Gaming is no longer just a pastime. It has become one of the most significant markets in the entertainment industry, with a current valuation of a whopping $282 billion. This industry continues to grow year by year and is projected to be worth over $363 billion by 2027.
India’s gaming industry, estimated to be worth $3.49 billion, is on the brink of remarkable growth fueled by several key factors. The increasing number of gamers in the country, coupled with a young demographic, evolving IT infrastructure, and widespread adoption of mobile devices and high-speed internet, set the market for substantial expansion.
Get ready to discover the latest figures and explore the profound impact of the gaming community across diverse demographics. From casual gamers to hardcore enthusiasts, this article will take you on an eye-opening journey into the world of gaming.
What Is the Total Count of Gamers? (New 2024 Stats)
How Many Number of Gamers in the World
Gamer Population
- As of 2024, there are approximately 3.32 billion active video gamers worldwide.
- It is currently estimated that India has about 568 million gamers. This represents a substantial increase of nearly 50% compared to India’s gamer population in 2020.
Growth Projections In The Coming Years
- By 2025, global gamers are projected to reach about 3.5 billion.
- In India, the number is expected to reach 650 million by 2027.
Below is a detailed look at the number of active gamers around the world over time:
| Year | Number of Gamers | Increase Over Previous Year | Increase Over Previous Year (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2.03 billion | – | – |
| 2016 | 2.17 billion | 140 million | ↑ 6.9% |
| 2017 | 2.33 billion | 160 million | ↑ 7.37% |
| 2018 | 2.49 billion | 160 million | ↑ 6.87% |
| 2019 | 2.64 billion | 150 million | ↑ 6.02% |
| 2020 | 2.81 billion | 170 million | ↑ 6.44% |
| 2021 | 2.96 billion | 150 million | ↑ 5.34% |
| 2022 | 3.09 billion | 130 million | ↑ 4.39% |
| 2023 | 3.22 billion | 130 million | ↑ 4.21% |
| 2024 | 3.32 billion | 100 million | ↑ 3.11% |
Who Makes Up The Gaming Community? (Gamer Demographics)
Age Group Distribution Of Gamers
- According to the latest data, the average gamer is 34 years old.
- 70% of gamers are age 18 or older.
- About 50% of Indian gamers are aged between 18 and 30.
Gender Representation Within The Gaming Community
- Recent stats reveal that women represent half of all gamers globally. Approximately 45% of gamers worldwide are female, and 55% are male.
- In India, a higher percentage of men play online games compared to women. About 59% of men participate in some form of online gaming, while women account for 41%.
Distribution Of Gamers By Region
Distribution Of Gamers By Region
- Asia-Pacific (APAC): Almost 46% of gamers worldwide live in Asia.
- Europe: Europe accounts for approximately 22% of the global gamer population.
- Latin America: Latin America represents 13% of the global gaming community.
- North America: North America has 8.85% of the global gamer population.
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA): MENA contributes 5.21% of global gamers.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 4.47% of global gamers.
- Oceania: Oceania represents 0.5% of the global gamer population.
What Are The Most Popular Gaming Platforms In 2024?
Let’s explore the most popular video games and their platforms in 2024. PCs, consoles, and mobile devices dominate the gaming market, each with a unique gaming experience for different types of players.
Most Popular Gaming Platforms In 2024 – Global
Most Popular Gaming Platforms In 2024 – India
Console Gaming
- Global: 40% of gamers opt for consoles. Consoles provide a straightforward gaming experience with exclusive titles.
- India: Console gaming has a smaller share in India, accounting for about 15% of gamers.
- PlayStation 2 holds the record for the highest lifetime sales of any console worldwide.
PC Gaming
- Global: Around 35% of gamers prefer PC gaming. They appreciate the flexibility, modding options, and high-quality graphics that PCs offer.
- Steam, the popular PC gaming platform, boasts 31 million concurrent players worldwide.
- India: PC gaming is also popular in India, with approximately 25% of gamers choosing this.
- While exact sales numbers are hard to calculate due to shared use, the PC offers the largest library of game titles.
Mobile Gaming
- Global: Approximately 25% of gamers prefer mobile gaming due to its accessibility, portability, and often free-to-play nature.
- India: Mobile gaming dominates in India, with a staggering 60% of Indian gamers playing on mobile devices.
- Popular mobile games include puzzle games, casual simulations, and multiplayer titles.
What Are The Most Popular Game Genres Among Gamers?
Shooter Games
Global:
- Shooter games continue to thrive, capturing 14.1% of PC gaming revenues in 2023.
- Titles like Valorant, CS: GO, and CS 2 showcase the appeal of team-based character shooters.
India:
- Shooter games are also popular in India, with about 34% of online gamers enjoying this genre.
Adventure Games
Global:
- Adventure games lead the revenue charts on consoles, mainly due to exclusives like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and God of War Ragnarök.
- Adventure games account for 17.1% of console revenues and are expected to grow by 6.9%.
India:
- Indian-made adventure games like Raji: An Ancient Epic, a stunning action-adventure set in ancient India, gain recognition, offering engaging narratives and immersive experiences.
RPG (Role-Playing Games)
Global:
- RPGs remain widespread, with a diverse player base.
- MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) are breakout subgenres, attracting players worldwide.
India:
- RPGs, especially MMORPGs, resonate with Indian gamers, providing immersive worlds and social interactions.
Sports Games
Global:
- Sports games remain popular, especially titles like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Madden NFL.
- These games simulate real-world sports experiences, allowing players to compete in virtual leagues and tournaments.
- Sports games contribute to about 10% of the gaming industry’s revenue.
India:
- In India, cricket-themed games like World Cricket Championship 3 and Real Cricket 20 have a dedicated fan base.
Strategy Games
Global:
- Strategy games challenge players’ intellect and decision-making skills.
- Real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based strategy (TBS) games continue to engage players.
- Titles like Civilization VI, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and Age of Empires IV are popular.
India:
- Indian gamers appreciate strategy games, enjoying both historical and futuristic settings.
The Influence Of Esports
Esports is a global phenomenon, and India’s gaming scene is buzzing.
Global:
- The industry is projected to reach $140 billion by 2030.
- Shooter games, adventure games, and battle royale titles dominate.
- Dota 2, CS: GO, and League of Legends lead the pack.
India:
- Valued at $930 million, India is the top gaming market.
- Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Valorant are popular.
- India’s esports players are expected to reach 1.5 million by 2027.
Top Esports Nations in APAC:
- In the Asia-Pacific region, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea lead in esports earnings.
- These nations also produce top-tier players and host major tournaments.
Factors Behind The Growth Of India’s Gaming Industry
- Demographics: India is currently experiencing a gaming surge, thanks in part to its young population and over 560 million internet users.
- Mobile-First Approach: Mobile gaming is dominating the gaming industry due to the affordability of smartphones and the availability of high-speed 4G and 5G internet.
- Content Appetite: There is a growing interest in mobile games that aligns with the increasing adoption of smartphones in India.
- PUBG Mobile Impact: The popularity of PUBG Mobile has highlighted India’s enthusiasm for gaming.
- Improved Incomes: Rising disposable incomes and digital payment options have driven an increase in spending on gaming.
- Shift in Consumption: During the pandemic, gaming consumption increased while other forms of media contracted.
FAQs
- What is the current valuation of the gaming industry?
The current valuation of the gaming industry is $282 billion.
- What is the projected worth of the gaming industry by 2027?
The gaming industry is projected to be worth over $363 billion by 2027.
- What is the estimated number of active video gamers worldwide as of 2024?
As of 2024, there are approximately 3.32 billion active video gamers worldwide.
- What percentage of gamers are female globally?
Approximately 45% of gamers worldwide are female.
- What is the most popular gaming platform in India?
Mobile gaming dominates in India, with a staggering 60% of Indian gamers playing on mobile devices.
Conclusion
The gaming industry in 2024 is flourishing and constantly evolving, with significant growth expected in the coming years. With over 3.32 billion active gamers globally and India emerging as a key player with 568 million gamers, the industry’s impact is undeniable.
Gaming continues to captivate diverse audiences worldwide with popular platforms and genres driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the rise of esports.
Looking ahead, the future of gaming promises more innovation, accessibility, and excitement for enthusiasts worldwide.