The Indian gaming industry has seen exceptional growth in recent years, supported by improved infrastructure, internet penetration, and smartphone adoption. According to a recent report, the number of gamers in India has risen from 250 million in 2018 to 507 million in 2022.
The report by Mobile Premier League (MPL), titled India Mobile Gaming Report 2022, outlines the trends in mobile gaming and shows the top gaming destinations in India.
Top gaming states in India
In order of popularity, the top states for gaming in India are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal.
The report breaks down the gaming landscape even further, showing the most popular cities for gaming within the Uttar Pradesh region. They are Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, and Allahabad.
Interestingly, the most rapid growth of gaming is occurring in second tier Indian cities rather than in capitals such as Delhi and Mumbai. This again points to one or two of the factors behind the growth. In areas where internet infrastructure and smartphone availability are on the rise, so too is gaming.
Even states which appear much lower down the list, such as Puducherry and Himachal Pradesh, are still growing when it comes to gaming.
Most popular games in the country
An even more intriguing facet of the report is that it outlines which games are the most popular in India. They include ludo dice, snakes and ladders, carrom, fruit dart and block puzzle. It’s immediately apparent that the most popular games in India are not AAA titles. Rather, they are easily accessible mobile titles, many of them with a free-to-play microtransaction model.
Mobile games have now improved to the point of being more visually spectacular and more refined in terms of gameplay. Online slots, for example, now have impressive visual themes, sound effects, and bonus rounds that can resemble video games. Likewise, app versions of carrom, one of India’s most popular games, have a flashy design, online multiplayer modes, and extra features to keep modern gamers satisfied.
Still, it’s not just the quality of mobile games that is driving demand and growth. The fact that India’s most popular titles are on mobile points to a casual and price sensitive market.
Factors contributing to growth in gaming sector
The growth in India’s gaming marketplace is fuelled by a combination of internet penetration and increased smartphone accessibility. This mix allows more of the population to access smartphones from the biggest companies in the world and play casual games such as the most popular options mentioned above.
There are also social factors contributing to this growth, including a rise in purchasing power and a shift in cultural attitudes when it comes to gaming as a hobby and pastime. India also has the world’s biggest young population, making the country a huge marketplace.
Initiatives that actively encourage growth in the gaming industry could also be key factors. In the region of Uttar Pradesh, where gaming is most popular, the government is working to outline formal policy on gaming and related entertainment industries.
What now for India’s gaming market?
The trends of general growth in India’s gaming industry are expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, helped along by improvements to internet infrastructure which will not only grant more of the population internet access, but which would lead to lower latency and a better gaming experience.
When it comes to online gaming for real money, such as slots and other casino games, potential players and market leaders are still awaiting clear legislation. If rules change, this could potentially be a huge future market.
Another potential is the eSports industry, which has grown from $2.5 billion in 2021 to an estimated $3.5 billion in 2022, and is projected to continue to grow well into 2025. By 2025, viewership numbers are also expected to 85 million.
Meanwhile, mobile gaming will continue to lead the way in the gaming industry in India, boosted by cheaper smartphones and more choice when it comes to both hardware and mobile titles.
