Women Hold Just 12-14% Of Jobs In India’s Gaming Industry, Leadership Positions See Even Lower Representation: Report
The AIGDF report highlights a glaring gender gap in India’s gaming sector, where women occupy just 6-9 per cent of technical positions and less than 10 per cent of decision-making roles.
Despite making up nearly half of India’s gaming audience, women remain significantly underrepresented in the industry’s workforce, according to a new report by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), Coral Recruit, and M-League. The study reveals that women hold only 12-14 per cent of gaming industry jobs, with the numbers dropping even further in technical and leadership roles.
The report highlights a glaring gender gap in India’s gaming sector, where women occupy just 6-9 per cent of technical positions and less than 10 per cent of decision-making roles. This is well below the global average, where women make up approximately 22-24 per cent of the gaming workforce. The findings underscore the ongoing challenges women face in securing key roles in an industry that continues to be predominantly male-driven.
Industry Leaders Call For Greater Inclusivity
Commenting on the findings, Soumya AK of AIGDF emphasised the importance of diversity in the gaming sector. “The Indian gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, yet it continues to be male-dominated. Addressing gender disparity is not just about fairness—it is essential for innovation. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, improve storytelling, and help create games that resonate with a wider audience."
She adds, "The industry has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure that women are not just participants but key contributors in shaping the future of gaming in India. By creating structured mentorship programs, enforcing fair hiring policies, and celebrating the achievements of women in gaming, we can pave the way for a more diverse and dynamic industry.”
Barriers To Entry & Career Growth
The study identifies several structural hurdles that make it difficult for women to enter and advance in the gaming industry. Persistent gender bias in hiring and promotions remains a major challenge, with women struggling to secure technical roles and leadership positions. The lack of mentorship opportunities further exacerbates the issue, making it harder for women to navigate career progression.
Additionally, workplace culture continues to be a significant barrier, as many women report facing discrimination, limited networking opportunities, and an absence of female role models in senior positions. While women have a stronger presence in non-technical areas like marketing, game design, and community management, their participation in programming, game development, and data analytics remains disproportionately low.
Recommendations For A More Inclusive Gaming Industry
To address these challenges, the report outlines key measures to promote greater female participation in gaming. Encouraging young women to explore careers in gaming through STEM education, coding workshops, and game design courses is a crucial first step. Companies must also implement inclusive hiring practices, such as structured evaluation processes and diverse recruitment panels, to reduce bias.
Furthermore, fostering a supportive work environment through mentorship programs, leadership training, and strong anti-harassment policies is essential to ensuring that women not only enter the industry but also thrive in it. The report also highlights the business benefits of gender diversity, pointing to studies that show companies with diverse leadership teams tend to perform better financially and drive greater innovation.
As India’s gaming industry continues to expand, bridging the gender gap will be vital to unlocking the full potential of the sector. Without substantial female representation at all levels, the industry risks missing out on fresh perspectives and the broad market opportunities that diversity brings.
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