Niko's 2024 Report Reveals 65.4% of Indian Gamers Are Engaged with Esports

Niko Partners has unveiled its 2024 India Gamer Behavior and Market Insights Report, which indicates that over 75% of PC gamers have increased their spending on PC games in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. A significant 65.4% of respondents participate in esports, either by playing, watching, or competing, while 57.2% discover new games through streamers and influencers. The report examines various aspects of gamer behavior, including spending habits, hours played, preferred platforms, and esports trends. Notably, 57% of mobile gamers in India have played battle royale games in the past three months, with BGMI and Free Fire being the most popular. Furthermore, 60% of mobile game spenders have purchased a battle pass or season pass, and female gamers who pay for premium games and products spend 8.5% more than their male counterparts. According to Niko, rising disposable incomes, increased high-end smartphone penetration, and mobile-first esports tournaments are expected to drive engagement and revenue growth. The company forecasts a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% for India's video games industry, reaching $1.4 billion by 2028. "India's gamers are becoming more discerning and willing to spend on gaming," said Lisa Hanson, CEO of Niko Partners. "This growth is driven by trends such as increased playtime and spending, greater engagement with esports, and investment from the private sector, as well as support from governments to develop the video games and esports industry."