India's gaming industry is growing faster than ever, but it is no longer just about getting more downloads. According to Naavik's India State of Play 2026 report, the industry is now entering a new phase where player spending, engagement, esports, creators, and local content are becoming more important. The report shows that while India remains one of the world's largest gaming markets by downloads, companies are now focusing on building long-term communities and increasing revenue. Here are the biggest highlights from the report.
India's Gaming Market Is Growing Beyond Downloads
India continues to record nearly 8 billion game downloads every year, making it one of the biggest gaming markets in the world. However, the report says the industry is now moving beyond download numbers. While downloads have remained stable, in-app purchase (IAP) revenue has more than doubled over the last five years, showing that players are spending more money inside games than before.
India Remains a Low-Cost Market for Game Publishers
The report says India is still one of the most affordable countries for game publishers to acquire new players. The Cost Per Install (CPI) has dropped from $0.08 in late 2023 to around $0.05 in late 2025. This makes India one of the best markets for publishers looking to grow their player base at a lower cost.
Mobile Gaming Revenue Could Reach $2.4 Billion by 2029
India's mobile gaming market crossed $1 billion in revenue in 2025. According to the report, it could grow to around $1.5 billion in 2026 and reach $2.4 billion by 2029. Advertising also remains a major source of income, contributing more than one-third of the total mobile gaming revenue.
Young Players Continue to Lead the Market
The report shows that 77% of Indian gamers are between the ages of 18 and 34. Male players currently make up most of the gaming audience, but more women are joining genres such as puzzle and lifestyle games. This shows that India's gaming audience is becoming more diverse.
Local Content Continues to Drive Growth
Games based on Indian themes continue to perform well. Titles inspired by Ludo, Carrom, Cricket, and Indian driving experiences remain among the country's most popular games. The report says localization and culturally relevant content continue to play a major role in attracting and retaining players.
Shooter Games and Esports Continue to Lead Spending
Competitive gaming remains one of the biggest drivers of revenue in India. According to the report, shooter games account for 43% of all in-app purchase revenue. Popular battle royale titles like BGMI and Free Fire MAX continue to lead player spending, supported by regular updates, esports tournaments, and live events.
The report also highlights strong growth for Roblox in India. Features like Hindi language support, user-generated content, and creator tools have helped the platform attract more players.
Meanwhile, PC gaming is also expanding. India now has an estimated 15–20 million gaming PCs and around 2 million monthly active PC gamers. Popular games such as VALORANT, Counter-Strike, and Fortnite continue to drive interest in the segment.
