Niko Partners: India games market exceeds $1bn, forecast to reach $1.2bn by end of 2026

The Indian gaming market surpassed the $1 billion revenue mark in 2025, according to Niko Partners, marking a 14.8% increase year over year to $1.04 billion. Forecasts suggest the market will reach nearly $1.2 billion by the end of 2026, with potential growth to $1.77 billion by 2030, representing an 11.2% compound annual growth rate over five years.

The total number of players stood at 511 million in 2025, projected to surpass 550 million by 2026 and exceed 700 million by 2030. Female gamers now constitute nearly half of all players, up from 43% in 2023. Increased spending on mobile games, bolstered by broader digital adoption and rising disposable incomes in certain segments, propels revenue growth and engagement.

Monetization remains nascent, with average revenue per user (ARPU) at $2.04 in 2025, expected to climb to $2.52 by 2030. India's gaming landscape is diversifying, with audiences exploring various genres across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Smaller but significant audiences engage with non-battle royale games, driving market revenue growth.

The market is also witnessing a surge in user-generated content, with platforms like Roblox and Minecraft gaining traction among younger Indian players. Esports participation is rising, and publishers anticipate expanded opportunities. However, sentiment among Indian gamers toward generative AI is evolving, with caution growing due to economic concerns, particularly regarding AI's potential impact on employment.