The majority of gamers in India use mobile devices, highlighting the central role of mobile gaming in the country’s gaming landscape. A report published by Mariusz Gąsiewski, CEE Mobile Gaming and Apps Lead at Google, said that with increasing smartphone adoption and mobile-first internet access, this trend defines the South Asian country’s gaming market, which continues to expand in size and revenue.
India is the largest market in the world for mobile game downloads, reflecting the popularity of mobile gaming. Revenue from mobile gaming is growing faster than downloads, pointing to an evolving market attracting more paying users and advertisers. This shift indicates a growing economic footprint for mobile gaming, offering opportunities for developers and businesses alike.
In India, mobile devices serve as the primary access point to the internet, distinguishing it from countries where desktops and broadband dominate. This dynamic has made mobile gaming highly accessible, with increasing smartphone ownership across demographics further accelerating the trend.
Projections suggest that between 2024 and 2029, nearly 300 million additional smartphones will enter the Indian market. According to Gąsiewski, this influx will amplify mobile internet usage and, consequently, mobile gaming adoption. However, he noted that while revenue is growing, download rates are slowing, hinting at the maturing nature of the market.
“Indian gamers are becoming more valuable, with increased purchasing power leading to higher monetization,” Gąsiewski told SiGMA News. He added, “However, acquiring new users for upcoming games will require developers to meet higher expectations for quality and localization.”
In-app advertising is the main revenue generator for mobile gaming in India. In 2024, the Indian market generated $2.7 billion from in-app advertising, projected to grow to $4.4 billion by 2029. Compared to in-app purchases and subscriptions, advertising accounts for a much larger revenue share.
Despite India’s high download numbers, its revenue from in-app purchases remains lower than other global markets. This gap highlights potential growth for developers looking to increase monetisation through subscriptions and microtransactions.
Certain gaming genres, such as board games, action, strategy, puzzles, and sports, are growing faster than others. These categories appeal to Indian gamers seeking engaging and competitive experiences. On the other hand, casual and role-playing games are showing slower growth, reflecting shifting player preferences.
Understanding these trends can help developers create games that cater to the Indian market’s evolving tastes.
While mobile gaming is the dominant form of gaming in India, challenges remain. Monetisation strategies need improvement to bridge the gap between high user engagement and relatively low revenue. Developers and advertisers can focus on optimising in-app experiences and introducing targeted content to maximise revenue potential.
The growing market also offers opportunities for investments in gaming infrastructure, localisation of content, and exploration of untapped segments, such as gaming for older demographics.
Gąsiewski also told SiGMA News that intensifying competition, funding limitations, regulatory uncertainties, and shifting player preferences are the mid and long-term challenges in the country’s gaming landscape.
“The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with domestic and international players vying for users. As download growth lags behind revenue, the battle for Indian gamers will intensify,” Gąsiewski said. “Securing funding for game development, particularly for smaller studios, is challenging. While India’s lower development costs provide a current advantage, this may diminish as AI tools advance. Furthermore, accessing larger-scale funding, especially in later stages, remains easier in Western markets.”
“The evolving regulatory landscape, especially regarding online gaming and esports, could create uncertainty and discourage investment. This includes potential issues with taxation and restrictions on certain game types.”
India’s gaming industry is driven by mobile platforms, with most players relying on smartphones to access games. As downloads grow and revenue climb, the market presents opportunities for innovation and investment. Developers who focus on understanding consumer behaviour and optimising monetisation strategies are well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing growth of India’s mobile gaming sector.
Welcome to Gambling Consulting Authority (GCA) - Your Strategic Partner in Gambling Industry Advancement
