adminThe India games market surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time in 2025, reaching $1.04 billion after growing 14.8% year over year. Niko Partners forecasts that revenue will approach $1.2 billion by the end of 2026 and could rise to $1.77 billion by 2030.
Image credit: Naveed Ahmed via Unsplash
India games market revenue and player growth
The market’s expansion is accompanied by a growing player base. India had 511 million players in 2025, and Niko Partners expects that number to exceed 550 million in 2026 and reach more than 700 million by 2030. Female gamers now account for nearly half of all players, compared with 43% in 2023.
These figures point to a large and increasingly varied audience. For publishers assessing the market, player numbers provide useful context, but they should be considered alongside spending and the types of games people choose.
Mobile spending is lifting revenue
Higher spending on mobile games was the main driver of increased revenue and engagement. Niko Partners links this growth to wider digital adoption and rising disposable incomes among certain consumer segments.
Monetisation is still at an early stage, according to the research firm. Average revenue per user (ARPU) reached $2.04 in 2025 and is forecast to increase to $2.52 by 2030. ARPU measures average revenue per user, so it can help describe spending trends alongside total revenue and player counts.
For readers comparing market growth, it is worth keeping these measures distinct: a larger audience does not necessarily mean that spending per player is rising at the same pace.
Players are exploring more genres and platforms
Gaming preferences in India are broadening beyond mainstream categories such as battle royale and casual games. While PC and console audiences remain smaller, they offer publishers opportunities to reach players interested in a wider range of genres.
User-generated content is another part of this shift. Roblox and Minecraft are gaining popularity among younger Indian audiences, reflecting interest in experiences where players can create and share content.
Mobile game revenue is also becoming less concentrated in battle royale titles. Non-battle royale mobile games increased their share of market revenue from 53.2% in June 2023 to 62.8% in June 2026. This change may be useful for publishers evaluating which genres to develop or localise, although audience demand can vary by platform and player group.
What could shape the market through 2030?
Niko Partners expects government support, rising esports participation and more opportunities for publishers to influence the market over the next five years. The firm also reports that players are becoming more cautious about how generative AI is used by developers and other players. Economic concerns, particularly the potential effect of AI on employment, are a key factor behind this sentiment.
Together, the revenue forecast, expanding audience and changing game preferences suggest that growth will involve more than mobile spending alone. The India games market is projected to reach $1.77 billion by 2030, but the pace and shape of that growth will depend on spending, genre diversity and how the industry responds to player concerns.
