India’s online gaming industry is booming, with the country now ranking as the second-largest gaming market globally. Approximately 442 million Indians engage in online gaming, which is 30.69% of the country’s population.
Of these gamers, 100 million play daily and 9 out of 10 gamers are willing to spend money on their gaming experiences, showing the economic impact and widespread appeal of this entertainment sector.
This rapid growth is driven by increasing smartphone penetration, high-speed internet access, and a growing preference for interactive digital experiences. As the market continues to expand, it’s clear that online gaming is becoming a major force in India’s entertainment landscape.
In this blog post, we dive into the latest statistics and trends shaping India’s online gaming market, exploring its growth drivers, key player dynamics, and future prospects.
Online Gaming Statistics 2024 (Top Picks)
- There are around 568 million online gamers in India.
- India’s gaming sector is currently valued at around $3.1 billion.
- The online gaming industry across India was valued at around INR 220 billion in the year 2023.
- The gaming sector is expected to grow to $8.92 billion in the next five years.
- The mobile gaming market is expected to grow by 20% by FY25 to reach INR 231 billion.
- The mobile gaming market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33% to reach INR 250 billion by FY27.
Market Size of Online Gaming Industry in India
The online gaming industry in India was valued at about INR 220 billion in 2023, up from INR 181 billion the year before. This shows a strong growth trend.
By 2026, the industry is expected to be worth over INR 388 billion, with a yearly growth rate of around 20.7%. This rapid growth highlights the increasing popularity and investment in online gaming across India.
Market Size of Online Gaming Industry in India
The Indian gaming industry attracted over $1.6 billion in investments from global investors in 2023, showcasing the sector’s growing appeal and potential for international partnerships.
Additionally, the industry is seeing increased participation from global investors and partnerships with international gaming companies. This influx of investment is further driving innovation and expansion within the sector.
Here is a graph showing the market size of the online gaming industry in India over the past years, along with future projections:
market size of the online gaming industry in India over the past years
India is the largest mobile gaming market in terms of app downloads.
As of 2023, India ranks among the top mobile game markets in terms of app downloads. A staggering 9.66 billion mobile gaming apps were downloaded across the country.
India also emerged as the global leader in terms of mobile game downloads on the Google Play Store. Games such as Pull the Pin and Indian Bikes Driving 3D were some of the most downloaded apps in 2023.
Here is a table showing the annual number of mobile game downloads in India from 2018 to 2023.
|
Year |
Downloads |
|
2023 |
9.66 billion |
|
2022 |
9.65 billion |
|
2021 |
9.33 billion |
|
2020 |
9.26 billion |
|
2019 |
5.65 billion |
| 2018 |
5.05 billion |
Source: Statista
This data indicates a steady increase in mobile game downloads, reflecting the growing popularity of mobile gaming among Indian users.
India has the highest share of global mobile game downloads this year.
The number of mobile game downloads in India surpassed that of China this year. India’s mobile game market is almost 2.5 times bigger than China’s and three times larger than that of the United States. Last year, there were a total of 15 billion game downloads.
Fantasy Sports
India has the largest fantasy sports market, with a user base of 180 million. Fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and MPL have seen exponential growth, driven by cricket’s massive popularity and other sports. This engagement with fantasy sports has not only increased the user base but also the average spending per user, significantly boosting the revenue of these platforms.
eSports
The eSports segment in India has witnessed a significant rise, with the country hosting several major tournaments and leagues. In 2023, India’s eSports market was valued at INR 14 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46% over the next five years. eSports teams and players are gaining recognition and sponsorships, further enhancing the market’s appeal.
Demographics of India Gamers
Gender Distribution: 59% of gamers in India are Men and 41% are women. The increasing participation of female gamers is significant, reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equality in technology and entertainment.
Geographical Distribution: 66% of gamers reside in non-metro cities. It’s notable that 64% of the Indian population live outside of urban areas showing that gaming is not just an urban phenomenon but has widespread appeal across rural and semi-urban areas as well.
Age Distribution: 50% of Indian gamers are between 18 and 30 years old. This young demographic is tech-savvy and has disposable income to spend on in-game purchases and premium subscriptions.
Key Market Players and Daily Engagement
Prominent players in the Indian gaming market include Sony Corporation, Nintendo, Microsoft Corporation, Rolocule Games Private Limited, and Electronic Arts Inc. These companies are driving innovation and contributing to the rapid growth of the gaming sector in India. Their investments in the Indian market have helped to elevate the quality and diversity of gaming content available to users.
On average, gamers in India spend 10-12 hours per week playing games, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This increase in engagement is driven by the variety of gaming options available and the immersive experiences offered by modern games
Most Popular Online Games Among Indian Gamers This Year
As of 2024, the most popular types of online games among Indian gamers are:
Battle Royale Games: Battle royale games are extremely popular in India, with titles like “PUBG Mobile” and “Free Fire” leading the market. “PUBG Mobile” alone has over 50 million active users in India, making it one of the most played games in the country.
Casual Games: Casual games, including titles like “Candy Crush Saga” and “Ludo King,” are widely enjoyed due to their accessibility and simplicity. “Ludo King” has over 500 million downloads in India, highlighting its widespread appeal.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Games: MOBA games such as “Mobile Legends” and “Arena of Valor” are also popular. “Mobile Legends” has a significant user base in India, with approximately 20 million downloads.
Sports Games: Indian gamers favored online sports games, particularly “FIFA Mobile” and “Dream11. “Dream11 has gained massive popularity, with over 100 million active users, especially for fantasy cricket.
First-Person Shooter (FPS) Games: FPS games like Call of Duty: Mobile have a growing following. By early 2024, Call of Duty: Mobile reported around 30 million users in India.
Employment and Economic Contribution
The online gaming sector is expected to enable 250,000 jobs in India by 2025. This growth is fueled by the increasing investments in gaming startups and the expansion of gaming companies. The industry is creating employment opportunities across various domains, including game development, marketing, customer support, and eSports.
Wrapping Up
The future of the Indian online gaming market looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology, government support for the gaming industry, and increasing user engagement. The market is expected to reach USD 8.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 28.5%.
India’s online gaming industry is poised for significant growth, driven by favorable demographics, increasing digital literacy, and supportive regulatory frameworks. As the industry continues to evolve, it will likely see further innovations in gaming technology and business models, making India a key player in the global gaming landscape.