In conversation with Adgully, Abhinav Nigam, Chief Revenue Officer, Deltatech Gaming, shares valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of India’s gaming and esports industry. In 2025, the gaming industry is primed for substantial growth driven by innovations such as mobile optimization, blockchain integration, and evolving state-level regulations. As consumer preferences shift towards casual gaming, esports, and live streaming, Deltatech Gaming is positioning itself at the forefront of these transformations.
Abhinav Nigam outlines the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the future of the gaming industry in India. He also sheds light on the economic factors influencing the sector and provides a glimpse into Deltatech’s strategy for continued success and growth in the coming year.
Outlook for gaming industry in 2025
In 2025, India’s online poker industry is set to experience substantial growth, with several key trends and innovations shaping its future, says Abhinav Nigam. According to him, the continued mobile optimization of platforms will make poker even more accessible to a wider audience, while blockchain integration will foster transparency and secure transactions.
On the regulatory front, the evolving landscape of state-level regulations and the possibility of centralized oversight will play a crucial role in defining the industry’s growth and stability.
He further says, “Shifting consumer preferences will also be a significant factor, with the rise of casual gaming, esports integration, and live streaming creating new opportunities to attract diverse audiences. Innovative business models, including freemium offerings, skill-based tournaments, and strategic partnerships, will further fuel revenue generation.”
Additionally, as data privacy and security concerns continue to grow, ensuring robust protection for players and adhering to data protection regulations will remain a top priority. By capitalizing on these trends, the Indian online poker industry can strengthen its position as a global leader in the sector.
Expectations from 2025
“In 2025, we are excited to continue establishing ourselves as leaders in providing exceptional user experiences within the gaming industry. Our focus will remain on a consumer-first approach, ensuring that we not only attract new players, but also keep our loyal users engaged by continually refining and enhancing our platform,” says Nigam.
He further adds, “Building on the remarkable 2x growth in new users over the past year, we are optimistic about achieving similar, if not greater, growth in the upcoming year. Our strategy will emphasize a thorough analysis of the user journey, refining platform elements like iconography, and gaining deeper insights into the behaviors and preferences of our players.”
By optimizing every aspect of the user experience, Deltatech Gaming is dedicated to providing a smooth, immersive, and enjoyable gaming environment that reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering value for our users. “We are confident that our efforts will reinforce our position as a brand focused on innovation and user satisfaction,” he affirms.
Headwinds and tailwinds in 2025
India’s gaming industry is poised for significant growth in the coming year, with several tailwinds set to drive its progress.
Tailwinds
A key factor contributing to this growth, Nigam points out, is the increasing smartphone penetration across the country, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which will fuel the expansion of mobile gaming. With more people gaining access to affordable smartphones, the gaming audience is becoming more diverse.
The booming esports ecosystem is another major tailwind, with increased viewership and sponsorship opportunities drawing more investments from both brands and investors.
The rise of cloud gaming and immersive experiences through virtual and augmented reality, are transforming the way gamers interact with content, making high-quality gaming more accessible.
Headwinds
However, the industry also faces several challenges. Regulatory uncertainty remains a major concern and internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, remains an issue, as stable and high-speed internet is crucial for online gaming.
Economic factors could also act as a headwind, as a potential slowdown in the economy may lead to reduced consumer spending on gaming and entertainment.
Finally, the industry faces a talent shortage, with a gap in skilled professionals such as game developers, designers, and esports players, which could hinder its long-term growth.
By effectively navigating these challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, India’s gaming industry can continue to expand and establish itself as a global leader in the sector.
Overview of the gaming and esports industry in India in 2024
India’s gaming and esports industry has undergone an extraordinary transformation, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, gaming was only seen as a pastime, but now gaming has become a mainstream phenomenon. According to a report, India’s gaming base reached 560 million in FY23 and is expected to rise only. The rapid growth has been driven by the widespread adoption of affordable smartphones and high-speed internet, making mobile gaming the dominant force. This shift has expanded the gaming audience to include a wide demographic, from young children to working professionals, making gaming an integral part of digital entertainment in India.
The esports sector has also witnessed significant growth, with India emerging as a global player in competitive gaming. The rise of esports tournaments, the establishment of professional gaming teams, and increasing media coverage have all contributed to the sector’s expansion.
Additionally, the industry has diversified its revenue models, moving beyond traditional game sales to include in-app purchases, microtransactions, and sponsorships. Streaming platforms have further fueled growth by offering content creators new monetization opportunities.
Despite challenges such as regulatory issues and infrastructure gaps, India’s gaming industry is positioned for continued success, with immense potential for further innovation and economic contribution in the coming years.
The broader Indian economy has significantly influenced the growth and investment in the gaming and esports sector in 2024. “As the country’s economy continues to expand, disposable incomes have risen, providing consumers with more spending power, which has translated into higher demand for entertainment, including gaming. The widespread adoption of affordable smartphones has also made mobile gaming accessible to a broader audience helping to expand the market beyond major urban centers,” Nigam notes.
Government support has further accelerated the sector’s growth. The Digital India initiative has improved internet connectivity, enabling more people to access online gaming platforms. Additionally, favorable policies, including relaxed regulations and tax incentives for the gaming industry, have attracted both domestic and foreign investments.
“Despite challenges like infrastructure limitations, continued economic growth, policy support, and rising investment have positioned India to become a key player in the global gaming and esports industry,” Nigam adds.
Key trends and developments that led the gaming industry in 2024
“In 2024, several key trends and developments shaped the gaming and esports sector, driven by advancements in technology, evolving consumer behaviours, and innovative business models,” points out Nigam. Technological advancements are at the forefront of these changes, with artificial intelligence and machine learning enhancing game development to create more intelligent and responsive gameplay.
Cloud gaming is also gaining momentum, allowing players to access high-quality gaming experiences without the need for powerful hardware. Additionally, virtual and augmented reality are revolutionizing gaming by providing immersive experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds.
Infrastructure and connectivity improvements are crucial in supporting this growth. The rollout of high-speed 5G networks ensures seamless online gaming experiences with minimal delays, while the expansion of data centers improves server performance and reduces load times. On the regulatory front, supportive government policies and stronger intellectual property protection are fostering innovation and attracting investments.
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