How automation is streamlining modern game development, ETCIO https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/next-gen-technologies/...
How automation is streamlining modern
game development
The Indian mobile gaming industry has undergone an extreme
makeover, powered by automation and advanced development tools. As
India’s gaming market surges—valued at $3 billion in 2024 and projected
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to reach $11 billion by 2033—studios are increasingly adopting
automation to stay competitive, accelerate production cycles, and
deliver richer player experiences. This shift mirrors a global trend, where
automation, fuelled by AI and machine learning, is fundamentally
reshaping every stage of game development.
In India, this growth is driven by affordable smartphones, widespread
internet penetration, and a young, tech-savvy population. The demand
for esports, casual games, and culturally localized content has created a
fiercely competitive environment, making automation essential at every
stage of the development process. Today, automation is more than just a
tool for efficiency; it forms the backbone of modern game production,
enabling studios of all sizes to push creative and technical boundaries at
unprecedented speeds.
One of the most profound impacts of
automation is in content creation. AI-powered tools are helping
developers generate intricate textures, 3D models, and even complete
procedural environments far faster than traditional methods. Systems
can dynamically adjust game difficulty, script non-player character
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(NPC) behaviors, and support rapid prototyping—crucial for Indian
studios weaving local myths and cultural narratives into their games. By
automating asset creation and iteration, developers can maintain
cultural authenticity while meeting the increasingly tight timelines
demanded by the market.
Testing, traditionally one of the most time-consuming stages of game
development, has been equally transformed. Automated testing
protocols can now simulate thousands of gameplay scenarios in minutes,
enabling faster and more comprehensive quality assurance. In India’s
mobile-first market—where smooth performance and seamless gameplay
are non-negotiable—developers are embedding automated testing suites
into continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, reducing
time-to-market while improving stability and player satisfaction.
Automation has also redefined the coding process itself. Tools like
GitHub Copilot, Tabnine, Cursor, and Windsurf are widely adopted to
automate repetitive tasks, suggest optimizations, and even detect bugs
during development. This not only speeds up production but empowers
smaller indie studios to compete with larger players, levelling the playing
field and fueling the growth of India’s vibrant indie gaming ecosystem.
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Unlocking creative potential
t h ro u g h a u t o m a t i o n
While automation accelerates development, its true value lies in freeing
up creative bandwidth. Industry experts at Bengaluru GAFX 2025 noted
that development timelines that once stretched six to nine months have
been compressed to just two or three months. This faster iteration allows
developers to experiment, pivot with market trends, and launch higher-
quality games at speed—an invaluable advantage in India’s fast-changing
gaming landscape.
Globally, automation is ushering in next-gen gaming innovations—real-
time ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling, and generative AI for NPCs are
now embedded in leading game engines. Indian studios are mirroring
these trends by investing heavily in advanced graphics, AI analytics, and
innovative monetization models like blockchain and play-to-earn
mechanisms. Automation is also proving crucial in rapid localization
efforts, enabling developers to efficiently customize content across
India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape, from vernacular
language support to regionally themed experiences tied to Bollywood,
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cricket, and local influencers.
Despite automation’s sweeping
influence, industry leaders agree: it is an enabler, not a replacement.
Human creativity remains at the heart of great game design, storytelling,
and player experience. Automation handles the heavy lifting, but the
imagination, intuition, and craftsmanship of developers continue to
define a game’s success.
As India continues to emerge as a global mobile gaming powerhouse,
automation will be central to shaping the next decade of growth. With a
booming indie sector, increasing investments, and a growing, demanding
audience, the Indian gaming industry is not just keeping pace—it is
poised to set new global standards. Automation is not merely
streamlining workstreams; it is empowering a new generation of
developers to reimagine what is possible in mobile gaming, both within
India and across the world.
The author is Tarun Bisht, Vice President of Mobile Premier League
(MPL).
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