Is India a High Potential Market for Online Gaming?

A report released by the IAMAI in early February 2014 states that the country is expected to see over 24.3 crore Internet users by June 2014. The number of Internet users that are already present in India have taken the country to being the third largest Internet user base in the world. But this is only the perspective when considering the number of Internet users. Online gaming in India goes beyond just the number of Internet users in India.

Why is India a High Potential Market for Online Gaming?

India does not have any laws or regulatory body controlling the legal aspects of online gaming. This is both a threat and an opportunity. The lack of laws for online games in India means that there is no protection for online gaming entrepreneurs in the country. On the other hand, it does give the Indian gaming industry opportunities to try something new and different, as long as it does not involve gambling. A card game such as rummy is an online game that is very popular in the country and requires skill. With the online interface and large internet user base in India, online gaming has penetrated far and wide and even into the second and third tier cities with games such as rummy.

India also believes in quantitative gaming, which means that an Indian consumer will invest in a play station or an expensive computer with high quality gaming but may not invest in the game software as much. Hence, online gaming has higher chances of gaining popularity and growth in India. The country has people who invest their time in gaming and want more options. For them, games with higher adrenalin rush online are preferable. Despite the fact that there is a large consumer base for the black market gaming arena for high-end games in India, online gaming entrepreneurs need not be threatened, given the advantage of digital advertising that is a source of income for free online gaming websites.

One of the greatest opportunities that India has at present is the diversified culture it is home to. From vernacular languages to art, dance, music and even literature, this country’s population is alive with diversification. For example, the matrimonial industry online thrives on the various cultural diversities in the country and it is time for the online gaming industry to do the same. The social networking base in India is also an advantage for the online gaming industry, helping them target audiences better.