As indicated by the latest report from the Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC), online gaming in India directly and indirectly employed more than 100,000 skilled professionals in 2023 alone, with expectations of creating over 250,000 additional jobs in the next decade.

The driving force behind this growth is the considerable base of gamers in India, which reached 568 million in the previous year. That is over 1.5 times the entire population of the United States. Consequently, India claimed 16% of global game downloads in 2023, surpassing nations like the US and Brazil, according to the report.

As reported by The Indian Express, the surge in game downloads continues, with figures climbing from 5.65 billion in 2019 to 9.5 billion in 2023. Out of this player base, 144 million were classified as “paying users” in 2023, a number expected to increase to 240 million by 2028, potentially encompassing players engaged in real money games.

Behind this gaming ecosystem are approximately 15,000 game developers and over 1,400 gaming companies, including more than 500 studios. India’s emergence as a significant player in the gaming industry can be attributed to its advantages, such as a vast user base, top-tier talent, IP protection, and startup-friendly policies, notes the report.

Various states are implementing dedicated policies, funds, and Centers of Excellence focused on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC). The central government is also preparing with a national AVGC mission and a ‘Create in India’ campaign.

Industry leaders emphasize the need for inclusive growth. Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO of Revenant Esports, stresses the importance of cultivating female and regional audiences to enhance the industry’s reach.

Meanwhile, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, underscores the significance of regional language engagement, particularly with the player base in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Customizing approaches to resonate with regional audiences, according to Nandy, could unlock growth opportunities for global publishers eyeing expansion in India.