India to lead gaming growth in Asia and MENA, surpassing China in new gamers by 2028

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Niko partners, MENA, Asia

A recent report by Niko Partners, a video games market research and consulting firm, has shed light on the dynamic growth trajectory of the video games market in Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The analysis indicates that the gaming industry in these regions generated USD 85.5 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 4.6% year-on-year increase. This surge is set to continue, with projections highlighting expansions between 2024 and 2028.

India emerges as a standout market, expected to lead the charge in the gaming industry’s growth across Asia and MENA. According to the report, India will welcome 277 million new gamers by 2028, accounting for a remarkable 72% of the total gamer growth in these regions. This surge is set to elevate India above China in terms of growth numbers.

In 2023, India’s gaming market generated approximately $830 million, reflecting a 15.9% year-on-year increase. Although this growth rate is slightly lower than the 19% observed in 2022. Projections for 2024 indicate a 13.6% increase, with revenues expected to hit $943 million. By 2025, the market is anticipated to surpass the $1 billion mark, eventually reaching $1.4 billion by 2028.

Mobile gaming dominates the Indian market, contributing to 77.9% of the total gaming revenue. In contrast, PC gaming accounts for 14.5%, while consoles represent 7.7%. The preference for mobile gaming is further highlighted by past statistics: in 2022, mobile devices were the platform of choice for 98.8% of gamers, generating 85% of the total gaming revenue.

As reported by IGN India, in 2022, the average Indian mobile gamer spent 14.1 hours per week playing games. This high level of engagement placed India at the top of the Asia-10 region, with gamers dedicating over five hours per week to mobile gaming.

The report highlights India’s exceptional growth in comparison to other regions. While China leads in the number of gamers, India is a close second, demonstrating  growth potential. By 2028, India’s gaming market is expected to capture a larger share of the regional market, challenging traditional leaders.

In 2023, the broader Asia and MENA gaming market generated substantial revenues, with China commanding a dominant 56.9% share. East Asia followed with 33.4%, while India accounted for 1.1%. However, with a projected 11.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2028, India’s market share is set to expand rapidly.

The report highlights the rapid evolution of India’s gaming market. With growth in gamer numbers and revenue, India is positioned to become a major player in the global gaming industry.

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