How the Indian mobile gaming industry is levelling up the job market

Authored by Haroon Shergill Chief Marketing Officer, iTAP.

The Indian mobile gaming industry is experiencing a revolution that is not only transforming the way people entertain themselves but also creating a significant impact on the job market. With its exponential growth and increasing popularity among gamers of all ages, the industry is generating a surge in demand for skilled professionals in various gaming-related fields.

India's mobile gaming industry has witnessed an unprecedented rise in recent years. According to a report by KPMG India and Google, the Indian online gaming industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40% to reach a value of Rs 187 billion (approximately USD 2.5 billion) by 2022. This growth is fueled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and affordable internet connectivity. As of January 2021, India had over 760 million internet users, with more than 400 million smartphone users.

As the industry continues to expand, it has become a significant contributor to job creation and the country’s economy. According to a report by Nasscom, the Indian gaming industry employed over 30,000 professionals in 2020, and this reached 40,000 by 2022. The report also highlights that the gaming industry has the potential to create an additional 40,000 indirect jobs in areas such as game testing, quality assurance, and localisation.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Indian mobile gaming industry is the potential for career growth and advancement. With new technologies and evolving gaming trends, professionals in this field have the opportunity to continuously enhance their skills and explore new avenues. The report by KPMG India and Google also states that the demand for skilled professionals in game development, animation, and game design is on the rise. This presents an excellent opportunity for individuals to pursue careers in these specialised fields.

The Indian mobile gaming industry also offers a multitude of opportunities for young talent to enter this dynamic field. Specialised training programs and educational initiatives have emerged to bridge the skills gap and equip aspiring game developers with the necessary knowledge and expertise. For instance, the Indian Institute of Digital Education (IIDE) offers a Game Design and Development course that covers various aspects of game development, including game design, programming, and project management. These programs not only provide technical training but also nurture creativity and innovation, enabling young professionals to excel in the competitive world of game development.

Furthermore, OTT platforms like iTAP Entertainment & Gaming have emerged as viable avenues for new hyper casual game developers. According to Sensor Tower, a mobile app intelligence platform, India was the leading market for mobile game downloads worldwide in 2020, surpassing the United States and China. This highlights the vast potential for developers to showcase their creations and reach a wide audience through these platforms.

In conclusion, the Indian mobile gaming industry is not only transforming the way people consume entertainment but also leveling up the job market. Its rapid growth, increasing popularity, and technological advancements have created a wealth of opportunities for skilled professionals in various gaming-related fields. From game development to animation and testing, the industry offers avenues for career growth, entrepreneurial ventures, and platforms for aspiring developers to showcase their creations. As the Indian mobile gaming industry continues to soar, it promises to shape the digital landscape and unleash the potential of the country’s young talent.