Pixel P&L: Hyderabad Launches First Dedicated Anime and Manga Academy Through Japan Collaboration

Welcome to another Pixel P&L edition. This issue takes 4 minutes to read. If you only have one, here are the 5 most important things:

• India opens first anime school in Hyderabad through partnership with Japan's Kyoto Seika University.

• PC gaming hardware market surges 35% as Windows 11 forces massive upgrades across 100 million gamers.

• Borderlands 4 generates $150 million despite launch issues, proving franchise strength.

• Roblox hit game removes character amid copyright dispute over AI-generated content.

• European gaming industry launches "Pixels to Policy" campaign to educate lawmakers about gaming's economic impact. 

Let's get into it.

India Opens First Anime School in Hyderabad Partnership

India launched its first dedicated anime and manga academy in Hyderabad through a collaboration between IACG Multimedia College and Japan's Kyoto Seika University, marking the country's entry into the global animation education market.

The program combines Japanese faculty instruction with local technical training in VFX and gaming, targeting India's expanding digital entertainment sector. Students receive Japanese language preparation for the JLPT N2 proficiency test alongside traditional manga techniques and storytelling fundamentals.

The initiative features active exchange programs allowing students to study in Japan or host Japanese counterparts in India. Recent programming included a 10-day workshop by acclaimed manga artist Ryota Sakamoto, focusing on visual storytelling and character design.

JETRO, the Government of Telangana, and the Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association back the project, reflecting strong institutional support. The school addresses rising demand for skilled animators in India's growing media and gaming industries, positioning the country as a regional creative hub while preparing creators for the global market.

PC Gaming Hardware Market Surges 35% as Windows 11 Forces Major Upgrades

The global PC gaming hardware market is poised for dramatic growth in 2025, with Jon Peddie Research forecasting a 35% surge to $44.5 billion driven largely by Microsoft's Windows 11 migration requirements.

The unprecedented forced hardware upgrade affects over 100 million gamers who must replace CPUs, motherboards, and RAM to maintain compatibility. "Never before in Windows history has there been a forced hardware migration requirement," said Ted Pollak, JPR's senior game tech analyst.

Most PC gamers are purchasing complete prebuilt systems rather than piecemeal upgrades, while DIY enthusiasts are building entirely new rigs alongside existing Windows 10 machines. This transition is reshaping the market landscape, with entry-level gaming expected to decline 13% over five years as budget-conscious players migrate to consoles and mobile platforms.

However, the exodus isn't entirely negative. Millions of entry-level users are upgrading to midrange and high-end hardware tiers, potentially offsetting volume losses with higher-value purchases.

⚡️Quick Bytes

Borderlands 4 Generates $150 Million Despite Launch Issues

Borderlands 4 attracted 2.5 million players and generated over $150 million in revenue since its September 12 launch, according to Alinea Analytics (via GI.biz). The game sold 1.3 million Steam copies for $80 million and over one million console units, despite initial performance problems that dominated early coverage.

European Gaming Industry Launches Policy Education Campaign

Video Games Europe launched its "Pixels to Policy" campaign to educate policymakers about the gaming industry's economic impact and consumer protections. The interactive website features four levels covering industry economics, player protection, Europe's gaming landscape, and in-game activities, targeting officials unfamiliar with the sector that generated 90% digital revenues in 2024.

Roblox Game Removes Character Amid Copyright Dispute

"Steal a Brainrot," generating millions across Roblox and Fortnite, removed character Tung Tung Tung Sahur after Indonesian creator Noxa claimed licensing rights through agency Mememtum Lab. The preemptive removal highlights legal uncertainties around AI-generated content ownership, as U.S. copyright law requires "sufficient human expressive elements" for protection.

⚔️Side Quest

📺 Watch: This engaging interview between the directors of Lies of P and Expedition 33 offers valuable insights into Belle Époque aesthetics, narrative design philosophy, and development challenges. Perfect for game developers and fans interested in creating emotionally complex stories, scaling teams, and understanding how shared creative visions emerge across different studios.

🎮 Play: Jump Space delivers stellar co-op spacefaring that indie developers do best. Gorgeous visuals and engaging ship management create authentic space adventures. While mission variety needs expansion and some mechanics lack explanation, the core gameplay of piloting, combat, and boarding enemy vessels feels incredible. An early access gem worth launching into.

📚 Read: ESA’s latest report reveals gaming's remarkable mainstream adoption, with 205.1 million Americans playing regularly across all age groups. Beyond entertainment statistics, it explores gaming's role in family bonding, sports performance enhancement, accessibility initiatives, and economic impact, making it essential reading for understanding modern digital culture and the gaming industry.

💡Did You Know

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2020 Oxford Internet Institute study tracked over 3,000 players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. Researchers discovered that longer gaming sessions correlated with increased happiness and reduced stress levels. The benefits stemmed from games providing competence-building experiences and social connections during isolation. However, the study noted this wasn't universal. Players' real-world circumstances could reverse these positive effects, potentially making extended gaming harmful to well-being for some individuals.

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