During the covid-19 pandemic, as the world adapts to self-isolation, millions of people are now at home 24×7 due to social distancing or lockdown regulations, and they are finding time to rekindle their old passions such as painting, gardening, playing, and cooking. Online games are also booming globally and domestically. The lasting impact of the Indian pandemic shows that Indians are using smartphones or laptops and other devices more throughout the day.

Online gaming has changed from a hobby for relaxation and excitement to a full-fledged career option for many! As users are locked into online gaming platforms, as entertainment options are limited, this pandemic has further promoted the development of the gaming industry. The continuous growth of Indian game traffic is the result of multiple cross-cutting reasons. Starting with traditional users who regard games as a natural pastime during downtime, to people who want to participate in esports activities and online adventure games, gamers are indulging more in online gaming.

The Upcoming Trends
Digital consumption is booming, and the demand for more diverse content has also grown. This increase in games is due to the growing demand for virtual entertainment among friends, family, and colleagues, as well as the increase in influencers who urge Indians to play more games.

According to the CMR consumer survey report, three-fifths of serious gamers now play games up to four hours longer than they used to before lockdown. Another trend is that about 15% of mobile gamers have switched from free games to paid games, and most gamers claim that mobile games help them overcome social anxiety. The survey was conducted in eight metropolises and showed a fair distribution of trends across the country.

The online gaming trend has become more passionate than ever. This is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and it is as entertaining as sports. Since online gaming is an international activity, funds and important transactions flow through the industry.

Gaming Going Mainstream
With the development of games, the Indian government is expected to play a more active role in promoting and regulating the industry. Niti Aayog, a government planning think tank, submitted its first draft of the conduct and regulatory rules for fantasy sports and pointed out that the industry may attract US$1 billion in foreign direct investment in the next few years. It is expected that the Indian government will also establish an interface between industry and academia to cultivate new job options and cultivate a large number of talents in the game. With the substantial increase in game consumption, the game industry of all ages has seen steady growth, which has translated into an increase in demand for game art creation studios and other related services required for game development.

A KPMG report pointed to the fact that the number of game development companies in India has increased from 25 in 2010 to 275 in 2019. With this fast-paced growth, most of the talents, skills, and enthusiasm of Indian game creation companies have made India more prominent in this field. India is actively competing with China for the world’s leading position in this market.

Credits: BusinessWorld