Succeeding in India's Game Development Market: The Importance of Local Presence

To maximize success in the Indian gaming market, it is crucial to establish a local presence. This was the core message from a recent panel discussion at the India Game Developers Conference in Hyderabad, where investors explored trends and opportunities in funding Indian game ventures. According to Courtside Ventures partner Deepen Parikh, it is not necessary to have extensive knowledge of the Indian gaming market before investing. In fact, he suggested that a degree of naivety can be beneficial, citing his own experience of investing in Indian games publisher Winzo. The partnership between Courtside and Winzo was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the deal being facilitated through video calls and the hiring of local accountants and law firms. Parikh stressed that 'there is no replacement for being on the ground' in India, a country with diverse regional markets and consumer preferences. Play Ventures general partner Phylicia Koh echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to understand local consumer habits and payment preferences to build a successful gaming business in India. The Indian gaming market, which generated $3.8 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year and is projected to reach $9.2 billion by FY2029, presents significant opportunities for game developers. However, monetizing games in this market requires creativity and an understanding of local nuances. As investors and game developers look to capitalize on India's growing gaming industry, they must prioritize building a local presence and understanding the unique characteristics of the Indian market.