By Rajan Navani
For people of my generation, video games and computer games were a matter of pure entertainment, if one was lucky enough to grow up with privilege, and had liberal parents. For the more conservative, games and video gaming was viewed less favourably, especially when youngsters could be spending their time studying and improving their future prospects.
Fast-track to 2025, and India stands at a transformative moment in its video gaming and esports journey. It is no longer the domain of the young and the few. With over 590 million gamers across demographics, and a rapidly growing esports audience, we are witnessing the emergence of not just a vibrant video gaming culture, but a sustainable ecosystem that promises to position India both as a global video gaming powerhouse and the home of the best esports athletes in the world.
As someone who has observed this industry’s evolution first-hand, I can confidently say that the combination of factors making this possible is something we have not seen before. India’s demographic dividend, coupled with affordable smartphones and data connectivity, has created the perfect foundation for video gaming to flourish. But what truly excites me is how this foundation is now being built upon with strategic initiatives and infrastructure development.
The numbers lay it all out. The Indian video gaming market exceeded expectations to reach $3.8 billion in FY24, and is projected to cross $9.2 billion by FY29, growing at a remarkable 20% CAGR. What’s particularly encouraging is that this growth isn’t limited to our metropolitan centres – 66% of our gamers come from non-metro cities, representing a truly inclusive digital revolution.
Women gamers now constitute 44% of India’s gaming population. This diversity is crucial for building a sustainable ecosystem that reflects our society’s rich tapestry.
The infrastructure supporting this growth is evolving, but we do need to do more in this area. We need the establishment of dedicated esports facilities, training academies, and high-performance centres across the country. The government’s recognition of esports as an official sport and the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR, Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai are significant steps toward institutionalizing support for the industry.
But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. What’s truly heartening is the emergence of a complete ecosystem. We’re seeing the rise of professional teams, coaches, content creators, and support staff. The industry is creating new career pathways, from professional players to game developers, from analysts to tournament organizers. The Global eCricket Premier League (GEPL), for example, features teams with prominent businessmen being franchise owners, indicating a more structured and professional approach to esports. Strategic partnerships between stakeholders – gaming companies, technology providers, educational institutions, and government bodies – are creating a framework for sustainable growth.
The global recognition our esports athletes are receiving is proof of this ecosystem’s effectiveness. In 2024 alone, India secured medals at international competitions like the BRICS Esports Championship and Asian Esports Games. Our teams and players are increasingly becoming forces to reckon with on the global stage.
However, building a sustainable ecosystem requires more than just competitive success. It needs a strong foundation in game development and technological innovation. India’s talent pool, with its unique combination of technical expertise and creative capabilities, positions us perfectly to become a global hub for game development. We’re already seeing this potential materialize with Indian studios developing games that resonate with global audiences while staying true to our cultural heritage. Additionally, with the way video gaming and esports culture has developed in the country, I think the time is right for us to consolidate our position in hosting large international esports tournaments.
Looking ahead, three key factors will define our success. First, continued investment in infrastructure and talent development, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities. Second, fostering innovation in video game development by leveraging our technical expertise to create globally competitive titles. And third, strengthening the institutional framework through policy support and industry-academia partnerships.
The path ahead is clear, and the momentum is strong. As we continue to build and pioneer this ecosystem, India will not just participate in the global gaming revolution – we will lead it. The future of video gaming is being written right here, in the cities and towns of India, by millions of passionate gamers and innovators who are shaping the next chapter of digital entertainment.
The author is Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys. (Views expressed are the author’s own and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com)