Currently valued at INR 6,715 crore, the Indian pure-play gaming industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026, as per Dentsu India's 'Indian Gaming Report 2024'.

With 13.85 crore pure-play gamers in the country, the gamer base is expected to grow at a compound rate of 11.82% till 2026, according to the study. 

It also revealed that out of the total pure-play gaming user base in India, 30.1% are gamers who make in-app purchases or play ad-based games. 

Other key highlights from the report:

• Revenue is led by in-app purchases and ads, with average revenue per paying user ARPPU at INR 1,610 annually, expected to grow with quality enhancements.
• The pure-play gamer base is expected to reach 17.31 crore by the end of 2026 and the number of paying gamers is set to grow at a compound rate of 14.27%, reaching a proportion of 31.5% of pure-play gamers by the end of 2026. 
• The majority of gamers identify as medium gamers at 52% (who spend two to eight hours playing), followed by light gamers at 31% (who play up to two hours daily) and heavy gamers at 17% (who spend more than eight hours playing everyday). 

Harsha Razdan, CEO – South Asia, dentsu, said, “Gaming today is far more than just entertainment; it stands at the crossroads of culture, technology, and imagination. In India, this evolution mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit that has fuelled our own growth. Thanks to accessible smartphones and affordable data, gaming has become a mainstream activity, reaching even the most remote corners of our country. With the sector poised to grow 24% annually by 2026, gaming is not only a thriving industry but a powerful driver of creativity, connection, and opportunity. The India Gaming Report highlights how we, as a nation, are rewriting the rules and building a future that’s inclusive, innovative, and full of possibilities. This is a testament to dentsu’s belief in ‘Innovating to Impact’—where we look beyond the surface, focus on people, and create solutions that solve problems, unlock new opportunities, and shape a better tomorrow for everyone. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that every individual, no matter where they are, has the opportunity to dream, create, and thrive.”

Narayan Devanathan, president and chief strategy officer- South Asia, dentsu, added, “This comprehensive India Gaming Report 2024 embodies the spirit of Sanpo-Yoshi, or benefiting the three types of stakeholders of business, customers and society. By painting a vivid picture of the unprecedented business opportunity in gaming, it showcases how brands can meaningfully engage with customers in the gaming ecosystem. By furthering the story of an emerging, unstoppable India with gaming as the new frontier across every town class, it celebrates the customer's story of progress and upward mobility. And by highlighting the cautions that both business and customers must be mindful of regarding the performance pressures and mental health concerns of gaming, it reminds us of the opportunity to build a healthy and vibrant gaming ecosystem from the get-go. We're proud to make this significant contribution with the India Gaming Report 2024."