More than 45 per cent of serious gamers in India are earning above Rs 6 lakh per annum and over 50 per cent of Indian gamers view gaming as a potential career, noting a consistent rise in player earnings compared to 2022, a new study said. According to the 2023 HP India Gaming Landscape Study, which surveyed 3,000 gamers and 500 parents across 15 cities accross India, there has been a positive shift in parents’ attitudes towards gaming in the last few years.
Gaming is also not limited to a specific demographic, as 75 per cent of Gen-Z and 67 per cent of millennials are serious gamers in the country. Fifty-eight per cent of women respondents are identified as serious gamers, underlining the inclusive nature of gaming. Additionally, one in three gamers participates, either for monetary gains or recognition.
Along with fun and relaxation, gamers are now drawn to gaming for earning money and recognition.
A report highlights that the Indian gaming community is capitalising on the expanding e-sports industry, finding diverse career opportunities and increased earnings. Gamers are now using gaming not only for fun and relaxation but also as a means to earn money and recognition as 42 per cent parents approve of gaming as a hobby.
The earnings from gaming are growing in India as compared to last year, with nearly half of serious gamers respondents claiming to earn between Rs 6 to Rs 12 lakh per annum in 2023.
"As India emerges as one of the top three PC gaming countries globally, we are committed to empowering and enabling gamers through constant innovation and cutting-edge tools. This study allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the gaming landscape and provides colour on the passion and aspirations of the gaming community," Ipsita Dasgupta, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, HP India market, said in a statement.
The study further stated that 40 per cent of parents who were surveyed, admitted that their perception of gaming has turned positive in the last few years, mainly due to the growth of the industry. However, concerns about the stability of a gaming career and the potential for social isolation persist among parents. The study showed parents have inadequate information about gaming prospects in India, as about 50 per cent of them depend on friends and family for information. Gaming is not restricted to metropolitan cities now; the study showed a surge in serious gamers in non-metro cities in the country.
When it comes to gaming devices, PCs emerged as the preferred choice, with 67 per cent of gamers favouring them over mobile phones. The study also revealed that gamers are willing to invest over Rs 1 lakh on average for a gaming PC. Key reasons for preferring PCs over mobiles for gaming include better FPS and display.
“It is encouraging to see the esports industry growing and providing diverse career opportunities to gamers. We believe that Indian youth has the potential to not only make it big at global esports arena but also to tap on entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. We, at HP, are introducing initiatives like HP Gaming Garage to help them grow and inspire the budding gamers," said Vickram Bedi, Senior Director, Personal Systems, HP India market.