India’s gaming community can start the countdown. GamingCon Bharat is pressing start on its third edition, returning to the Bombay Exhibition Centre (Nesco) in Mumbai on 17 and 18 October 2026 with bigger ambitions, larger crowds and an expanded universe of gaming experiences.
After drawing more than 15,000 visitors last year, the event is aiming even higher in 2026, expecting over 20,000 attendees and cementing its position as one of India’s largest celebrations of gaming, esports, creators, pop culture and interactive entertainment.
The festival will once again be supported by the government of Maharashtra and continue its strategic partnership with the Indian Game Publishers & Developers Association (IGPDA), reinforcing its focus on strengthening India’s rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem.
One of the biggest power-ups this year comes through a partnership with MeepleCon, India’s largest board game convention. The collaboration brings tabletop gaming into the spotlight, welcoming board game publishers, designers, hobbyists and enthusiasts to the festival and expanding GamingCon Bharat’s mission of celebrating every form of play under one roof.
Visitors can expect sprawling free-play zones featuring the latest PC, console and mobile games, adrenaline-fuelled esports tournaments and the return of indieverse, a showcase dedicated to India’s rising independent game studios. The level up conference will also make a comeback, bringing together developers, creators, publishers, investors, policymakers and industry leaders for discussions on the future of gaming.
Beyond the screens, the event will host one of the country’s largest cosplay celebrations, alongside merchandise, collectibles, creator meet-ups, live entertainment and immersive fan experiences.
GamingCon Bharat founder and Idex Events managing director Vikas Vij shared, “Our goal with GamingCon is to create a platform that doesn’t just entertain but also grows the ecosystem. It brings together key stakeholders including fans, brands, studios, creators, esports teams, investors, and government officials in one live environment. GamingCon Bharat 2026 will be our biggest, most immersive, and industry inclusive edition yet.”
In support of GamingCon Bharat, government of Maharashtra chief advisor to the chief minister Kaustubh Dhavse expressed, “GamingCon Bharat truly reflects the energy, ambition, and creative power of India’s gaming ecosystem. What makes this moment special is the momentum we are witnessing across the country, rising studios, world-class talent, advanced tech infrastructure, and an appetite to build for global audiences.”
IGPDA founding member and NCore Games founder Vishal Gondal added, “GamingCon Bharat is where India’s gaming future begins. This is more than an event, it’s a gathering point where the ecosystem converges to imagine, build, and scale India’s presence in the global gaming industry.”
The event’s growing scale reflects the momentum of India’s gaming sector, which continues to attract developers, creators, investors and brands eager to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets.
With fresh partnerships, a larger footprint and an ever-expanding community, GamingCon Bharat 2026 is ready to hit the next level. For two days this October, Mumbai won’t just host a gaming festival, it will become the playground of India’s gaming revolution.
