India's video games industry sees an increase in player spending, projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2028

Report suggests that two out of three gamers in India prioritize enjoyment over other factors
Super-hardcore gamers spend 2.2 times more than casual players, female players spend more than males
The games industry in India is projected to grow at an 11.1% CAGR, thus reaching $1.4 billion by 2028

It is no doubt that India is one of the leading consumers of video games, with the majority of the players being free-to-play. However, according to a recent report, Indian gamers are increasingly willing to spend money on video games, as the video games market in India is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2028.

Female Gamers see more spending than their male counterparts

The data comes from Niko Partners’ 2024 India Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report, which sheds light on the gaming landscape in India. According to this, two out of three gamers in India prioritize enjoyment over other factors including discounts and whether friends are playing it when deciding to spend.

Writing about the report in depth, super-hardcore gamers spend 2.2 times more than their casual counterparts and note a 77.3% increase in spending among PC gamers in Q1 2024 compared to the same period last year. Mobile gamers are also healthy in spending as 6 in 10 mobile game spenders surveyed have purchased a battle pass or season pass.

India gaming industry report Q1 2024 (Image via NIKO Partners)

Female gamers in India also stand out, spending 8.5% more per month on games than male gamers. The report also points to rising disposable incomes and the growing penetration of high-end smartphones as key factors that will likely boost engagement and spending in the coming years.

Esports remains a strong force in India, with over 65% of gamers participating in or engaging with Esports tournaments. Those who engage in Esports also tend to spend 12% more on gaming than those who don’t. Social influencers and peer recommendations play a significant role in game discovery, with more than half of Indian gamers discovering new titles through streamers or influencers.

India’s initiatives are massively boosting the already popular gaming culture

As mentioned earlier, the games industry in India is projected to grow at an 11.1% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate), reaching $1.4 billion by 2028, with the study highlighting increased playtime and spending. Contributing to this are greater engagement with esports, increased investment from the private sector, and support from both central and state governments to build the video games and esports industry.

Narendra Modi meets Indian gaming creators cover — PM Narendra Modi with Indian gaming creators (Image via 8bit_thug on Instagram)

This is majorly fueled in recent years, as the country is seeing a lot of developments in propelling the gaming industry. Alongside Esports Federation of India hosting Create in India Challenge Esports events, another major example would be Indian PM Narendra Modi calling youth to lead gaming and create games that resonate with Indian players, appeal to international audiences, and lead the gaming world.

Overall, the report mentions a shift that marks a transition from a free-to-play mindset of Indian games to a willingness to invest in games that meet their expectations. With the government being supportive of this gaming culture, the market is expected to see more investment and development, particularly in the Esports and mobile gaming sectors.

Read other related articles:

For more Mobile Gaming news and updates, join our WhatsApp Group, Telegram Group, or Discord server. Also, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Google News for quick updates.