Mobile commands 97% share of India’s gaming landscape

Anne Freer | September 25, 2023

App Business

A recent analysis conducted by Niko Partners has taken a closer look at the mobile gaming market in India, highlighting significant growth in both revenue and the number of gamers. India’s gaming industry is on an upward trajectory, with projections indicating a revenue increase to $868 million in 2023, representing a 21.2% year-on-year growth. Let’s take a closer look.

Gaming community surges 12%

India is now one of the fastest-growing mobile gaming markets globally, seeing exponential growth in both gamer population and revenue. The forecasts suggest that by 2027, the overall Indian gaming market could achieve a staggering valuation of $1.6 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% over a five-year span.

The number of gamers in India is poised to reach 444.4 million in 2023, marking a robust 12.1% year-on-year upsurge.

Looking ahead, the Indian gaming community is expected to swell to an impressive 641.2 million by 2027, maintaining the same CAGR of 10.1%. This astonishing growth signifies a staggering 343% increase from the 144.9 million Indian gamers recorded in 2017.

Overview of India’s gaming market

Source: Niko Partners

Mobile gaming commands the lion share

Mobile gaming reigns supreme in India, commanding a whopping 96.8% share of the nation’s gaming landscape. Several factors contribute to this dominance, including the affordability of mobile devices compared to other gaming platforms and the vast availability of diverse game titles, including free-to-play options.

Additionally, the increasing accessibility of the internet across the nation has ushered in a wave of new users into the realm of mobile gaming.

The popularity of mobile gaming is further underscored by the fact that an estimated 31% of Indian mobile gamers are expected to invest money in video games in 2023, with an average revenue per paying user reaching $6.38. This surge in spending among gamers hints at substantial revenue potential, especially considering India’s penchant for free-to-play games.

Key takeaways

  • Indian gaming surges with 12% more gamers, eyeing $1.6 billion revenue by 2027
  • Mobile gaming dominates with 96.8% market share, driven by affordability and diverse titles
  • 31% of Indian mobile gamers spending, average user revenue at $6.38, indicating substantial profit prospects

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