Social ,30 Apr 2025

Indian Gaming Companies Enter Big League with Rising Monetisation and Global Acquisitions

The Indian gaming industry, once seen as a fledgling market dominated by casual players, is now stepping boldly into the global arena. With increasing monetisation opportunities, strategic global acquisitions, and rising investor interest, Indian gaming companies are no longer just competing locally — they are asserting themselves on the world stage.

A New Era for Indian Gaming

The Indian gaming market has witnessed explosive growth over the past few years, fueled by:

1. Mass smartphone penetration (over 700 million smartphone users),
2. Affordable internet access,
3. Growing young population and
4. Rising disposable incomes.

As per industry estimates, India's gaming sector is now valued at over $3 billion and is expected to touch $7 billion by 2028. India is currently the largest market for mobile game downloads globally, contributing nearly 15% of total global downloads.

However, what truly marks India's entry into the "big league" is the maturing business models and global ambitions of its leading gaming companies.

 

Monetisation: Beyond Downloads

Earlier, most Indian gaming companies focused on user acquisition — offering free-to-play games in pursuit of scale. Monetisation was secondary. But that model is fast evolving.

Key Monetisation Strategies Now Emerging:

1. In-App Purchases (IAPs): Indian gamers are increasingly willing to spend small amounts on virtual goods, skins, power-ups, and exclusive content.
2. Ad-Supported Models: Hyper-casual games continue to leverage ad networks for revenue without charging users upfront.
3. Subscription Services: Companies are launching "game passes" and premium subscription bundles.
4. eSports and Competitive Gaming: Platforms hosting tournaments with cash prizes are booming, and brands are sponsoring competitive events.
5. Brand Collaborations: In-game branding and advertising tie-ups with FMCG, automobile, and apparel brands are generating additional revenue streams.

In short, Indian gaming companies are no longer relying solely on scale — they are tapping into multiple revenue channels and enhancing Lifetime Value (LTV) per user.

 

Global Acquisitions: Scaling Beyond Borders

In a notable shift, Indian gaming companies are expanding globally through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Rather than just focusing on exporting Indian-made games, they are buying into international ecosystems.

Recent Examples:

1. Nazara Technologies, India's first publicly listed gaming company, has acquired stakes in several gaming and eSports ventures worldwide, including in North America and Africa.
2. Dream Sports, parent of Dream11, has expanded into global fantasy sports markets through its venture arm Dream Capital.
3. Games24x7, known for its popular rummy and fantasy sports apps, is exploring international opportunities in casual gaming.
4. Mobile Premier League (MPL) exited Indonesia recently but is refocusing on the U.S. and Europe through partnerships.
5. JetSynthesys, another Indian gaming major, has invested in game development studios and IPs in the U.S. and Europe.

These acquisitions give Indian companies access to:

1. Advanced game development talent,
2. New IPs and franchises,
3. Established overseas user bases,
4. Deeper monetisation expertise.

It’s a strategic leap from "Make in India" to "Compete Globally".

 

Factors Driving This Big League Entry

Several tailwinds are pushing Indian gaming companies into the global spotlight:

Factors	Description
Investor Confidence	Gaming startups have raised record funding, with sector-specific funds emerging.
Government Recognition	Gaming is now seen as a key part of India's digital economy; regulatory clarity is improving.
Shift in Gamer Profile	Indian gamers are evolving from casual players to serious gamers across genres.
Technology Advancements	5G, cloud gaming, and AI-based personalization are creating richer gaming experiences.
Export-Ready Talent	India now has a growing base of world-class gaming developers, animators, and designers.

 

Challenges Ahead

Despite these positive trends, there are some critical challenges:

1. Regulatory uncertainty still exists, especially around real-money gaming (RMG) and online betting laws.
2. High user acquisition costs can impact profitability, particularly in international markets.
3. Retention rates need to improve as users have low switching costs in mobile gaming.
4. Cultural localization is critical — what works in India may not automatically succeed abroad without adaptation.

However, the momentum is undeniable, and companies that can navigate these challenges stand to reap substantial rewards.

 

The Future: India as a Global Gaming Powerhouse?

With the rise of platforms like Krafton-backed Nodwin Gaming in eSports, Reliance Jio’s ambitions in cloud gaming, and the steady stream of new gaming startups, India's gaming sector is poised for a golden decade.

Industry experts believe the next few years could witness:

1. More Indian-made gaming IPs achieving global cult status.
2. India becoming an outsourcing hub for AAA gaming titles.
3. A surge in cross-border collaborations between Indian and international developers.
4. IPO listings of major Indian gaming firms — both domestically and abroad.

 

Conclusion

From hyper-casual mobile games to eSports and now global acquisitions, Indian gaming companies are no longer just players — they are becoming leaders.
With strong monetisation models, strategic international plays, and a youthful, gaming-hungry population, India is entering the global gaming big leagues with confidence.

The coming years will be crucial. Companies that can balance innovation with monetisation, and global expansion with cultural sensitivity, will define India's gaming story on the world stage.