The gaming industry has evolved to attract users from all
age groups .The industry is no longer restricted to specific group of people
and thus, gaming industry has changed drastically. What remained as heterodoxy
a few decades ago has now become an essential part of the mainstream. Indian
gaming industry has developed from 25 companies in early 2000s to more than 250
companies now, though mostly startups but young with potency to create yet
another Candy Crush or Angry Birds
The year witnessed the launch of many gaming apps harnessing
multitudes of downloads. From Asphalt 8, Minions Paradise, Real Racing 3, Ski
Safari 2 to Stupid Zombies 3, a varied range of gaming apps was launched and
received appreciation. But one aspect that yet remains to be considered about
Indian gaming industry is that the Indian markets have seen a digital boom in
the past few years and the country is warming up to paying online. The country
is yet reluctant to pay for mobile games and so, a ‘Freemium model’ for gaming
industry is the most apt at least for the upcoming year.
While the free-to-play-gaming-revolution is at its peak,
developers need to consider how their games are played as well as viewed.
Watching games is on a rise at YouTube and Twitch.Tv and this trend needs to be
exploited by the developers. It is about providing a spectator experience that
has begun to matter.
As Virtual Reality (VR) is taking over without stopping,
virtual card games are also getting quite popular in India. Ultimate Teen
Patti, a game of flash by Play Games 24x7, has become the highest grossing game
in the Casino category on the Google Play Store (India) and the number 4
grossing Android app in India. Ultimate Teen Patti offers a slick gameplay and
fuddy-duddy graphics which have been revamped to revive the traditional card
game court in session. Solitaire and Indian Rummy are other games that are
doing the rounds.
India is expected to host one of the largest mobile game
markets in the forthcoming years. Though the ecosystem is yet to be made more
conducive for Indian gamers, a huge opportunity nevertheless lies in the
country. A spectacular gaming war is awaiting the Indian gaming market and the
future is yet to arrive.
