Niko Partners has released its 'India Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report 2024', shedding light on the changing landscape of gaming in the country. The report reveals that more than 75 per cent of PC gamers spent more on games in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The study found that 65.4 per cent of respondents are engaged with esports in some capacity — whether playing, watching, or competing. Additionally, 57.2 per cent of gamers discover new titles through streamers and influencers, highlighting the influence of online personalities on gaming choices.
BGMI, Free Fire At The Forefront
Exploring various aspects such as gaming behaviour, spending habits, and platform preferences, the report also highlights that 57 per cent of mobile gamers in India played battle royale games like BGMI and Free Fire in the past three months.
Moreover, 60 per cent of mobile game spenders have purchased battle passes or season passes, with female gamers who invest in premium games and products spending 8.5 per cent more than their male counterparts.
What Is Driving The Boost?
According to Niko, increasing disposable incomes and greater access to high-end smartphones are expected to boost player engagement and average revenue per user (ARPU). Social interactions and community recommendations are significant factors influencing purchasing decisions in gaming.
Lisa Hanson, CEO of Niko Partners, stated, “In 2024, India’s gamers are more discerning and more willing to spend money on gaming than they were just a few years ago.” Niko's forecast of an 11.1 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for India’s gaming industry over the next five years is driven by trends such as increased playtime, spending, and esports engagement, alongside growing investments from the private sector and government support.
Additionally, Niko noted that the East Asia games market generated $30.1 billion in 2023 but is projected to decline by 2.9 per cent in 2024, bringing the market value to $29.2 billion.