- ZEE5's report offers an analysis on the factors that are influencing the gaming landscape, behaviour patterns of players and key trends that are likely to shape the future of India’s online gaming segment in the coming years.
- As per the findings of the ZEE5 survey, with respect to non-metro cities, 39% of the respondents played for more than an hour.
In the last few years, online gaming has emerged as a sunrise sector in India, a point evidenced by the fact that its growth has outstripped all other sub-genres of media. India is home to the world's second-largest gaming market (by volume), which presents a huge opportunity for gaming platforms. ZEE5 conducted a survey to get a deeper understanding of the changes in the landscape. Here are some key findings:
- 59% of the respondents play online games
As per the ZEE5 survey, 57% of the female and 60% male audiences indicated that they play online games. A key factor at play here is the democratisation of affordable smartphones and internet data along with the emergence of digital payments. It was also found that about 58% of the users have more than 3 games on their phones.
- 50% of the respondents registered an increase in their online gaming consumption post-pandemic
Owing to the pandemic induced lockdown, 53% of consumers played online games at least 5 times a week, with 3 out of 4 respondents spending at least one and a half hour every day.
- 72% of male users prefer fantasy sports and multiplayer/first person shooter games, 46% female prefer casual gaming
As per the ZEE5 survey, audiences’ preference is evenly split between casual, fantasy and multiplayer games. However, from a gender perspective, male audiences prefer fantasy sports and multiplayer games (Dream11, Call of Duty, PUBG), while female users prefer casual games (Candy Crush, Temple Run, Ludo).
- TV and OTT platforms influence the consumption of online gaming
It was found out that 1 out of 2 gamers are likely to try a new game after watching an advertisement.
- 2/5 respondents are likely to make in-app purchases
The gradual shift towards freemium and hybrid monetisation models are being woven into the gaming narrative today. According to the survey, 2 out 5 gamers are likely to make an in-app purchase to either progress in a game or for an ad-free gaming experience.
- Non-metros emerging as a hotbed for online gaming with 63% of non-metro users playing games at least 5 times a week
As per the findings of the ZEE5 survey, with respect to non-metro cities, 39% of the respondents played for more than an hour, and 40% of the users are likely to make in-app purchases. In terms of genre, 39% of the users showed a preference towards fantasy sports games.
