While gaming is often associated with leisure and fun, it is increasingly recognized as a path to professional opportunities. According to HP’s latest India Gaming Landscape Study 2023, the industry’s dynamics are shifting significantly. Gadgets 360 spoke with Vickram Bedi, Senior Director of Personal Systems at HP India, to gain insights from the report.
Responding to questions about the evolution of the gaming scene after the pandemic, Bedi noted, “The gaming market in India has experienced a remarkable shift, transitioning from being a niche hobby for professional gamers to a widely embraced passion among the GenZ demographic. We have identified a rising interest in PC gaming among Indian players and have endeavored to meet this demand with comprehensive gaming solutions.”
He elaborated on how HP addresses this emergent demand with its diverse range of laptops available in India. The Omen Transcend 16, designed for users seeking versatility, emphasizes a balance of slim design, robust power, and portability. Furthermore, Bedi highlighted the significant migration from mobile gaming to PC gaming, indicative of a broader trend.
“This trend is influenced by gamers’ desire for an enhanced experience, with many transitioning to PCs for superior display quality and graphics, as well as a more immersive gaming environment. Our focus has been to deliver a holistic gaming solution that integrates seamlessly into a gamer’s entire ecosystem, including software and accessories,” he added.
The study, which surveyed 3,500 individuals across 15 Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, differentiated between casual and hyper-casual gamers—those playing less than 12 hours weekly—and serious or professional gamers, who dedicate more than 12 hours to gameplay. Among the notable findings was the emergence of income opportunities in gaming and the rising participation of women in the field.
On revenue streams for gamers, he noted, “The study indicates that gamers are primarily earning from sponsorships.” This underscores the increasing recognition of gamers as influential figures capable of reaching and engaging diverse audiences. Moreover, the rise of gaming influencers, streamers, and esports event organizers showcases the expanding prospects in the gaming industry. Players can now cultivate careers by excelling in gameplay while also building their personal brands and creating compelling content.”
Vickram Bedi, Senior Director (Personal Systems), HP India
Discussing income levels for serious gamers, Bedi stated, “A significant portion of gamers is now earning between 6 – 12 lakhs annually. This transition is largely due to the increasing opportunities in sponsorships, streaming, and content creation, which have become popular income sources within the gaming realm.”
The study also highlighted a notable increase in female gamers. Bedi remarked, “Our findings show that 58% of women respondents are involved in serious gaming in India. This growing participation is a positive sign for the gaming ecosystem, reflecting the industry’s inclusive nature. A wider demographic engagement allows the gaming industry to access new markets and audiences and encourages innovation in gaming technology and peripherals. A diverse user base generates increased demand for products that cater to various preferences and ergonomic needs.”
The report examined learning opportunities for gamers as well. When asked about popular platforms for knowledge acquisition, YouTube emerged as a key resource.
Bedi explained, “Our Study indicates that over half of gamers depend on YouTube and their gaming peers to elevate their skills. Additionally, there is a demand for workshops and courses focusing on gameplay, content creation, and game design—highlighting a clear need for educational resources for gamers in India.”
When inquired about HP’s initiatives to bridge this educational gap, Bedi responded, “To address this, we launched HP Gaming Garage, a free online professional certificate program in esports management and game development. This initiative offers Indian gaming enthusiasts access to curated online modules covering various aspects, such as esports management, game design, and game programming, thereby promoting learning and development. The program is hosted on edX and is available in 12 languages, including English, Hindi, and Telugu.”
Interested in the hottest gaming titles set to release in 2023? Tune into the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.
