The gaming industry has been growing rapidly in the recent years and India is a part of this growth. Cloud gaming is playing a major role in further expanding this gaming space and cloud gaming is emerging as a big player.
Due to technology advancement, 5G networks, low-cost internet services, the gaming community in India is growing rapidly and India is emerging as a major player in this industry across the world.Let’s jump in for detail analysis.
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Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming, also known as game streaming or gaming on demand. This allows users to access and play high-end quality video games without having to install expensive hardware like gaming consoles or devices.
Rather, users can stream games directly from remote servers to their smartphones, tablets and laptops. With the help of fast internet services, users can access and play games instantly without having to download or install anything.
Popular Gaming Service Providers:
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW
- Jio Games Cloud
- Amazon Luna
Factors: India is a Hotspot for Cloud Gaming
Gaming Users
Currently as per data of Nov 2024, India has more than 550 million active gamers, representing one of the largest markets in the world. And out of this, maximum percentage of about 50% are below 25 years of age. This is because of low-cost internet and increasing demand and availability of smartphones.
5G Networks & Internet Accessibility
5G came to India in 2022 which gave a boost to the internet & gaming field. 5G fast speeds, low latency played a major role in moving the gaming industry forward, allowing users to access and stream games faster and quicker.
Affordable Smartphones & Data Plans
In recent years, the smartphone industry has penetrated deeply into people’s lives and India is one of the largest markets in the world. Due to low affordable cost smartphones are easily available where millions of users can access online gaming with the help of Jio Games cloud, Xbox Cloud Gaming etc.
Tech Giants & Gaming contents in India
Big companies of the world such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft are expanding their Indian markets in the cloud gaming field in partnership with Indian Companies like Jio Airtel. The number of gaming content creators on YouTube and other social media platforms is growing rapidly, which is giving a boost to the gaming industry.
Challenges for Cloud Gaming in India
Internet Infrastructure & Stability
Cloud gaming requires fast reliable internet speeds. Despite the 5G circulation, many of India’s rural areas and small towns still lack proper infrastructure and face lots of connectivity issues.
Affordable gaming Subscriptions & data Plans
From the perspective of Indian users, the subscription plans of gaming platforms are a little on the upside. Also, cloud gaming consumes lots of data especially when streaming at 1080p and 4K resolution, gamers need to spend the money there too. So, gaming platforms should bring some affordable plans and discounts from time to time to attract more users.
Latency Issues
Maintaining minimal latency gives smooth gaming experience. So, improving infrastructures across different regions of India can be helpfull in improving the latency.
Growth Opportunities: Future of Cloud Gaming in India in 2025 & Beyond
Local & Region-Specific Content
Developing and Creating Games in regional languages, offering localized contents can attract Users on Cloud Gaming Platforms.
Telecom companies Partnerships
Making partnerships and collaborations with telecom companies like Jio, Airtel bundled with data plans and gaming subscriptions will be a competitive way to attract new users.
E-sports
Esports can play a major role in pushing cloud gaming to the next level and making games accessible.
Integration with AR/VR
By 2025, Integration of AR/VR with cloud gaming with advance mechanics can give impressive gaming experience to the gamers.
Market Highlights & Predictions for 2025(and beyond)
- In 2023, a revenue of USD 73.4 million is generated by Indian Cloud Gaming industry. It has been expected to reach approx. 1,317 million by 2030, over USD 500 million by 2025 with the advancements of 5G network and technology.
- It is expected that Indian Gaming market is going to grow at a CAGR of 51% from 2024 to 2030.
- In 2023, Video Streaming recorded the largest revenue category.
- Talking about Global Cloud Market, in 2023 India has contributed 4.8% of Global cloud market.
- Gaming industry will attract Big Giants like Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, SONY to expand their presence in the Indian market.
- Rise of the Indian companies like Jio and Airtel providing cloud gaming services curated with Indian preferences and localised content.
- Cloud gaming will give access to millions of gamers to play high quality games without purchasing expensive PCs and Consoles.
- India is the fastest-growing Gaming market in Asia Pacific region.
Final Thoughts
India’s future for cloud gaming looks quite impressive and exceptional with the rapid pace. With advancement of 5G networks across all towers in the country, improvement & expansion in infrastructure, affordable plans, localized contact with touch of Indian flavour along with the cloud gaming could transform the shape of gaming industry in India. By 2025, India will come out as a global leader in gaming market, subsequently opening the doors of countless opportunities for developers, creators, investors and gamers.