MUMBAI, INDIA — Dentsu India, in collaboration with IWMBuzz Media, has unveiled the “India Gaming Report,” a comprehensive analysis of the country’s gaming ecosystem. This one-of-a-kind report goes beyond conventional market analysis, offering an all-encompassing exploration of the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities faced by key stakeholders, including gamers, developers, influencers, professional athletes, publishers, content creators, and industry leaders. Offering a holistic view, it highlights the significant opportunities and substantial growth potential within India’s rapidly evolving gaming sector.
Key Highlights:
- The Indian pure-play gaming industry is valued at ₹6,715 crore and is set to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching ₹10,487 crore by 2026.
- With 13.85 crore gamers and 11.82% annual growth rate projected until 2026, gaming is evolving into mainstream entertainment.
- About 30% of gamers make in-app purchases or engage with ads, a number set to rise with higher disposable incomes.
- India’s mobile-first approach, fueled by affordable smartphones and low-cost data, dominates gaming, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Esports like BGMI and Valorant are booming, creating career opportunities, and attracting sponsorship.
- Government initiatives like Digital India and funding support are fostering local game development, enabling culturally relevant content and legitimizing gaming career.
- Revenue is led by in-app purchases and ads, with average revenue per paying user ARPPU at ₹1,610 annually, expected to grow with quality enhancements
- Genre preferences vary: heavy gamers lean toward FPS and MOBA, while casual gamers prefer action and adventure.
- Rising mental health concerns and performance pressures call for better support systems for professional gamers.
Download the report here.
Commenting on the report, Harsha Razdan, CEO – South Asia at dentsu, said, “Gaming today is far more than just entertainment; it stands at the crossroads of culture, technology, and imagination. In India, this evolution mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit that has fueled our own growth. Thanks to accessible smartphones and affordable data, gaming has become a mainstream activity, reaching even the most remote corners of our country. With the sector poised to grow 24% annually by 2026, gaming is not only a thriving industry but a powerful driver of creativity, connection, and opportunity. The India Gaming Report highlights how we, as a nation, are rewriting the rules and building a future that’s inclusive, innovative, and full of possibilities. This is a testament to dentsu’s belief in ‘Innovating to Impact’ – where we look beyond the surface, focus on people, and create solutions that solve problems, unlock new opportunities, and shape a better tomorrow for everyone. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that every individual, no matter where they are, has the opportunity to dream, create, and thrive.”
Chief Strategy Officer,
South Asia, dentsu
Narayan Devanathan, President and Chief Strategy Officer for South Asia at dentsu, added, “This comprehensive India Gaming Report 2024 embodies the spirit of Sanpo-Yoshi, or benefiting the three types of stakeholders of business, customers and society. By painting a vivid picture of the unprecedented business opportunity in gaming, it showcases how brands can meaningfully engage with customers in the gaming ecosystem. By furthering the story of an emerging, unstoppable India with gaming as the new frontier across every town class, it celebrates the customer’s story of progress and upward mobility. And by highlighting the cautions that both business and customers must be mindful of regarding the performance pressures and mental health concerns of gaming, it reminds us of the opportunity to build a healthy and vibrant gaming ecosystem from the get-go. We’re proud to make this significant contribution with the India Gaming Report 2024.”
