India’s Gaming Market: 2026

India’s gaming market achieved a significant milestone in 2025 by surpassing $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time, reaching $1.04 billion. This represents a 14.8% year-on-year increase, cementing India’s status as the fastest-growing video game market among those monitored by Niko Partners. Projections indicate continued expansion, with revenue expected to reach nearly $1.2 billion in 2026 and climb to $1.77 billion by 2030, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate of 11.2%.

The market’s growth is primarily driven by mobile gaming, supported by rising disposable incomes and increased digital adoption. While the player base is substantial—estimated at 511 million in 2025 and projected to exceed 700 million by 2030—monetization remains in an early stage, with average revenue per user (ARPU) expected to grow from $2.04 in 2025 to $2.52 by 2030. The ecosystem is diversifying beyond traditional battle royale and casual titles, with growing engagement in PC and console platforms, as well as increased participation from female gamers, who accounted for 49% of the player base in 2026.

Market infrastructure is also evolving to support this growth. Payment habits show a strong preference for Unified Payments Interface (UPI), utilized by 84.6% of players, while 31.5% of users now favor purchasing content through web stores or third-party platforms rather than traditional app stores. Despite high interest in generative AI, players are exhibiting caution regarding its implementation due to economic and employment concerns. These trends suggest a transition toward a more mature, sophisticated gaming landscape that offers significant opportunities for publishers capable of targeting specialized segments and navigating local consumer preferences.