The consistent development of the online gaming industry as of late has given a captivating insight into steadily developing customer behavior. Propelled by current favorable circumstances such as the high reception rate of smartphones, digital payments, accessible technologies, and the internet, and the availability of a skilled workforce, new-age entrepreneurs have also been urged to create exceptional digital-first products. The online gaming sector has arisen as one of the essential industries profiting from this trend, empowering skill-based online gaming platforms to foster creative games that engage as well as upgrade the cognitive skills of the players.

Users have adjusted their favorite games like fantasy, esports, and skill-based casual and board games as a part of their regular routines. These games are played daily for entertainment, temporary satisfaction, and as a social connector. The online gaming industry is subsequently arising as an alternate form of significant entertainment in ways that can’t be imagined. According to a KPMG report, online gaming is set to cross Rs 290 billion in imprint in FY25 with over 657 million users, which is among the most noteworthy development trends seen in the media and entertainment sector.

India has been known for its nostalgic love for casual board games like Ludo and Snakes and Ladders, which are adored by individuals across generations. Because of the rapidly developing digital gaming arena, even the PM has urged India to take advantage of the industry’s actual capacity and foster games inspired by Indian culture and folk tales. The use of modern technologies like game design, programming, machine learning, and so on has empowered these games to be reconsidered online with user-friendly platforms and a more grounded emphasis on the predominance of “skill” while playing to determine esteem.

Addressing a common human need for meaningful entertainment
Gaming is more than just spending time in front of a screen; it is now much more intuitive and significant by applying one’s knowledge and skill to play the game productively. Gaming not only assists with coping with daily anxiety but, in addition, empowers a player to accomplish the perfect balance of flow state, where a player fosters an elevated degree of skill that meets a high degree of challenge. Entering the flow state not only assists a player with expanded efficiency, improved execution, and upgraded satisfaction in the game, but it also gives a player “joy” while playing.

A review conducted after the first wave of COVID-19 concluded 84% of online gamers had been emphatically affected by gaming in the pandemic, and 71% of them even said that gaming had assisted them with adapting to pressure and feeling less disconnected at that time.

Besides, skill-based online games are emerging as a preferred mode of entertainment for some users, as they require a certain level of “skill” for the user to win and offer them moments of joy. Typically, these games offer rewards to assist the user with staying focused on winning. This perhaps not only improves a user’s specific skill, but additionally helps in further abilities to upgrade, for example, strategy, observation, decision-making, and judgment-making.

Growth momentum in the gaming industry
On the off chance that we talk about industry development, the skill-based gaming sector alone has expanded at a high speed. With the introduction of 5G in India, getting far and away superior is about to happen.5G means a super-quick download pace and low gaming latency. Gamers will be able to participate to the extent that they can on low-end reasonable smartphones with 5G availability.

Finally, given the new developments in India’s gaming industry, one thing is for sure: online gaming will ultimately prompt one more round of cutting-edge development in the industry owing to Web3 and metaverse applications. Online gaming platforms focusing on a responsible gaming format with a clear-cut regulatory framework could push this emerging sector in the perfect direction.

Credit: The Times Of India