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India’s gaming and interactive media industry is on a remarkable growth path. According to the BITKRAFT x Redseer India Esports Report 2025, the country’s gaming sector is rapidly evolving into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment markets, driven by its massive youth audience, affordable smartphones, and a thriving esports ecosystem.
BITKRAFT x Redseer India Esports Report 2025
India’s Gaming Market Growth
In FY25, India’s digital entertainment industry was worth $9.3 billion, and gaming and interactive media made up about $2.4 billion of it — nearly one-fourth of the total.
By FY30, this number is expected to grow to $7.8 billion, with a 26% yearly growth rate, which is faster than the rest of the entertainment industry.
Over the last five years, more than 500 gaming
startups have launched in India, showing how strong the local gaming scene has become.
Digital Gaming Trends
India’s digital gaming market is set to reach $4.3 billion by FY30, growing at 18% every year. After the ban on real-money games, developers have shifted focus to digital games and esports.
In-app purchases (IAPs) will soon earn more money than ads, especially from mid-core and battle royale games. Hybrid casual games are also helping increase the number of players.
Top Genres and Platforms
Mobile gaming makes up 80% of India’s gaming market.
Battle Royale games (like BGMI and Free Fire) will bring in about 50% of gaming revenue by 2030.
Simulation games are downloaded the most because they are easy to understand.
Who Are India’s Gamers?
India now has over 500 million gamers, one of the largest in the world.
26% of gamers are female, and this number is growing.
The average gamer is under 30 years old.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities make up 63% of total gaming activity, thanks to cheap internet and low-cost phones.
Money and Monetization
Average spending per paying gamer (ARPPU) has gone up from $3.5 in 2020 to $27 in 2024.
Rewarded ads, battle passes, and season rewards are becoming popular.
In-app purchases are expected to triple by 2030.
India’s Gaming Ecosystem
India is now moving from being just a gaming market to a global creator hub. About 80% of Indian game developers’ income now comes from overseas markets, thanks to the “Make in India for the World” initiative.
Ludo King became the first Indian game to cross 1 billion downloads, showing how strong Indian-made games can be globally.
Esports: The New-Age Cricket
The esports industry in India is valued at $40 million in 2025 and could reach $132 million by FY30, growing at 26% yearly.
NODWIN Gaming, Upthrust Esports, and Skyesports are the leading companies in this field, with mobile titles like BGMI and Free Fire leading the charge.
Esports revenue sources:
- 59% from sponsorships
- 18% from ads and media rights
- 13% from entry fees
- 10% from merchandise
Esports is now being seen as a career option and youth passion, often called the “new-age cricket” in India.
Government Policies and Regulation
The Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act (2025) banned real-money games but recognized esports and digital gaming as skill-based entertainment.
The National Online Gaming Commission will now regulate esports and protect players.
India’s Future in Global Gaming
India is moving from being a gaming consumer to a global game creator. With AI tools, local languages, and culture-based games like FAU:G and Ram Mandir Simulator, Indian studios are ready for global competition.
With a young population, strong tech access, and creative talent, India is on its way to becoming one of the world’s biggest gaming and esports hubs.
