
Gaming and esports has been growing rapidly in India with 2025 expected to be a big year for the industry, as per the AFK Gaming's latest survey. The report, based on data-driven insights and a survey of business leaders and industry professionals, indicates that India’s gaming and esports sector is entering 2025 with cautious optimism, as expected annual revenue growth of 10%–25% for the overall industry. Check out the key points of the report on India’s Gaming and Esports in 2025.
Here are some key insights from report on India’s Gaming and Esports in 2025
Given the option to choose multiple factors, industry stakeholders highlighted new game titles and a growing player base as the primary drivers of esports growth in 2025, with 60% identifying them as key. Next in line are investments (40%), collegiate tournaments (30%), and supportive government policies (30%), which will also act as key enablers.
In 2025, Indian esports and gaming organizations are focusing on new IP development, with 40% of respondents emphasizing this priority, followed by better monetization of existing IPs (30%).
Battle Royale is the top choice for developers and organizations when it comes to most promising mobile genres, with 90% of respondents citing it, while Hyper-casual games are favored by 10%.
60% of survey respondents remain confident in Battlegrounds Mobile India’s (BGMI) continued dominance, while 40% anticipate that contenders may eventually overtake it. In terms of contenders, 70% of respondents believe Free Fire is the most likely to challenge BGMI’s dominance, followed by VALORANT at 20%.
70% of respondents believe that local themes, languages, and culturally resonant content will be key to Indian games' global success in 2025, driving greater player affinity both at home and abroad.
Respondents identified lack of infrastructure and reduced brand spending as the main challenges for Indian esports (30% each), followed by regulatory issues (20%), and low engagement outside metros (10%). No respondents cited a limited talent pool as a concern.