India is on the brink of becoming a global gaming powerhouse, a transformation predicted by Nitish Mittersain, the joint MD and CEO of Nazara Technologies. The country’s gaming industry is evolving rapidly, driven by a combination of technological advancements, increasing adoption among consumers, and the burgeoning demand for mobile gaming.
As of now, India boasts a staggering 420 million active online gamers, and this figure is expected to rise significantly. The digitally native population, particularly those aged between 15-35, plays a crucial role in this expansion. The Indian gaming market, which is currently valued at approximately $1.8 billion, is primarily fueled by mobile-first games. This market has experienced phenomenal growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 38 percent in 2019-2020 and 37 percent in the previous fiscal year.
The gaming sector in India is not just limited to leisure; it’s evolving into a viable career path, with industry experts predicting the creation of 10,000-12,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2023. The Indian esports industry, in particular, has gained official recognition by the Government of India as a significant part of multi-sport events, overseen by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This segment of the industry alone is projected to grow to $4 billion by March 2027.
The integration of 5G, Cloud Gaming, and the availability of advanced gaming smartphones are key drivers of this growth. The recent introduction of 5G in India is expected to have a substantial impact on the gaming industry, enhancing the overall gaming experience and enabling more complex and interactive game designs.
By 2025, India’s gaming industry is expected to triple in revenue, reaching over $5 billion. This growth is partly attributed to the ‘mobile first’ phenomenon, with the Indian mobile gaming industry expected to reach this valuation by 2025. The number of paying players in transaction-based games in India increased significantly, from 80 million in 2020 to 95 million in 2021.
India’s path to becoming a global gaming nation is marked by its rapid adoption of online gaming, particularly mobile gaming, enhanced infrastructure, connectivity, and the availability of technologically advanced devices. The country’s gaming ecosystem is ripe for investment and innovation, signaling a bright future for the gaming industry in India.