Indian Gamers Log Record Time: A 30% Surge in Weekly Gameplay Hours

Indian gamers spent an average of 13 hours per week on gaming in 2024, a 30% rise from previous years, driven by relaxation, socialization, and self-expression. The 18–30 age group dominates the scene, followed by older demographics. Hardcore games top playtime, while midcore and real-money games are also popular. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has boosted in-game spending, especially in western India, though challenges like cost and trust remain. With new games and growing engagement, India’s gaming industry is set for further expansion.

The Indian gaming landscape has seen a significant transformation, with players dedicating an average of 13 hours per week to gaming in 2024. This marks a 30% jump from the 10 hours per week recorded in previous years, according to a report by Lumikai, a gaming-focused venture capital firm.

The growth in gaming is driven by motivations such as relaxation, social connection, and the desire for self-expression. These factors have contributed to a surge in the number of hours Indians spend immersed in virtual worlds.

Young Adults Lead the Charge

The report highlights that the 18–30 age group is at the forefront of this trend, accounting for 43% of the respondents surveyed. Meanwhile, older demographics are also showing notable participation, with 30–45 and 45+ age groups each making up approximately 30% of the gamer base.

Salone Sehgal, Founder and Managing Partner at Lumikai, explained that the rise of gaming in India can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic, many Indians turned to online gaming as a source of entertainment and engagement. This habit-forming behavior has persisted, with players evolving from casual games to exploring diverse genres,” Sehgal told Business Standard.

A Shift Toward Hardcore and Midcore Games

Survey findings reveal that hardcore games command the most playtime, with gamers dedicating an average of 3.9 hours per week to this category. Close behind are midcore games at 3.8 hours and real-money games (RMG) at 3.7 hours. Sehgal predicts these numbers will continue to rise as new games enter the Indian market, coupled with increased governmental focus on the sector.

“I believe the time people spend on gaming platforms will grow further as more titles are introduced and the ecosystem matures,” Sehgal added.

Regional Trends in Gaming Payments

When it comes to spending, players in western India lead the way, with 31% of gamers in the region willing to pay for games. The eastern region follows at 23%, while the northern and southern regions each account for 20% of paying users.

The adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has played a pivotal role in enabling microtransactions. Sehgal noted that India’s historically low penetration of credit and debit cards slowed monetization within the gaming industry. However, UPI, which has been in widespread use for just a few years, has significantly transformed payment habits by offering a seamless and accessible option for small transactions.

“UPI has become a game-changer for monetization. It’s encouraging more players to spend on games, whether for in-game purchases or premium features,” Sehgal remarked.

Barriers to Spending

Despite this progress, many Indian gamers remain hesitant to spend money on games. Key reasons include using gaming purely as a means of relaxation, mistrust of online payment platforms, and the perceived high costs of premium features. These factors continue to shape the dynamics of gaming monetization in the country.

The Future of Indian Gaming

As the Indian gaming industry evolves, it is clear that players’ habits and preferences are shifting. From the increasing hours spent on a variety of game genres to the growing acceptance of digital payments, the sector is on a trajectory of steady growth. With more games being launched and easier payment options becoming the norm, gaming in India is poised to become an even more integral part of daily life.

As Sehgal summarized, “The momentum in gaming is undeniable. With the right ecosystem support, we can expect this sector to flourish further in the coming years.”

For Indian gamers, the future promises more immersive experiences and opportunities to connect, compete, and unwind in the digital realm.