The gaming landscape in India has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. Attending the IGDA Delhi meet in Gurugram last month, I could sense the excitement and the burst of energy in the room. There were new ideas and innovations everywhere, backed by impressive growth numbers. However, one critical question lingered in my mind: Are we creating gaming experiences that truly resonate with our audience, or are we simply providing them with a means to pass the time?
Recent reports and industry trends offer a fascinating glimpse into the current state of gaming in India. Let’s take a look at a few key statistics:
- India is home to 568 million gamers, who collectively contributed $3.1 billion in revenue in FY23.
- By FY28, the Indian gaming market is projected to reach $7.5 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%.
- More than half of these gamers fall within the age group of 18-30 years.
- India boasts a relatively balanced gender ratio among gamers, with 59% male and 41% female.
- Interestingly, gamers from non-metro cities outnumber those from metro areas, with 66% of gamers residing outside major cities.
- Gamers in India spend an average of 10-12 hours per week on gaming, with “killing time” being cited as the primary motivation.
India is currently witnessing unprecedented growth in its gaming sector. Every year, the number of gamers increases by around 12%, and millions of young gamers under 18 haven’t even been factored into the statistics. But the pressing issue remains: if the majority of gamers play to “kill time,” are we, as game developers and industry leaders, tapping into the true potential of gaming?
With more than half a billion gamers dedicating hours to playing games every week, we have an enormous canvas on which to create meaningful and impactful experiences. Gaming isn’t just about entertainment anymore; it’s an opportunity to foster creativity, promote education, and preserve culture. This is the time for Indian developers to ask themselves: Are we using this platform to enrich lives?
Some Indian game developers are already showing us the way. ‘Raji: An Ancient Epic’ is an excellent example of a game that showcases India’s rich cultural heritage while captivating a global audience. ‘Mukti’ addresses a critical social issue, providing a platform for awareness through the interactive medium of gaming. Then there are companies like PlayShifu, Terra, and TomoClub, which are pioneering in the educational gaming sector, helping players develop essential skills while keeping them engaged.
As we race toward the $7.5 billion gaming market projected for FY28, the stakes are higher than ever. The gaming industry’s growth means that our responsibility as developers grows as well. We have the opportunity to shape minds, address social issues, and promote Indian culture in a way that few other industries can.
But to do this, we need to rethink the core purpose of the games we create. Instead of focusing solely on creating games that help people pass time, we should aim to develop games that foster growth, learning, and emotional connection. Games have the power to go beyond entertainment—they can enrich lives, educate, and elevate society.
The question remains: Are we ready to embrace this responsibility? Can we move beyond the notion of “killing time” and start creating games that make a difference? The future of gaming in India looks incredibly bright, but it’s up to us to determine how we shape that future.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can make Indian gaming more impactful.
