Thinking of gaming just as a hobby or pastime? Think again as it has become a full-blown industry in India. What used to be just a fun pastime has turned into a massive community of gamers. Everything from mobile games to big-time console hits, it’s crazy how fast the gaming world has blown up here. It has turned everyday players into serious competitors and influencers. Whether you’re just starting or have been at it for years, the excitement is real, as the gaming community is growing vastly. Let’s take a fun look at how gaming has evolved in India ovetime!
How Did It All Began?
Gaming in India began to take shape in the 1950s when personal computers started becoming more accessible. Early gamers were introduced to basic computer games & arcade classics like Pac-Man & Super Mario Bros. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that gaming culture began developing, with the arrival of home consoles like the Sega Mega Drive & the first PlayStation.
With the internet becoming more widespread, the early 2000s marked a turning point for online gaming in India. Multiplayer games like Counter-Strike & Warcraft (nostalgia hitting hard) quickly captured the interest of the youth. Further, it led to the establishment of cybercafes where gamers used to gather & compete.
Cut to today as technology advanced, mobile gaming started gaining popularity in the 2010s. Titles like Candy Crush, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire became household names, attracting millions of players in India. Today, India boasts a phenomenal gaming community, with eSports tournaments, streaming platforms, and more. Content creators also play a vital role in a dynamic gaming culture that is evolving day by day.
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Indian Gaming Evolution: How’s It Going?
According to Ad Gully, a recent analysis titled ‘Robust Fundamentals to Power Continued Growth‘, “India will have 9.5 billion mobile game downloads by 2023, making up about 20% of the global total.” That exceeds the combined download volumes of the US & Brazil, the second & third-highest countries.
India is the world’s largest gaming market, with an estimated 568 million online gamers. It is expected that up to 100 million of them are frequent gamers. Online gaming has grown so quickly in India that it now ranks as the 4th largest media & entertainment sector. Ultimately, the Indian online gaming market is predicted to be worth ₹231 billion by the following year, and is expected to expand at a 20% per annum CAGR.
Key Pillar & Drivers Of Indian Gaming Community
With more than 400 real-money gaming platforms, the key pillar of the Indian gaming culture is Real-money gaming. Real-money gaming (RMG) in India has emerged as a significant segment within the gaming industry, contributing substantially to its overall revenue.
As of FY22, RMG accounted for approximately 83-84% of the total revenue in the gaming sector, highlighting its dominance in this market. Moreover, the Indian gaming industry was valued at INR 181 billion in 2022. It is projected to grow to INR 269 billion by the end of 2024, showing strong growth potential, according to reports by Ad Gully.
While we got to know the key pillar of the Indian gaming community, the one who drives it include gaming creators like sc0ut, MortaL, Payal Gaming, 8bit Thug, Kaashvi, Carry Minati, Gamerfleet, and the list goes on. Started as a passion, but now they’ve taken it global and are killing it in the eSports world.
From playing for fun to owning international tournaments, they’ve leveled up like it’s no big deal. They are out here proving that gaming isn’t just for fun, but can also be chosen as a career that can make you considerable money.
Female Gamer-Creators Takes The Lead
Female gamers & content creators are breaking boundaries & showing the world that gaming isn’t just a guy’s game. Creators like Payal Gaming, Kaashvi Hiranandani, and Ankkita Chauhan among others are leading the charge, They’ve built massive followings & proving that girls can dominate the gaming scene just as much as anyone. They’re inspiring other women to pick up the controller, stream, and create content, making the gaming world more inclusive & diverse than ever before.
Gaming Creators Earning Crazy Money Equivalent To…
From brand deals to Superchat on YouTube LIVE streams, and even launching their own merch, Gaming creators in India are making serious bank! With massive fanbases, these creators are not only acing the gaming culture, but are influencing aspiring & upcoming creators. If you’re thinking about entering the gaming scene, now’s the time! These pros are leading the way, demonstrating that with dedication & hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Potential Growth Of The Gaming Industry
India’s gaming scene is exploding, and it’s just the beginning! With affordable smartphones, better internet, and an ever-growing community of gamers, the industry is set to touch the moon (hypothetically). Esports is already gaining traction with big investments from gaming companies, and there’s no stopping. There is an increasing number of professional esports players and teams competing at both national & international levels.
The gaming culture in India has experienced significant growth with the rise of startups, game development studios, and increased investments. This increase in capital & talent is promoting the creation and promotion of local games. The thriving gaming culture in India is shaping the future of the nation by offering entertainment, creating job opportunities, and encouraging a sense of community for millions of people.
In a few years, gaming in India could be one of the biggest industries, offering endless opportunities for players, creators, and investors alike.
