Gaming in India is Booming - But Is It All Good News?

Standfirst: With India's gaming industry set to surpass $8 billion, concerns about its impact are rising, but upcoming Bangalore based start-up Frenzy is looking to redefine the landscape entirely.

India’s gaming scene is booming. With 239 million mobile gamers and a user base of 568 million, India now accounts for approximately 20% of the world’s total mobile game downloads, surpassing even the US and Brazil. This isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a cultural shift. But as gaming in India grows, one has to wonder: Is it all good news?

India’s gaming market has transformed from a niche interest to a mainstream pastime. The mobile gaming market dominates, contributing to 90% of the sector, a stark contrast to countries like the US, where mobile accounts for 37%, and China, where it's 62%. Mobile gaming in India isn’t just big—it’s massive.

This isn’t just in numbers but in the diversity of players as well. Non-metro cities are becoming hotbeds for gaming, making up 66% of all mobile gamers. Gaming has become more accessible than ever, breaking barriers across age, gender, and geography.

But with growth comes questions.

Gaming’s meteoric rise has its share of naysayers. Critics often highlight the dark side—addiction, isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle that could potentially lead to long-term health issues. Some parents shudder at the thought of their children spending hours glued to screens, worrying it might stifle their creativity or social skills. Yet, these concerns, while valid, might be overlooking the broader picture.

The truth is, gaming has evolved far beyond mere entertainment. Take esports, for example—an industry that’s not only booming but also turning gamers into global superstars. With revenues expected to surpass $1.6 billion by 2025, it’s clear that gaming offers lucrative opportunities. Even more, it’s fostering communities, honing strategic thinking, and, contrary to popular belief, can actually enhance cognitive skills.

With events like the Commonwealth Games 2022 and Asian Games 2023 recognizing e-sports as medal events, competitive gaming has moved from basements to big arenas. Esports tournaments like the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) are now broadcast on national television, reaching over 100 million viewers across platforms in its first two seasons. This trend isn’t slowing down, with an estimated 8,000 hours of airtime dedicated to gaming content alone in 2024.

This isn’t just an Indian phenomenon. Globally, the video game industry is valued at a staggering $374.80 billion. India’s contribution is significant, placing it among the top five mobile gaming markets worldwide.

Amidst this vibrant landscape, a new player is about to make its mark. Frenzy, the first free to play gaming app of its kind, set to launch soon. But what sets Frenzy apart in a crowded market?

“Gaming should be rewarding, not just in terms of entertainment, but also in providing real-world value,” says Ashish Manoj, CEO and Co-Founder of Frenzy. Frenzy aims to offer users an elevated gaming experience by maximising rewards for every minute spent playing. “Think of it as a loyalty program for mobile gamers.” says Ashish. The app seamlessly integrates gaming with e-commerce and rewards, offering users the opportunity to engage in over 20 top-rated games in India while earning Z coins that unlock exclusive deals on thousands of items.

Adarsh Manoj, Frenzy’s co-founder and CTO, adds, “We’ve always played games as kids, and this passion naturally led us to create and share a platform that’s not only fun but also valuable. Frenzy should be the destination all gamers in India should shop at.”

Brothers Ashish and Adarsh have turned their childhood love for gaming into Frenzy. With Ashish’s business background and Adarsh’s tech expertise, they’re on a journey to make mobile gaming more rewarding.

What’s more, Frenzy ensures that the days of gamers being labelled as antisocial are long gone. One of the app’s standout features include matchmaking across the country, from 1v1s to 1v10s, private games, and public games. It’s not just about playing—it’s about connecting, competing, and winning real rewards.

As India’s gaming industry continues to grow, apps like Frenzy are poised to revolutionise the way people game. The question isn’t just about whether gaming is growing—it’s about how it’s evolving and what that means for the future. As Ashish aptly puts it, “We’re here to redefine gaming, making it more rewarding and engaging than ever before.”

Stay tuned for more updates on playfrenzy.in or shoot them a follow on their Instagram.