By Sagar V. Mankar The recently released “Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report” by Niko Partners indicates a significant shift in the gaming habits of Indian gamers. More players are now moving from enjoying games for free to spending money on games that meet their expectations.
According to the report, around two out of three gamers across all platforms say the primary reason they spend money on games is to have “fun”. This factor outweighs other considerations such as discounts or whether their friends are playing the same game.
“Simply put, if a game brings joy, gamers are willing to pay for it.”
Super-hardcore gamers, defined as those who play more than 30 hours per week, are leading the charge in gaming expenditure. They spend an average of 2.2 times more on video games each month compared to casual gamers who play only 1-10 hours per week.
Interestingly, the report reveals an unexpected trend in spending patterns between genders. Female gamers who pay for games actually spend 8.5% more per month on average than their male counterparts.
Additionally, PC gaming expenditure has seen a notable rise, with 77.3% of PC gamers reporting that they spent more on PC games in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This increase outpaces both mobile and console gaming platforms.
Battle royale games continue to dominate the Indian gaming scene, with 57% of mobile gamers having played a battle royale title in the past three months. Popular games like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) and Free Fire are leading the way. Additionally, six out of ten mobile game spenders reported purchasing a battle pass or season pass in recent months.
Peer influence plays a key role in game discovery and selection, with 57.2% of India’s gamers discovering new titles through streamers and influencers.
Lisa Hanson, CEO of Niko Partners said:
“In 2024, India’s gamers are more selective and more willing to spend money on gaming than they were just a few years ago.”
Looking ahead, the gaming sector in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% over the next five years, reaching a market value of $1.4 billion by 2028.
This growth is supported by positive trends, including increased playtime and spending, a growing interest in esports, and rising investments from the private sector. Support from both central and state governments has also contributed to building the video games and esports industry in the country.
Esports engagement is also on the rise, as 65.4% of respondents reported being involved in esports, whether through playing, watching, or competing in tournaments. Those who engage in esports tend to spend 12% more on gaming compared to those who do not.
Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, one of India’s leading esports organizers, commented on the report:
“We believe that the growth in gamer spending and engagement will drive the expansion of esports, capture the attention of global publishers, and attract more viewers and brands to the esports ecosystem in India.”
Niko Partners also emphasized that rising disposable incomes and greater smartphone penetration will lead to increased engagement and higher average revenue per user (ARPU) figures in the near future.