Speed is a characteristic that Indian game studios have always displayed, be it in getting profitable or be it in getting the right kind of positioning. Displaying that same swiftness, and also solidarity, India's leading game developers today announced the formation of iGITA (Indian Games Industry and Trade Association) at NASSCOM Animation and Gaming India 2006.

The founding members of this association include Dhruva Interactive, Electronic Arts, Hungama, Indiagames, Mauj, Microsoft India (Entertainment & Devices Division), Mobile2Win, Paradox Studios, Small Device and Tinfo Mobile. The members are scheduled to meet next week to create a committee and elect officers.

Speaking to Animation 'xpress, M2W CEO Rajiv Hiranandani stated," iGITA will be focused on creating a platform for interaction and collaboration between international as well as local gaming companies and associations. It will also play a vital role in encouraging investments in the Indian gaming market and in making vital recommendations that impact policy initiatives to stimulate growth in this arena"

Commenting on the announcement, Rajesh Rao, CEO of Dhruva Interactive said, "The formation of iGITA is an important milestone in the Indian gaming industry. iGITA will play a critical role in promoting games as a form of entertainment in India and in placing the Indian gaming industry on the global map. It will give Indian gaming companies a much needed boost and enable us to take advantage of the opportunities that lie at home and abroad."

Vishal Gondal, CEO, Indiagames said, "India has a large talent pool of artists, programmers and designers. Ironically, the gaming industry is still facing a shortage of resources. iGITA will be the first industry alliance that will channel its efforts towards growing and nurturing the skill and expertise available in the country."

Preneet Malhotra, COO, Electronic Arts Asia added "India today stands at the threshold of a gaming revolution. The formation of an industry body will provide a platform for interaction between international and local gaming companies and associations, which in turn will bring global knowledge and recognition to India. Electronic Arts is delighted to support this initiative."

Mohit Anand, Country Manager - Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft India said, "At Microsoft we have tremendous faith in India's potential to emerge as a vibrant gaming hub in Asia. The formation of iGITA today reiterates this common commitment that we share with the other Indian gaming companies who are betting on India's advantage too. We are confident that this will help strengthen India's presence in the international gaming space while offering greater growth opportunities for gaming companies at a domestic level."