In a significant revelation by HP’s 2023 Gaming Landscape Study, 74% of Gen Z gamers in India are now engaged in serious gaming. This marks a substantial shift in the digital playground, as younger generations are not just playing games for leisure but are increasingly turning towards competitive and skill-based gaming. The study, which encompassed a wide demographic across 15 major cities, reflects a pivotal change in the Indian gaming industry, particularly among the youth.
The survey, involving 3,500 participants, highlights how gaming in India is evolving beyond entertainment. With a growing focus on gaming as a career and source of income, especially among Gen Z, the landscape is undergoing a transformation. This shift is not only seen in gaming habits but also in the perception of gaming within Indian society. The study offers a comprehensive look at these changing dynamics, from the perspectives of both gamers and their families.
The standout finding is the involvement of 74% of male Gen Z gamers in serious gaming, a significant jump from previous years, indicating a deeper engagement with the gaming world beyond casual play.
Economic Potential of Gaming: The survey reveals that 52% of PC gamers now consider gaming as a potential career path, with nearly half of the participants reporting an increase in gaming-related earnings in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Approximately 40% of parents have shown a positive shift in their attitude towards gaming, recognizing its potential as a skill development tool and career option, though 42% still prefer it as a mere hobby for their children.
The HP India Gaming Landscape Study 2023 paints a vivid picture of the country’s gaming scene, highlighting the growing seriousness among Gen Z gamers. A staggering 74% of male Gen Z participants are involved in serious gaming, a trend that signifies a shift from casual gaming to more competitive and skill-intensive formats. This trend is reflective of a global shift towards recognizing gaming as more than just a hobby, especially among the younger generation.
The HP study indicates that over half of PC gamers view gaming as a viable career, with 47% of gamers in 2023 reporting increased earnings, up from 37% in the previous year, highlighting gaming’s growing economic relevance in India.
About half of serious gamers see gaming as a career, particularly among PC gamers, where 56% consider it a career path. This contrasts with 16% who don’t see it as such and 32% who are unsure. Mobile gamers, while slightly less, still show significant interest in gaming as a career with 44% considering it.
This trend signals a broader acceptance of gaming beyond entertainment. The financial aspects are also notable; in 2022, 32% of gamers earned under 100,000 INR annually, which decreased to 17% in 2023. Those earning up to 600,000 INR annually increased from 37% to 40%.
Moreover, 61% of gamers aspire to become influencers, 60% are interested in streaming, and 41% are considering e-sports management, reflecting the dynamic and expanding nature of the gaming industry in India.
