Meta India Forecasts Indian Gaming Sector to Surge to $7.5 Billion, Generate 250,000 Jobs by 2025

In a momentous announcement at Meta India’s inaugural gaming summit, Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President of Meta India, unveiled projections indicating a remarkable trajectory for the Indian gaming industry. Devanathan’s revelation forecasts the industry to reach a staggering valuation of $7.5 billion by the year 2025, concurrently contributing to the creation of a quarter of a million jobs.

The summit, held in Mumbai, served as a platform for industry leaders to convene and discuss the burgeoning gaming landscape in India. Among the event’s key highlights was the launch of the ‘Gaming Playbook’ report, a collaborative endeavour between Meta India and market research firm GWI. This comprehensive report delves into the nuances of the Indian gaming ecosystem, shedding light on key statistics and trends shaping the industry’s trajectory.

According to the ‘Gaming Playbook’ report, India currently boasts a substantial user base, with approximately 146 million real-money gaming (RMG) players and an additional 202 million non-RMG casual gamers. Notably, a significant portion of these gamers reside outside major urban centers, reflecting the widespread appeal and accessibility of gaming across diverse demographics.

Devanathan articulated a vision for gaming in India to evolve into an “export-oriented” sector, highlighting the potential for domestic companies to develop products for the global market. This ambitious outlook underscores the transformative impact gaming can have on job creation and economic growth, positioning India as a critical player in the global gaming arena.

Arun Srinivas, Director and Head of Ads Business at Meta India, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to catalyzing growth within the gaming ecosystem. Srinivas highlighted gaming as one of the top three sectors for Meta globally, with the Indian gaming market exhibiting unparalleled growth potential.

The report also illuminates the symbiotic relationship between gaming and social media, with a significant majority of casual gamers citing social platforms as influential in their gaming journey. Additionally, the report underscores the prevalence of in-game purchases, with over half of casual gamers opting to make purchases to access premium features and enhance their gaming experience.

However, despite the promising outlook, Srinivas voiced concerns regarding challenges facing the RMG sector, including increased indirect taxes and regulatory hurdles. In response, Meta India has collaborated proactively with regulators and state governments, implementing internal policies to ensure compliance with regulations and navigate regional restrictions on gaming advertisements.

Despite these challenges, the Indian gaming industry remains resilient, buoyed by technological innovation, evolving consumer preferences, and a burgeoning community of enthusiastic gamers. As the industry continues to chart new heights, fueled by collaboration and innovation, it is poised to emerge as a driving force in India’s digital economy, reshaping the landscape of entertainment and employment opportunities for years to come.