It is a known fact that the gaming industry is going through a technological metamorphosis. Game developers and gaming platforms are keen to integrate the latest technology in all aspects of gaming. This, in large part, is because gamers are a lot keener to adopt technology in general compared to non-gamers.
It has been observed that when it comes to technology adoption, 42% of gamers globally show keenness compared to 22% of non-gamers. The fact that gamers are nearly twice as tech-savvy as non-gamers is a clear mandate to gaming companies. Tech adoption is even higher in India than in the global percentages. This explains why, for instance, popular rummy apps can command millions of active users in India. For them, the shift from disputing rummy game rules in living rooms to challenging strangers in an online game became an intriguing proposition.
Tech Savviness in the Indian Demographic
The Indian Brand Equity Foundation estimated that the Indian gaming community numbered around 568 million in 2023. They clocked a record-breaking 9.5 billion downloads, contributing to a $2.2 billion dollar industry. The industry is expected to grow at 27.4% CAGR and rise to $8.6 billion by 2028. What will drive this phenomenal growth? Smartphone penetration and access to high-speed internet are major drivers. But will the gamers be happy with the status quo in gaming technology? Rapid integration of emerging technology is key to the growth of the gaming industry in India.
According to Worldometer, 45% of India’s population or 600 million Indians are below 35 years old. The Internet, the harbinger of new technology, has been accepted by 75% of the country’s population. Mobile games account for 90% of the Indian games industry. These facts signify that India has a largely young gaming population with a strong preference for mobile gaming and rapidly increasing access to the internet. All these factors form the recipe behind their tech-savviness.
Tech is the Obvious Choice
Indian gamers have adopted online gaming en-masse due to its entertainment and experiential value. Both of these are enhanced by technology. As a new gaming technology emerges, it transforms the entertainment value of the game, as well as the gaming experience.
Take Virtual Reality (VR) for instance. In India, more and more gamers are trying VR games for a superior gaming experience. Facebook enthusiasts are exposed to the Quest 2 headset that can be used to play VR games on the Meta platform. Without any dependency on high-end computers or mobile devices, Indian gamers are enjoying VR gaming on the standalone Quest 2 VR headset.
Augmented Reality (AR) gives the gaming experience a social twist. The early success of Pokemon Go encouraged gamers to move around and even socialise in the course of the game. The makers of Pokemon Go saw encouraging market prospects among the tech-savvy Indians. The game had 70 million monthly active users approximately a year ago. With the launch of Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, AR gaming is all set to attract a wider audience in India.
Somewhat similar is the growing popularity of cloud gaming in India. Indians are already adopting streaming services in massive numbers. The availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV has made cloud gaming equivalent to OTT platforms for Indians. You can now buy the monthly game passes and enjoy gaming on mobile devices, compatible computers, and even selected smart TVs. India has over 200 million casual-only gamers and millions more if we consider the real-money gamers. For these gamers, the access to casual gaming on cloud gaming platforms has made it an attractive proposition.
But what is it about hi-tech games that make it so popular among Indian gamers?
How Gaming Attracts the Tech-Savvy Crowd
Game developers cannot develop games with the latest technology and expect the tech-savvy Indians to lap it up. Tech innovations in games must be balanced with the value proposition the game provides. For a landmark achievement in striking this balance, we have to again look at the success of AR gaming for Pokemon Go in India.
Popular rummy platforms like RummyTime allow you to download the app for free, learn the rummy game rules and participate in free tournaments. Similarly, there are no doorstep fees involved in Pokemon Go. The developers monetise it through alternate means, like in-game purchases, raid passes and community days.
Tech it Easy
For developers, India is not only a thriving market for refined tech-integrated games but also a fertile ground for development as well. Thanks to their tech-savviness, more and more Indians are also attracting the interest of international gaming giants for developer roles. Not to mention the hundreds of Indian gaming companies and startups that are adopting emerging technologies to good effect.
Meanwhile, a smart balance of attractive tech innovations, an improved immersive experience and a balanced costing mechanism means that tech-savvy Indian gamers are getting the perfect mix of gaming entertainment.
