The growth of the Esports industry is benefiting the Indian gamers’ community with diverse career opportunities and increased earnings, as per the HP India Gaming Landscape Study 2023. The study covering 3000 gamers across 15 Indian cities, highlighted that along with fun and relaxation, gamers are now drawn to gaming for earning money and recognition.
Additionally, the study has covered 500 parents, highlighting a positive shift in parents’ attitudes towards gaming in the last few years.
Talking about the report, Ipsita Dasgupta, senior vice president and managing director, HP India market, said, “As India emerges as one of the top three PC gaming countries globally, we are committed to empowering and enabling gamers through constant innovation and cutting-edge tools. This study allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the gaming landscape and provides colour on the passion and aspirations of the gaming community.”
The HP study unveils that the earnings from gaming are growing in India as compared to 2022, with nearly half of serious gamers respondents claiming to earn between 6-12 lakh per annum in 2023.
Moreover, sponsorships and esports tournaments have emerged as an income sources, showcasing the growing importance of the gaming community. The gaming industry in India is also helping gamers try their hands at various career options. Apart from being a gamer, the respondents indicated having eyes on being an influencer or esports management in the future.
“It is encouraging to see the esports industry growing and providing diverse career opportunities to gamers. We believe that Indian youth has the potential to not only make it big in the global esports arena but also to tap on entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. We are introducing initiatives like HP Gaming Garage to help them grow and inspire the budding gamers,” Vickram Bedi, senior director, personal systems, HP India market, added.
The study reveals a positive shift in parent’s perspective towards gaming, with 42% of the respondents approving of gaming as a hobby. 40% of parents participating in the study admitted that their perception of gaming has turned positive in the last few years, mainly due to the growth of the industry. However, concerns about the stability of a gaming career and the potential for social isolation persist among parents. The study shows parents have inadequate information about gaming prospects in India, as 49% of them depend on friends and family for information.
Furthermore, gaming is not restricted to metros now. The study shows a strong surge in serious gamers in non-metro cities, as 75% of GenZ and 67% of Millennials are serious gamers. 58% of women respondents are identified as serious gamers, underlining the inclusive nature of gaming. Additionally, one in three gamers participates, either for monetary gains or recognition.
The study further reveals that 61% of respondents were not aware of gaming courses in India, with more than half of gamers relying on YouTube and game buddies to enhance their skills. 57% of the respondents want gameplay training to get better at gaming.
When it comes to gaming devices, PCs emerge as the preferred choice, with 67% of gamers favouring them over mobile phones. The study also reveals that gamers are willing to invest over Rs 1 lakh on average for a gaming PC. Key reasons for preferring PCs over mobiles for gaming include better FPS and display.