower a new wave of Indian game developers to reimagine what’s possible.
