According to Niko Partners's new reports - India Gamer Behavior & Market Insights, Indian gamers are now spending more money on games.
Here are the key points from the report:
Indian gamers are transitioning from playing games for free to spending money on games that meet their expectations.
About 2 out of 3 gamers in India cite "having fun" as their primary motivator for spending money on games.
Super-hardcore gamers (30+ hours/week) spend 2.2x more on video games monthly than casual gamers (1-10 hours/week).
Female gamers who pay for games spend 8.5% more per month than male gamers.
PC game spending is on the rise, with 77.3% of PC gamers reporting increased spending in Q1 2024 compared to the previous year.
India's gaming sector is projected to grow at a 5-year CAGR of 11.1%, reaching $1.4 billion by 2028.
57% of mobile gamers in India have played a battle royale title in the past 3 months, with BGMI and Free Fire being the most popular.
6 in 10 mobile game spenders have purchased a battle pass or season pass.
65.4% of respondents engage with esports through playing, watching, or competing in tournaments.
Esports-engaged gamers spend 12% more on gaming than those not engaged with esports.
57.2% of India's gamers discover new titles via streamers and influencers.
The ability to play with friends online and game popularity among peers are the most influential factors in choosing new games.
Shiva Nandy, CEO of Skyesports, confirms that the report aligns with their internal assessment of India's gaming landscape. He said:
“The Niko Partners 2024 report aligns with our assessment of India’s gaming landscape. Gamers are prioritizing enjoyment and are willing to invest in games that meet their expectations. This shift is driving the growth of esports and attracting the attention of global publishers. We believe that gamer spending and engagement will continue to grow, fostering a thriving esports ecosystem in India.”
Further, Lisa Hanson, CEO of Niko Partners, noted that Indian gamers are becoming more spenders than ever before:
“In 2024, India’s gamers are more selective and more willing to spend money on gaming than they were just a few years ago.”
The report concludes that rising disposable incomes, increased smartphone penetration, and mobile-first esports tournaments will drive future engagement. As a result, Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) figures are expected to rise, signaling an even brighter future for the Indian gaming industry.
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