By Manvendra Shukul
In recent years, India’s gaming landscape has undergone a transformative surge, pointing towards an exciting trajectory for the nation’s future. The country’s gaming market is poised to exhibit a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching $7.5 billion by FY28. Gaming, once considered mere entertainment, has evolved into a serious pursuit for a growing number of individuals, with over half a billion gamers in India growing at a rate of 12% year-on-year.
This shift is evident in the increased time dedicated to gaming by Indians, with an average of 10-12 hours per gamer per week, representing a 20% increase. Financial investments in the sector have seen a notable upswing, and India, with 15.4 billion game downloads, continues to be a key leader in global game downloads. Over 50% of the country’s internet users are gamers, showcasing the widespread appeal of gaming.
Despite the industry’s remarkable growth, challenges and opportunities converge within India’s gaming development sector. A notable challenge is the persistent talent shortage, particularly in critical domains like game design, development, and programming. Efforts are needed to nurture and retain skilled professionals essential for the industry’s sustained advancement.
The gaming landscape is evolving, with the share of gamers from non-metro cities increasing from 57% in 2022 to 66% in 2023. However, infrastructure limitations, such as uneven internet connectivity in rural areas, pose a significant obstacle. Inconsistent power supply in some areas disrupts game development processes and the limited availability of high-end gaming hardware challenges developers working on resource-intensive games.
Collaboration spaces and resources tailored for the game development industry are limited, impacting the collaborative and innovative aspects of the sector. Societal attitudes towards gaming as a legitimate career path influence industry growth, presenting a challenge to overcoming stereotypes and promoting gaming as a viable profession. Staying informed about industry developments and government initiatives is crucial, as these factors are subject to change over time.
Maintaining high-quality standards across games is paramount for the industry. Ensuring bug-free, immersive, and enjoyable gaming experiences is vital for retaining and expanding the player base, contributing to the industry’s overall success.
Striking the right balance between innovative game development and respecting traditional gaming preferences is a nuanced challenge. Evolving without alienating the existing player base is key to the industry’s longevity and relevance.
Increased education and awareness about careers in game development are needed. Encouraging and preparing the next generation of game developers through educational initiatives will contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable industry. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and educational institutions.
From a cultural perspective, India’s rich diversity provides a unique advantage for global game developers. While many developers may initially target the market with one or two languages, the potential for expansion into more than 20 Indian languages is evident. This cultural adaptability allows for a more inclusive gaming experience, resonating with a broader audience and tapping into the vast linguistic diversity of the country.
Mobile gaming has emerged as a dominant force in India, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones across the country. With a smartphone revolution sweeping the nation, developers have a vast audience at their fingertips. This trend creates opportunities for the development of innovative and accessible gaming experiences that cater to the preferences and lifestyles of mobile gamers.
Collaborations and partnerships between Indian and international gaming entities present another avenue for growth. These joint ventures can facilitate the exchange of expertise, technology, and resources, contributing to the creation of a globally competitive gaming ecosystem. The collaborative approach allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and the development of games that appeal to diverse audiences.
India’s gaming industry finds itself at a crossroads, balancing challenges that demand strategic solutions and opportunities that beckon innovation. Successfully navigating this dynamic landscape requires a concerted effort from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the gaming community. As challenges are addressed and opportunities are seized, India’s gaming industry has the potential to thrive domestically and emerge as a formidable player on the global stage. The coming years promise to define moments and transformative growth for India’s gaming narrative.
The author is the CEO of Lakshya Digital