Gaming Revolution: India Continues to Lead Asia’s Fastest-Growing Market

According to the India Games Market Report 2023 by Niko Partners, India maintains its position as the fastest-growing gaming market in Asia.

This growth is evident in the number of gamers, which is expected to increase by an impressive 343% from 2017 to 2027, reaching a remarkable 641.2 million by 2027.

This surge is not only limited to gamers; video game revenue is also on the rise, with a projected 21% year-over-year increase in 2023, reaching an impressive $868 million.

The report highlights several key factors driving this gaming revolution in India:

1. The Rising Disposable Income Levels: As household income in India has significantly increased over the past few decades, more people have the means to spend on entertainment, including video games. This financial boost has played a crucial role in expanding the gaming market.
2. High-Speed Yet Affordable Internet: With the introduction of 4G in India, internet speeds have dramatically improved, making online gaming more accessible to a broader audience. Telecom companies have made internet plans more affordable, with some offering 2GB of data per day for as little as $10 for two to three months. This affordability has made it easier for more people to engage in gaming.
3. Affordable Smartphones: Affordability doesn’t end with internet plans. Chinese brands like Redmi, Oppo, and Vivo offer budget-friendly smartphones, with some models priced around $100. This affordability has led to a significant increase in smartphone penetration in both urban and rural areas, enabling more people to participate in mobile gaming.

India vs. China: A Rivalry in the Gaming Industry

The report also draws attention to the growing rivalry between India and China in the gaming industry.

In 2017, India had 144.9 million gamers, while China had 605.2 million. However, by 2027, India is set to overtake China, with a projected 641.2 million gamers, reflecting an astounding 343% growth rate. In contrast, China’s gamer base is growing at a more moderate rate of 21%.

In-game Spending and Esports Engagement

India’s gaming market is predominantly mobile, with 96.8% of gamers playing on smartphones and tablets.

In terms of in-game spending, around 31% of Indian gamers are willing to pay for in-game content. This trend is expected to contribute significantly to gaming revenue, which is projected to double to $1.6 billion by 2027, growing at a 17.2% rate over the next five years.

Esports is another area where India is making a mark. Approximately 71.8% of gamers in India are engaged in esports, highlighting the country’s active participation in this growing field. With popular esports titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire returning (BGMI returned in May 2023 but Free Fire did not yet) to the Indian market after a year-long ban, esports activities are expected to see a significant boost.

Overall, India’s gaming industry is on a trajectory of tremendous growth, positioning the country as a major player in the global gaming landscape.

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