The Indian gaming market has seen remarkable growth in recent years and is set to expand even further in the coming years. A new report from Niko Partners, titled India Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report, highlights a significant shift in Indian gamers’ spending habits, revealing that more players are now willing to invest in their gaming experiences.
The report outlines three key trends: the rise in spending across gaming platforms, the continuous dominance of mobile battle royale games, and the ever-growing enthusiasm for esports.
Indian Gamer Spendings Witnessed Significant Rise
According to the report, 77.3% of PC gamers in India reported spending more on games during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This increase is higher for both mobile and console gamers. Additionally, female gamers who pay for games spend 8.5% more per month than their male gamers.
Mobile gaming continues to lead the industry, delivering 77.9% of total gaming revenue, followed by PC gaming at 14.5% and console gaming at 7.7%. This domination has been fueled by the affordable price of mobile phones and the popularity of battle royale games such as BGMI and Free Fire, with 57% of mobile gamers having played one in the last three months. Furthermore, 60% of mobile gaming spenders have purchased a battle or season pass, which increases income in this group.
Esports also contribute significantly to this rise, with 65.4% of respondents participating in, watching, or competing in tournaments. Those who participate in esports spend 12% more on gaming than those who don’t.
Social interaction and influencers shape game choices
The research also underlines the value of interaction gaming. Over 57% of Indian gamers find new games through streamers and influencers, with the option to play with friends and peer recommendations playing a significant role in their game selection.
Market Growth and Future Outlook
The Indian video game market generated $830 million in revenue in 2023, representing a 15.9% year-over-year gain, significantly lower than the 19% growth witnessed in 2022. Despite the downturn, the market is forecast to increase by 13.6% in 2024, reaching $943 million, and to exceed $1 billion in 2025. By 2028, the market is expected to reach $1.4 billion, with a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%.
India has emerged as the fastest-growing video game market tracked by Niko Partners, making it an essential hub for game creators and firms seeking worldwide expansion. The study emphasizes the need to recognize India’s rapid growth and potential in the global gaming sector.
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