Team GNI
Hyper-Casual Games, Esports, and Streaming Drive Surge in Revenue and Engagement
NEW DELHI — India’s mobile gaming market is on a meteoric rise, projected to reach a staggering $4.5 billion by the end of 2025, fueled by a massive user base of over 500 million gamers and evolving trends like hyper-casual games, multiplayer esports titles, and the explosive growth of game streaming. As smartphones become more affordable and internet access expands, the country is cementing its status as a global gaming powerhouse, with titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire leading the charge.
The numbers paint a vivid picture: India added 23 million new gamers in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 591 million, according to industry reports. With 96.8% of gamers playing on mobile devices, the market’s growth is driven by widespread smartphone penetration—over 600 million users—and data costs averaging just $0.26 per gigabyte, among the lowest globally. “Mobile gaming is no longer a niche; it’s a cultural phenomenon,” said Priya Sharma, a gaming analyst at CyberMedia Research. “From students in Tier-2 cities to professionals in metros, everyone’s playing.”
Hyper-casual games, known for their simple mechanics and quick play sessions, dominate downloads, with titles like Ludo King and Subway Surfers racking up millions of installs. These games appeal to a broad demographic, including 44% of gamers who are women, up from 41% last year, and 66% from non-metro areas. Meanwhile, mid-core esports titles like BGMI and Free Fire Max are fueling revenue, with in-app purchases surging 41% year-on-year in 2024, contributing $700 million to the industry’s $3.8 billion haul. BGMI, Krafton’s battle royale hit, alone boasts over 100 million downloads, while Free Fire Max thrives on its fast-paced gameplay and vibrant esports scene.
Game streaming is another game-changer. Platforms like YouTube Gaming and Rooter have turned players into creators, with streamers like Dynamo Gaming and Mortal amassing millions of followers. In 2024, esports viewership hit 90 million, a 12% jump, as fans tuned in to tournaments like the BGMI India Series. “Streaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s a career now,” said Animesh Agarwal, co-founder of S8UL Esports. “Kids in small towns are dreaming of becoming the next big streamer.” The average gamer now spends 13 hours a week playing, up 30% from 2023, with streaming adding hours of engagement.
Government initiatives, like the STPI Center of Excellence in Hyderabad, are nurturing this ecosystem, fostering startups and talent. Yet, challenges loom: a 28% GST on gaming revenue, regulatory uncertainty, and recent privacy concerns around BGMI have sparked debate. “The industry needs clear policies to sustain this growth,” said Dr. Vikram Shah, a tech policy expert at Mumbai University. “Otherwise, we risk stifling innovation.”
Despite hurdles, optimism abounds. With 150 million paying gamers spending an average of $22 annually—up 15% from last year—and investments of $2.78 billion flowing into gaming startups since 2020, India’s mobile gaming market is poised for a blockbuster 2025. As hyper-casual games hook new players, esports ignite competitive fervor, and streaming builds communities, the nation’s gamers are leveling up in ways that resonate far beyond the screen.
Source: Lumikai State of India Gaming Report 2024, Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Interview with Animesh Agarwal, Business Standard Technology Desk
