Beyond downloads: India’s gaming ecosystem bets on creation over consumption

India’s gaming industry is entering a phase of accelerated growth, powered largely by mobile adoption, shifting consumption habits, and increasing investor interest. With 590 million gamers and a market projected to touch ₹66,000 crore at a CAGR of 14.5%—nearly twice the global average of 8%—the country is moving beyond being a consumer market to a serious contender in game creation and distribution.

Mobile gaming is central to this transition. India is now the world’s second-largest mobile gaming market by downloads, with figures over 3.5 times those of the US or Brazil. In FY24 alone, 23 million new gamers joined the ecosystem, according to the latest Lumikai report, with weekly playtime increasing by 30%. The momentum has not gone unnoticed—over $2.8 billion in investments have flowed into the sector, which is increasingly being seen as a pillar of India’s digital economy.

India’s gaming growth isn’t just about large numbers. “In a world where gaming is becoming a cultural and economic force,  India is no longer just a consumer market,” says Nitish Mittersain, CEO & joint MD at Nazara Technologies. “We’re also becoming a maker.” He believes Indian gaming firms are evolving rapidly thanks to scale, capital, and talent. “Companies here are rewriting the rules—growing from local leaders to global powerhouses.”

What’s enabling this shift is a mix of better infrastructure, changing monetisation dynamics, and increasing investor confidence. India’s mobile-first digital ecosystem, coupled with widespread internet access, is providing a strong foundation. But what’s also changing is how games are built and paid for.

The narrative around monetisation, in particular, has seen a turnaround. In a market long considered difficult to monetise, in-app purchases are finally on the rise. “We’ve seen a significant surge in in-app spending over the past three years,” says Piyush Kumar, founder & CEO of Rooter. “Gamers are now more willing to pay for enhanced experiences, driven by better pricing strategies and improved micro-transaction behavior.”

Platforms like Rooter are playing a supporting role in this evolution, helping streamers and content creators engage users while collaborating with publishers. “In the last two years, we’ve opened multiple monetisation channels,” he adds, pointing to partnerships with over 100 brands and global platforms.

There’s also an evident shift in how games reach users. Casual games embedded within everyday apps—such as news or utility platforms—are opening up new monetisation models via ads, sponsorships, and brand partnerships. Web-based gaming, in particular, is seeing strong traction, and India is quickly emerging as a development hub.

“The world is waking up to where the real action in gaming lies, and that’s India,” says Yashash Agarwal, CEO & co-founder of Gamezop. “We’re seeing a wave of users opt for web games because they’re faster, more accessible, and require no downloads.” But India isn’t just playing these games—it’s building them. “We’ve seen how seamlessly web games can plug into digital platforms. With the right regulatory support, India could define the future of web gaming.”

Investors are taking note of the structural shift underway. With over $2.8 billion in cumulative investments in the sector, the focus is now on nurturing game studios and creators who can compete on the global stage. Anuj Tandon, partner India & UAE at BITKRAFT Ventures, believes the timing is right. “The Indian gaming industry is experiencing a significant resurgence,” he says. “A large talent pool and strong narrative capability are leading to globally marketable games. That’s why we’re making strategic investments here.”

Part of that narrative is also being shaped by smaller, homegrown studios that are no longer content with localising Western games. Instead, they’re creating original titles designed to travel.

“India is not just becoming a billion-player market,” says Anurag Choudhary, founder & CEO of Felicity Games. “It’s becoming a powerhouse for innovation in mobile gaming.” He says the company is seeing strong global reception for its titles, which are backed by “unit economics that make sense and technology-led operations.”

Looking ahead, industry estimates suggest that with the right regulatory support and sustained investment, the sector could grow to around ₹5,00,000 crore by 2034. Much of this will ride on continued innovation in game development, community engagement, and monetisation pathways.

As the lines between entertainment, content creation, and gaming continue to blur, as was witnessed at WAVES 2025, India’s gaming narrative is being reshaped—by its users, its developers, and its investors alike.