PC Gaming in India: Rapid Growth, Shifting Trends, and Future Prospects | Technology News

The PC gaming market in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an increasing demand for high-performance hardware and a shift from mobile to PC gaming. With a projected CAGR of 28-30%, the market is set to exceed $1.5 billion by 2025. Key factors include rising internet penetration, affordable smartphones, and a maturing gamer base seeking immersive experiences. The industry faces challenges, such as limited hands-on opportunities for gamers, but innovations like experience zones and real-time FPS tools are helping bridge this gap.

PC Gaming in India: Rapid Growth, Shifting Trends, and Future Prospects

The Indian gaming market is undergoing a transformative phase, marked by a substantial growth trajectory that is reshaping the industry landscape. According to a report by Newzoo titled “The Indian Gaming Market: Trends and Forecasts 2023-2025”, the gaming industry in India is projected to exceed $1.5 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28-30%. This impressive growth is fuelled by a combination of increased internet penetration, affordable smartphones, and a burgeoning young population with a growing appetite for digital entertainment.

Surge in PC Gaming

Having closely witnessed the gaming industry’s growth over a decade, I can attest to the fact that there is an ongoing shift in the gaming consumption and playing patterns. While mobile gaming has long been the dominant force in India, there is a noticeable trend towards PC gaming. New data from Valve shows that between 2019 and 2024, India saw a more than 150% increase in new Steam users. The data was disclosed at the Nordic Game 2024 Spring conference.

Over the last few years, I have personally witnessed this transition of gamers from small screens to larger and more powerful PC setups. This signifies a maturing market where gamers seek more immersive and customised experiences. Moreover, the rise of the gaming creator economy has also contributed to the growth of the gaming PCs market, as creators require high-end specifications for streaming, creating, and editing quality content.

Another key factor driving this shift is the increasing awareness among gamers about the importance of hardware configurations. Today’s gamers are not just casual players. They are tech-savvy individuals who understand that the right hardware can significantly enhance their gaming performance and experience. From high refresh rates and powerful GPUs to ample RAM and fast storage, gamers are well-versed in what they need to stay competitive & ahead of the current trends.

Role of PC configurators

Despite gamers’ increasing awareness of the importance of hardware configurations, there remains a gap in understanding the nuances of future-ready gaming setups. This is where the pivotal role of knowledgeable retailers and manufacturers comes into play.

We can empower gamers by providing comprehensive advice and guiding customers through the decision-making process to invest in hardware that not only meets their current needs but also anticipates future advancements in gaming technology. One of the challenges that Indian gamers face is the limited opportunity to experience hardware before making a purchase.

In many cases, gamers must rely on online reviews and specifications without the chance to test the equipment firsthand. This often leads to a compromise where they settle for what is delivered rather than what they ideally need. The tactile experience of gaming on a high-end PC setup is irreplaceable, and without it, gamers might miss out on understanding the full potential of their investment.

Bridging the gap between gamers and their ideal PC

The industry must create more touchpoints to address the challenge of limited opportunities for gamers to experience hardware before making a purchase. Setting up experience zones, organizing gaming events, and collaborating with esports arenas can provide gamers with much-needed exposure to high-performance setups. This practical experience can be a game-changer in helping gamers make informed decisions about their hardware.

The concept of Frames Per Second (FPS) is a prime example of where practical experience can make a significant difference. While many gamers are aware of FPS and its impact on gameplay, the ability to test and tweak configurations in real time is often missing.

Real-time FPS measurement tools can be instrumental in helping gamers optimize their setups. By allowing them to experiment with different components and settings, these tools can ensure they make the right decisions tailored to their specific gaming preferences and requirements.

Future outlook

The future of PC gaming in India is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing demand for high-performance hardware, the rise of esports, gamers moving rapidly into the content creator economy, and the expansion of gaming infrastructure. With PC games featuring heavily as part of esports titles at the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games 2022 and potentially at the Olympics soon, the opportunity for budding gamers to represent their nation internationally is lucrative.

Cloud gaming and localized content are set to make high-quality gaming more accessible and inclusive. Additionally, the emergence of indie game development, the integration of AR and VR technologies, and an enhanced online gaming ecosystem will further shape the landscape. As internet infrastructure improves, these trends collectively indicate a vibrant and evolving PC gaming market in India​.

In conclusion, I can confidently say that PC Gaming has been growing alongside the mobile gaming market in India. The need of the hour is to introduce gamers to PCs and offer them unparalleled immersive experiences with the right technology.

This article is authored by Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India.