Metaverse will be the next big thing for Indian animation industry

Metaverse is a virtual world where people can interact with each other in real time through virtual reality, augmented reality and other immersive technologies.

As Metaverse continues to expand itself, it is certain to have a significant impact on various industries, including animation, education and courses. The Metaverse industry in India is still in its nascent stage, with a few companies exploring the potential of this emerging technology. However, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the Indian Metaverse market size is expected to grow from $123 million in 2021 to $1.42 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 63.5%. That apart, it is expected to create new career opportunities for individuals with skills in animation, game development and other related fields.

As the Metaverse industry grows, there will be a high demand for professionals, who can create immersive content using the latest technologies. In addition, it will also impact the education sector by way of online learning and training. On their part, the students will be able to experience immersive learning environments that simulate real-world scenarios and offer hands-on training. Several courses and training programs are already being developed to prepare students for careers in the emerging industry. These programs include courses in animation, game development, virtual reality, and augmented reality, among others.

India has a thriving animation industry, with the market's size estimated to touch Rs. 53 billion by the end of this year, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.

The industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the increase in demand for animated content for films, television and online platforms. The Indian animation industry has also been recognized globally, with several Indian studios and production houses receiving international acclaim for their work.

Metaverse is expected to have a significant impact on the animation industry in India, as it will offer new opportunities to create immersive and interactive content. With the Metaverse, animators will be able to create 3D models that can be integrated into virtual environments and used in games, movies and other forms of media. In addition, Metaverse will enable animators to create interactive content that can be experienced in real-time by users. This will help animators to create engaging content, across spheres like education, advertising and other industries.

Here are some potential ways in which this impact could manifest:

Increased demand for Metaverse-Specific skills: As Metaverse becomes more prevalent, there will be a higher demand for professionals with specific skills related to content to cater to the vibrant environment. These skills may include 3D modeling, animation, virtual reality development, and interactive design. Educational institutions will need to adapt their curriculums to meet this demand and train students in the relevant skills.

Introduction of Metaverse-Specific courses:

As the demand for Metaverse-specific skills grows, we may see the introduction of new courses focused solely on teaching these skills. This will revolve around Metaverse development, creating content for Metaverse and designing interactive experiences in the Metaverse. These courses are likely be offered by both educational institutions and online platforms.

Collaboration with industry experts: To stay relevant and ensure that their students are learning up-to-date skills, educational institutions may need to collaborate with industry experts in the Metaverse space. This could include partnerships with Metaverse companies, virtual reality development studios, and interactive design firms.

Integration of Metaverse technology in existing courses: Educational institutions may start integrating Metaverse technology into existing courses. For example, a graphic design course may include an assignment to create a poster for a virtual event in Metaverse or an animation course may include a project to create a character for a virtual reality game.

New career opportunities: The growth of Metaverse will open up new career opportunities with industry-specific skills. They include jobs in virtual reality development, interactive design, content creation for Metaverse, among others.

In conclusion, the potential impact of Metaverse on the animation industry in India is significant. With the rapid growth of the Indian animation industry and the increased demand for skilled professionals, Metaverse presents an opportunity to bridge forms of media, and educational programs that will shape the future of entertainment, education, and the likes.

(The writer is founder and CEO of Ssoftoons Institute)