The Indian video gaming and esports industry is poised for remarkable growth, expected to surpass $1 billion in 2025 and reach $1.4 billion by 2028, with a five-year CAGR of 11.1%, according to Niko Partners. Key events like the Olympic Esports Games and the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia will boost India’s global esports presence, while domestic tournaments like the WAVES Esports Championships (WESC) will further energize the sector.
Chess, now part of the Esports World Cup with a $1.5 million prize pool, offers India’s rising stars like Gukesh Dommaraju another chance to shine on the global stage. Meanwhile, partnerships between cricket franchises and esports, along with brand deals like 8Bit Creatives’ collaboration with iQOO, highlight the mainstreaming of gaming in India.
Prime Minister Modi’s vision of India as a gaming leader is fueling the rise of Made-in-India games, with studios like 88 Games preparing major releases. PC gaming is also surging, with spending and new user growth outpacing mobile and console gaming, further solidifying India’s position in the global gaming ecosystem.
