The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the Indian Digital Gaming & Esports Society (IDGES) and supported by the Government of Nagaland, has announced LevelUp Northeast 2026, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the gaming, esports, and immersive technology ecosystem in India’s Northeast.
Scheduled to take place March 28–29, 2026, at the Agri Expo Complex in Dimapur, Nagaland, the event will serve as a regional hub for innovation across AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality), esports, and digital technologies.
Building the Northeast’s Gaming and Esports Ecosystem
Positioned as the region’s first dedicated platform for esports and digital transformation, LevelUp Northeast 2026 will bring together industry leaders, gaming studios, technology companies, and emerging creators to explore opportunities across gaming, esports, and immersive media.
The event will feature an AVGC–XR & Gaming Expo, showcasing cutting-edge game studios, technologies, and creative innovations shaping the future of digital entertainment.
Alongside the exhibition, attendees can expect a range of interactive and competitive activities, including esports tournaments, masterclasses, industry discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at nurturing the next generation of digital talent.
Indian Super Gaming League to Create National Pathway
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the Indian Super Gaming League (ISGL) by Lets Game Now, designed to provide a structured pathway for emerging esports players.
The league will begin with a nationwide qualifier circuit, allowing grassroots competitors to progress toward national recognition and professional opportunities within the esports ecosystem.
Players competing in the ISGL will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills before industry experts, with the league culminating in a grand finale planned in Vizag featuring a prize pool of ₹50 lakh.
The qualifiers will feature multiple competitive titles spanning different gaming platforms, including:
- Call of Duty
- EA Sports FC 26
- Cricket 26
- Chess
Esports Tournaments, Masterclasses, and Career Opportunities
Beyond competition, LevelUp Northeast 2026 will focus heavily on education and talent development within the gaming industry.
Participants will have access to masterclasses and skill-building sessions covering topics such as game development, esports careers, and emerging digital technologies.
The event will also host a job fair, offering young professionals and students opportunities to interact with companies and explore career pathways across gaming, animation, esports, and digital media.
Additionally, an Industry–Academia Roundtable will bring together educational institutions and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for building stronger talent pipelines in the region.
Institutions including the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) are expected to participate in these discussions.
Encouraging Creativity and Regional Collaboration
LevelUp Northeast 2026 will also highlight creative expression within the digital arts community.
A Sketch-Up Digital Art Competition will showcase emerging talent in digital illustration, design, and visual storytelling, reinforcing the role of creativity within the AVGC ecosystem.
The broader goal of the event is to create meaningful collaboration between industry leaders, government bodies, startups, academia, and young innovators to accelerate the region’s digital transformation.
Industry Support and Partnerships
Several partners are supporting the initiative to strengthen its impact on the region’s growing gaming ecosystem.
ACER has joined as the Gaming Partner, bringing advanced gaming hardware and technology to power the esports experience, while Faith Hospital will serve as the Medical Support Partner, providing on-site medical assistance during the event.
With India’s gaming and esports industries experiencing rapid growth, initiatives like LevelUp Northeast 2026 aim to ensure that emerging regions also become part of the country’s digital innovation story.
By combining competition, education, and industry collaboration, the event hopes to position the Northeast as an important contributor to India’s expanding gaming and esports landscape.
