Rise of Female Gamers in India

Empowering the Future: The Rise of Female Gamers in the Indian Gaming Industry

The Indian gaming industry is in the midst of a transformative era, with a significant spotlight on female gamers who are making their mark in the digital gaming landscape. This impressive trajectory, representing a robust 20% CAGR, is a testament to the industry's potential. In the financial year 2023, the sector raked in $3.1 billion in revenue, according to the 'State of India Gaming' report released by Lumikai in collaboration with Google.

Pioneering Women Gamers

While India's position in the gaming world has evolved significantly, a key highlight is the growing participation of female gamers. This transformation has been fueled by faster download speeds, the widespread penetration of smartphones, and affordable data plans. Furthermore, the increasing inclination towards bite-sized entertainment and active participation in interactive gaming communities has significantly contributed to the surge of women gamers in the country.

A Rising Wave

Salone Sehgal, Founding General Partner at Lumikai, recognizes the rise of Indian gaming as an inclusive phenomenon. Female gamers have played a crucial role in this transformation, contributing to the industry's rapid digitization, the influx of new gamers, and the diversification of gaming content. Despite a recent slowdown in funding, the outlook for the gaming industry, especially for female gamers, remains remarkably positive. It's particularly exciting to see the increasing engagement of female gamers from non-metro cities, showcasing the untapped potential and opportunities for women in the Indian gaming sector.

Diverse Gaming Experiences

Contrary to stereotypes, female gamers are embracing a diverse range of gaming experiences. This shift challenges the notion that gaming is a male-dominated realm. The report highlights a 37% year-over-year growth in in-app revenue from games outside popular titles like Free Fire and BGMI (BattleGrounds Mobile India). Female gamers are increasingly exploring new gaming horizons, showing a strong willingness to make in-game purchases. Additionally, the revenue from Real Money Gaming (RMG) increased by $500 million in FY23, offering women gamers new avenues to explore, although they may face challenges due to recent tax laws and business consolidation.

Demographic Insights

The 'State of India Gaming' report provides valuable demographic insights into Indian female gamers. The report reveals that 41% of gamers are female, breaking down the stereotype that gaming is primarily a male pastime. Furthermore, 66% of gamers, including a substantial portion of female gamers, originate from non-metro cities, emphasizing the industry's reach beyond urban centers. Most users, irrespective of gender, play games for relaxation and socializing with friends. Interestingly, female gamers have shown a growing inclination to explore various game genres, with 28% willing to experiment with new gaming experiences. Over 58% of female gamers make in-app purchases, with 62% favoring the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as their preferred payment method for game-related transactions.

Conclusion

The Indian gaming industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a significant focus on the rise of female gamers who are breaking stereotypes and shaping the industry's future. This growth defies previous concerns about the impact of popular game suspensions and paves the way for a dynamic, inclusive future for the Indian gaming industry. Female gamers are not just players; they are pioneers, influencing the industry's evolution and transforming it into a diverse and thriving landscape for all.

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