The Rise Of Mobile Gaming In India And Its Impact On The Free Online Gaming Market
Pune, 12 April 2023: The gaming industry in India has seen a steep climb, and how! According to Business Standard, as of November 2022, India stands second in the world for gamer base, with a whopping 396.4 million gamers. Another of their studies reported that the Indian Gaming Industry was worth $2.6 bn in FY22 and will grow four times more by 2027. However, these numbers did not emerge overnight. Here is everything you need to know about the rise of mobile gaming in India and its impact on the free online games market.
It all started back in the early 2000s. Video game consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox arrived in the market, and a new generation of gamers was on the rise. But, it wasn’t until the rise of mobile gaming that the industry truly took off.
India has become one of the largest markets for mobile gaming in the world thanks to the surge in recent years. Several factors have impacted this rise. The accessibility of smartphones, affordable data plans, the growth of online streaming platforms, and the rise of esports are some of them. It made all the difference.
Traditional gaming companies have also adapted to the changing landscape by releasing smartphone versions. Popular games like Call of Duty, PUBG, and FIFA released their mobile versions, and others jumped on the wagon as a result. This move made these PC games more accessible and expanded their reach to new audiences. Today, a vast majority of gamers play these games on their smartphones.
The growth of online streaming platforms and Esports has also contributed to the rise of gaming in India. Esports tournaments and leagues have become common gigs in the country. It has influenced interest in gaming, especially among youngsters who aspire to become professional gamers. This popularity of competitive gaming led to a growing demand for high-performance gaming smartphones. As a result, game development and mobile manufacturing have also seen a steep increase in job opportunities and growth.
Free online gaming has become increasingly popular, too. It doesn’t need upfront payment or subscription fees, making it lucrative for casual gamers of all ages. One of the main reasons for the surge is its accessibility. They’re easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a compatible device. It has widened the audience for gaming. Additionally, they are often more casual and less demanding. It makes them more accessible to a broader audience, including those new to gaming. Gaming websites like EpicPlay have taken advantage of the boom to introduce free online browser games for children and adults. Their games like Call Break Game, Chop’em All, and Meteor Attack can provide hours of fun and are a great way to relieve stress.
Another crucial influence for free games to surge was the COVID-19 pandemic. Since people spent more time indoors, they turned to online gaming to pass the time. It helped to accelerate the adoption of mobile gaming in India. According to a report by FICCI-EY, the Indian gaming industry saw a 21% increase in revenue in 2020, reaching INR 78.5 billion. This growth was primarily pushed by mobile gaming, which saw a 25% increase in revenue during the same time. The pandemic was also the period where gamers spent most of their time on their phone. A study on the evolution of casual online gaming by KPMG reported that casual gamers spent an average of 4.1 hours on their smartphones during April 2020.
According to a report by Statista, the revenue generated by mobile games in India was estimated to be $290 million in 2020, with the majority of this revenue coming from free-to-play games. This projection is only predicted to rise in the coming years.
While offering a head start to becoming avid gamers, free games also have a more positive impact than its rival. Contrary to popular opinion, puzzles and educational games can help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It led to the development of online learning platforms that use games to teach various subjects to students.
In conclusion, the gaming industry in India has experienced a massive boom in recent years. The rise also brought in new job markets and opportunities in the country. Free online gaming is a significant factor that contributed to this growth. It has made games more accessible than ever before, fueling the industry’s economic impact, promoting social interaction, and even offering educational and health benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the major fuels that boosted the growth of the gaming industry.
As the Indian gaming industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be important to strike a balance between promoting responsible gaming habits and enjoying the many positive benefits that free online gaming has to offer.
