It’s undeniable that India loves to game. Whether it’s mobile games or real money gaming we’re talking about, Indians of different demographics are starting to show more interest in them.
So, how many people in India play video games? According to Statista, there were more than 455 million Indian gamers as of last year. That represents around an 8% increase over the previous year, and there are no signs that things will calm down.
By the following year, India is predicted to have over 491 million online gamers, of which 90 million or so will be willing to pay for their preferred games.
On a broader scale based on the State of India Gaming report, the gaming market in India is expected to grow from $2.6 billion in FY 2022 to $8.6 billion in FY 2027. This represents an impressive 27% yearly growth rate.
Considering all that,it makes sense to wonder if India could be the next largest global gaming hub. Let’s take a closer look at why this could be the case.
What Drives the Popularity of Online Gaming?
The gaming industry isn’t rising on its own. There are several factors triggering this growth, and here are some of them that we will look into:
Demographics
The younger generation in India is also known to be more tech-savvy. The potential market for online games is vast, over 820 million people are using the internet.
Interestingly, a large proportion of this young population is between18 and 35. This group is renowned for having a high digital entertainment engagement and being prepared to spend money on gaming activities.
Mobile Gaming
The rise of smartphones has put gaming in the hands of millions. Statista reported that by 2040, India would have over 1.55 billion mobile users.
India’s love affair with mobile gaming is undeniable. Games like Garena Free Fire, Candy Crush Saga, Coin Master, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Warzone Mobile are some of the most popular mobile apps for Indian gamers.
Improved Disposable Income
The people of India have more disposable income as the country’s economy grows. Gaming has become a popular option for working-class people who appear to have more money to spend on leisure activities.
Additionally, it’s now simpler than ever for players to buy in-game stuff and subscriptions thanks to the widespread use of digital payment methods like PayPal, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.
Influencers and Social Connections
Gaming isn’t just about playing solo anymore. Influencers and streamers on YouTube and Twitch are hyping up games and creating communities. Many of them team up with gaming platforms to offer bonuses and deals to their followers.
Additionally, the desire for virtual connection with friends and family during the pandemic led many to discover the social aspect of online gaming. Gone are the days when many have the impression that playing online games can be isolating.
Legal Landscape of Online Casino Games in India
Online gaming is generally legal in India, although the country has seen its share of controversy on certain games. There’s a temporary ban on PUBG in 2020 due to data privacy and security concerns.
While there is ongoing discussion on loot box systems in games like Call of Duty Mobile, this is still not prohibited in the country.
However, because casino games operate in a complex legal environment, things can get confusing. Since slots, roulette, and blackjack are categorized as games of chance, they are illegal in most Indian states.
There are exceptions, though. Sikkim allows these games through intranet terminals, while Goa, Daman, and Diu regulate land-based casinos.
Online casinos are also in the gray area. No laws prohibit real money Matka gambling online and other real money games as long as they aren’t based locally.
Poker and other skill-based games fall into a significantly distinct category. Although most states do not outright forbid them, Nagaland has decided to classify poker as a skill game and regulate it.
Other games like bingo fall into a gray area as these are often categorized as lotteries or games of chance.
Conclusion: What’s Ahead
India’s online gaming scene is booming, and we can agree that it’s already on the path to becoming one of the most prominent hotspots for gamers and critical players in the industry.
However, the country needs to give some attention to regulating the industry. This would make things easier for everyone involved, help protect players, and bring in some extra revenue for the government.
Will India crackdown on online gaming or loosen the reins? We can only wait and see.
