India Gaming Market

India Gaming Market:

The India gaming market size reached US$ 3.68 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 14.1 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% during 2024-2032. The easy accessibility of smartphones, along with the rising inclination among consumers towards online gambling and e-sports, is primarily bolstering the market.

India Gaming Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The rising penetration of high-speed internet connectivity, coupled with the growing establishment of esports tournaments, gaming communities, and professional gaming teams, represent primary factors bolstering the market.
• Key Market Trends: Continuous advancements in digital payment systems and the wide availability of localized content are propelling the market across the country. Moreover, favorable initiatives by government bodies, along with increasing social and online interactions, are also acting as significant growth-inducing factors.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the main challenges hindering the market in India is inadequate infrastructure. However, the extensive investments in domestic game development will continue to fuel the market across the country over the forecasted period.

India Gaming Market Trends:

Increasing Government Support

The rising focus of regulatory authorities on online gaming is one of the key drivers bolstering the market. The increasing "Digital India" initiatives by the Prime Minister of India are encouraging developers and innovators to take the lead in the online gaming industry. Additionally, to offer recommendations for national-level and universal legislation to regulate online gaming, the federal government across the country established the Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF), which usually comprises representatives from several ministries. It is mandated by another group of ministers (GoM) to present the suggested tax structure and the regulatory framework for the online gaming sector. Besides this, the establishment of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) Promotion Task Force and self-regulatory bodies aimed to promote the industry's growth and development is also stimulating the market across the country. Moreover, policies, including Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, have provided a regulatory framework for online gaming, thereby addressing concerns about harmful content and addiction. In July 2022, the Government of India took steps to promote indigenous games by conducting special training programs. Apart from this, the implementation of stringent gaming regulations will continue to fuel the market in the coming years. For example, in March 2024, the National Law University (NLU) Delhi, along with the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), laid guidelines to allow only registered entities to offer e-gaming services in India. Furthermore, as per IT rules, online real-money games need to be approved by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) rather than an industry-led self-regulatory organization (SRO).

Popularity of Mobile Gaming

According to the IMARC, the India mobile gaming market size reached US$ 2.6 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 9.9 Billion by 2032, thereby exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 16.16% during 2024-2032. The rising number of affordable data plans is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor. The Economic Times highlighted that India has affordable and decent mobile data worldwide. Compared to the United Kingdom's average cost of a gigabyte priced at US$ 6.66, in India, this only costs US$ 0.26, which is relatively lower than the United States with US$ 12.37 for the same data. Apart from this, the growing penetration of smartphones is escalating the demand for mobile gaming across the country. As per the Counterpoint Research, India's current smartphone base is approximately 680 million, with over 80% of those being 4G smartphones. Moreover, mobile phones contribute to 90% of the gaming market in India as compared to about 62% and 37% in China and the U.S., respectively. According to a survey by Newzoo in 2023, the total monthly users for leading games in Google Play in India was roughly 657 million. Besides this, initiatives like the National Broadband Mission and BharatNet that aim to provide high-speed internet access across rural and remote regions are also catalyzing the India gaming market growth. Furthermore, continuous mobile gaming launches are expected to fuel the market in the coming years. For instance, in April 2024, Vi, one of the prominent telecom operators in India, partnered with CareGame, a company based in Paris, to introduce Cloud Play, a cutting-edge mobile cloud gaming service across the country.

Various Technological Innovations

The extensive investments from both international and domestic players are bolstering the market across the country. Venture capitalists, tech giants, and entertainment companies are recognizing the potential of the Indian gaming sector and are pouring resources into esports infrastructure, game development, and gaming startups. For example, in January 2024, one of the vernacular interactive entertainment platforms, Winzo, introduced the 'Bharat Tech Triumph' initiative, which is aimed at improving the export of culturally relevant games and related technology originated in India. Apart from this, the influx of capital is fueling innovation, thereby leading to the creation of high-quality games and gaming platforms. For instance, in October 2023, Krafton India developed a gaming incubator in India to support the gaming industry across the country. Additionally, the widespread adoption of advanced technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), AI, virtual reality (VR), etc., is also positively influencing the market. In April 2024, Dell Technologies launched its newest line of AI-enabled consumer PCs in India, which includes Alienware m16 R2, the XPS 14 & 16, and Inspiron 14 Plus, for professionals, creators, gamers, and students.

India Gaming Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the market forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on the device type, platform, revenue type, type, and age group.

Breakup by Device Type:

• Consoles
• Mobiles and Tablets
• Computer
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the device type. This includes consoles, mobiles and tablets, and computer.

The proliferation of affordable smartphones and the widespread internet connectivity, making them accessible to a vast audience, are augmenting the adoption of mobile gaming in India. 4% of all mobile games on Google Play are from Indian publishers. Some of the common examples include Battle Stars: Fun 4v4 Shooting, World of Carrom:3D Board Game, Carrom Lite-Board Offline Game, Little Singham Cycle Race, Rush: Ludo Carrom Game Online, Real Cricket™ GO, CrickPe: Fantasy Cricket App, Indian Bikes Driving 3D, A23 Rummy Cash Game Online, etc. Console gaming, while smaller in comparison, maintains a dedicated user base that values high-quality graphics and immersive experiences. The console segment is supported by the presence of major global brands and their localized content offerings. Besides this, the PC gaming community benefits from a rich ecosystem of gaming peripherals, dedicated software, and online platforms that enhance the overall experience. For instance, in October 2022, Marvel Entertainment and Electronic Arts announced a multi-title collaboration to develop three action-adventure games for consoles and PCs. Additionally, in January 2022, Microsoft acquired Activision to accelerate the expansion of Microsoft's gaming business across mobiles, PCs, and consoles.

Breakup by Platform:

• Online
• Offline
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform. This includes online and offline.

Online gaming is gaining extensive traction across the country, owing to the increasing number of mobile gamers. According to a CMR study that included input from 1,124 mobile gamers aged 16 to 35, the average person has at least seven games on their phone, four of which are regularly played. Besides this, the expanding Android gaming sector is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. As per the report by 42matters.com, India has a substantial presence on Google Play, with approximately 5,283 Indian publishers out of a total of 166,039 game publishers, thereby indicating the growing dominance of Indian players in the Android gaming sector. Some of these prominent publishers across the country include Words Mobiles, Gametion Technologies Pvt Ltd, Games2win.com, etc. In contrast, offline gaming, which includes console games and single-player computer games that do not require an internet connection, remains popular among users who prefer immersive experiences without the reliance on internet connectivity.

Breakup by Revenue Type:

• In-Game Purchase
• Game Purchase
• Advertising
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the revenue type. This includes in-game purchase, game purchase, and advertising.

As per the India gaming market analysis, monetization strategies, such as in-game purchases, game purchases, and advertising, play crucial roles in generating revenue. In-game purchases, which include buying virtual goods, cosmetics, and power-ups, have become increasingly popular, particularly in mobile games, offering players the option to enhance their gaming experience. This microtransaction model supports free-to-play games, making them accessible while still driving profits. Game purchases, although less dominant than in-game purchases, remain significant, especially for premium console and PC games where users pay upfront for access to high-quality, immersive content. Advertising within games has also emerged as a key revenue stream, leveraging India's large and engaged gaming audience. This includes various formats such as banner ads, interstitial ads, and rewarded video ads, which provide in-game rewards to players in exchange for viewing ads. These strategies collectively contribute to the financial viability and growth of the gaming industry in India, catering to different consumer preferences and spending behaviors.

Breakup by Type:

• Adventure/Role Playing Games
• Puzzles
• Social Games
• Strategy
• Simulation
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes adventure/role playing games, puzzles, social games, strategy, simulation, and others.

Adventure/RPGs, known for their immersive storytelling and character development, have captivated Indian gamers, with launches such as "Genshin Impact" and "Cyberpunk 2077" making significant impacts. Puzzle games continue to attract casual gamers, with titles like "Candy Crush Saga" and "Monument Valley" remaining popular. Social games, which emphasize interaction and community, have seen a surge, especially during the pandemic, with games like "Among Us" and "PUBG" Mobile. Apart from this, strategy games, including "Clash of Clans" and "Clash Royale," continue to engage players with their competitive and tactical gameplay. Simulation games like "The Sims Mobile" and "Flight Simulator," released in August 2020, offer realistic experiences and have a dedicated following.

Breakup by Age Group:

• Adult
• Children
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group. This includes adult and children.

Gaming in India caters to both adults and children, reflecting a broad spectrum of preferences and interests across age groups. For children, games often emphasize educational content, creativity, and entertainment, with popular titles like "Minecraft" and "Roblox" offering engaging and interactive experiences that combine fun with learning. These games promote cognitive skills, problem-solving, and creativity in a safe, controlled environment. On the other hand, adult gamers are drawn to online games and competitive esports titles. As per the results of the survey conducted in April 2022 on online gaming in India by Rakuten Insight, about 72% of respondents between 25 and 34 years of age played online games. In comparison, only 38% above the age of 55 years played online games in the surveyed period. The gaming industry in India is thus thriving by catering to the diverse needs and preferences of both adults and children, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive gaming culture.

Breakup by Region:

• South India
• North India
• West & Central India
• East India
   

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include South India, North India, West & Central India, and East India.

In South India, cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad emerged as gaming hubs, driven by a strong tech ecosystem and a growing number of gaming startups. The region accounted for approximately 30% of the national gaming revenue, with popular titles including "Asphalt 9" and "BGMI" (Battlegrounds Mobile India). Besides this, the increasing number of esports tournaments and gaming cafes is also bolstering the market in North India. For instance, in February 2024, India's premier esports tournament organizer, Skyesports, collaborated with the Indonesian Embassy of New Delhi to host an esports match at the India Gaming Show, an international gaming, animation, and infotainment event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Moreover, West and Central India, with major cities like Mumbai and Pune, are known for their vibrant gaming culture, which will continue to augment the market in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major Indian gaming market companies have also been provided.

India Gaming Market News:

• June 2024: Samsung launched its smart monitor and Odyssey OLED gaming monitor ranges in India.
• April 2024: Vi, one of the prominent telecom operators in India, partnered with CareGame, a company based in Paris, to introduce Cloud Play, a cutting-edge mobile cloud gaming service across the country.
• March 2024: The National Law University (NLU) Delhi, along with the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), laid guidelines to allow only registered entities to offer e-gaming services in India.

India Gaming Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the India gaming market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the India gaming market?
• What is the breakup of the India gaming market on the basis of the device type?
• What is the breakup of the India gaming market on the basis of the platform?
• What is the breakup of the India gaming market on the basis of the revenue type?
• What is the breakup of the India gaming market on the basis of the type?
• What is the breakup of the India gaming market on the basis of the age group?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the India gaming market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the India gaming market?
• What is the structure of the India gaming market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the India gaming market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India gaming market from 2018-2032.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India gaming market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India gaming industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.