The concentration of India's population has something to do with the thriving online gaming sector. More than 50% of India's population ages 25 and below, and more than 60% of such population are gamers. The figures show that India is a haven for online gaming in the sense that it has a sure market, and investors don't hesitate to put their money in the country's online gaming sector because they see a sure return of investment in a short period of time.
India's rise in Online Gaming has something to do with the following reasons:
- Variety of online games – One of the reasons why India is a haven for online gaming is the number of games it offers. There are many types of games to choose from, so there will always be something for all types of gamers. There are action and adventure games and real-money games such as poker, rummy, and blackjack. Indian punters love to play online Blackjack real money games.
- Improvement in smartphone technology – Smartphone technology in India has come a long way. Gone are the days when smartphones are only reachable and accessible to the higher sector of society. Today, the country is more than capable of creating more efficient and cost-effective phones equipped with the latest technological advancements. Indians can now access smartphones, even those in the low-income sector, because of the availability of low-tier and mid-tier smartphones. Gone are the days when mobile gaming is also designed for expensive phones. Today, even low-tier phones can access online games without hassle, provided they have a strong internet connection.
- Affordable data packs – Indian telecommunication companies have made data packs all the more affordable for everyone. They do so by providing users with great data packages. For example, 3G and 4G data packs are made cheaper and accessible for everyone. There is also an emerging 5G, which will speed up the internet further, leading to a more satisfactory online gaming experience. Hence, it is safe to say that the internet today is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
- Availability of various payment methods – Online games are not only made accessible to Indian players but also ensure that players will have a multitude of payment options. That way, online gamers can choose a payment method they are most comfortable with. There came a time when many Indian players were hesitant to use online payment portals because of the breach of personal and financial information. It's good to know that they are a thing of the past now. There are now stringent measures put in place to ensure the safety and security of data. Some of the most preferred and secure online payment portals include NetBanking, UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, and GooglePay.
- Covid-19 surge – It is ironic to note that the pandemic positively impacts the online gaming sector. While most of the industries are heavily affected by the pandemic, the online gaming industry remains steadfast. The repeated lockdown has forced people to find a new means of entertainment, and they saw online gaming as a way of combatting stress and boredom brought by the pandemic.
- Craving for eSports – The popularity of eSports has enticed investors to put money in India's online gaming sector, particularly the ones involved in eSports. It has added a significant allure to online gamers, especially those who are sports enthusiasts. Today, many online gambling platforms in India offer a variety of eSports, which takes online gaming to new heights.
Online gaming in India has come a long way. Many years ago, online gaming options were limited, and not many investors were willing to put their money in the Indian market. However, as the number of online gamers in India has grown tremendously, many investors see the potential, and the end results are satisfying. The online gaming industry continues to boom, making it a haven for online gamers. As more and more online games are made available to Indian players, it has not just become a source of entertainment, but a form of relaxation and a way to combat stress, especially in this time and age when the world continues to battles pandemic. Online games are a source of sanity in this crazy time.
