Forget Bollywood—gaming is India’s next big entertainment industry

India’s entertainment landscape has been long dominated by Bollywood movies and television, but there’s a new contender for the throne: gaming. What started as casual mobile games like Temple Run and Candy Crush has transformed into a massive $9.2 billion industry. The numbers are staggering, and gaming is quickly becoming a dominant form of entertainment in India.

The rise of mobile gaming and esports

The surge in mobile gaming has been the game-changer. With affordable smartphones and low-cost data plans, gaming has become more accessible than ever. Titles like PUBG and Valorant have exploded in popularity, with millions of players joining every day. But it’s not just casual gaming anymore—esports and professional gaming are booming, attracting players who are making careers out of their gaming skills.

Smartphones, cheap data, and seamless payments

Affordable smartphones and cheap data plans have made gaming available to a broad audience, including in rural areas. With smartphones now accessible to most Indians, gaming on the go is no longer a luxury but a common activity. Seamless UPI payments also allow in-game transactions, enabling players to buy upgrades and access premium features with ease. This accessibility is driving the gaming boom across the country.

The growth of esports and pro gaming

Esports in India is no longer just a niche activity. Gaming streamers and esports professionals are gaining popularity, and platforms like YouTube and Twitch have become vital hubs for streaming games and esports tournaments. The younger generation, which makes up a large portion of the gaming community, is diving into this sector with enthusiasm, making it a thriving industry in its own right.

Indian developers step up

Indian game developers are also gaining international recognition. Local hits like FAU-G Domination are putting India on the global gaming map. As Indian developers continue to innovate, the potential for India to dominate the global gaming scene is becoming more and more likely.

A global gaming powerhouse in the making

Gaming in India is on the rise, and with revenues growing at an unprecedented rate, the country is poised to become a global leader in the industry. It’s no longer a question of whether India will become a gaming powerhouse, but when.