The Indian online gaming industry has grown at an exponential rate over the past few years and it is expected to grow further with India’s digital revolution. The beginning of the online gaming industry in India is traced back to the 2000s. At that time PC gaming and console gaming brought several middle income group Indians on digital gaming platforms.
The international developers provided a base to the Indian gamers whereas the Indian gaming developer’s ecosystem primarily acted as service providers.
As India’s smartphone user base and internet penetration increased, online gaming grew very fast with an estimated 120 million gamers online now.
The fast spread of low-cost cell phones among rural and urban populations has been a major driver of growth in the Indian online gaming business.
In India, there are around 400 million smartphone users. New technology at accessible prices, an increase in the number of local developers, and other factors will all contribute to this growth.
Stats of digital gaming in india
According to a Google India survey the average Indian gamer is under the age of 24. In comparison to females, males make up the majority of gamers. Male gamers make up 83 percent of the gaming population, mainly from urban areas. Under the influence of their peers, these individuals begin gaming. Another motive for starting online gaming is for entertainment and time management.
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Some people play games just for stress release and social engagement. Mobile phones are the most popular gaming platform, with 85 percent rate. Puzzle games, action games, and adventure games are the most popular genres among Indian gamers.
The effects of digital gaming
Gaming addiction has a variety of physical and mental consequences.Gaming addiction has a number of following negative consequences.
Effects on the Budget
Despite the fact that most games are free to play, they do incorporate a variety of features. Premium features are purchased in order to advance further in the game. Young people frequently spend a large portion of their earnings on premium material.
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Even to download free games, several platforms request debit and credit card details. Young people who have access to these credit or debit cards frequently buy apps without their parents’ permission.
Effects on Personal Development
Impact on other aspects of life is one of the most significant consequences on adolescents. It has an impact on personal development since young people are unable to focus on their education or careers.
In their educational or professional lives, people may become bored, have difficulty concentrating, and feel demotivated.
It leads to violent behavior and everyday hostility over trivial matters. This has an impact on people’s personal development
Social Relationships Affect
Gaming addiction makes it difficult for people to interact socially. Since they are preoccupied with their games while ignoring their responsibilities.
Effect on physical health
Gamers play video games for long periods of time have stiffness, backaches, soreness, and numbness.
People frequently play video games while sitting in bad posture, which can lead to complicated stress and strains. People skip out on regular exercise and even meals.
They also engage in unsanitary behaviors such as eating junk food and eating and playing at the same time. Gaming addiction can disrupt sleep rhythms too.
Effect on mental health
Gaming addiction has a negative impact on mental health. It causes rage and young people frequently cry, scream, or physically attack their families or peers.
In addition, there is a strong want to return to gaming as soon as one completes another daily chore, such as eating or doing home or office work.
People also feel alone or lonely because they spend so much time alone playing video games. Younger gamers are frequently depressed.
Reasons of rise of Digital Gaming industry
- Video games boost a person’s self-esteem and confidence.
- The person feels empowered and believes they can face life’s tough challenges.
- It also increases people’s decision-making speed.
- Playing games can enhance teamwork and cooperation abilities.
- Young people feel motivated and energized when they contribute to the team and are rewarded for it.
- Puzzle games can enhance mathematical skills.
- Human brain gets good exercise while gaming. As participants continue to play games, the difficulty level rises, and the game becomes more engrossing.
- They enjoy the challenge and are eager to complete the harder stages. Because it requires multitasking, it boosts players’ self-esteem and improves their motor skills, decision-making ability, and cognitive abilities.
- Friends in peer groups frequently recommend games to their peers. Younger people like online gaming because of the social dialogues and excitement that surrounds it.
Conclusion
While it has provided some a sense of happiness, it can also cause social anxiety, loneliness, and even despair. Government is trying to regulate gambling at all levels, from the household to the national level. That’s why the government has increased the tax rates on online gaming.
Gaming addiction has emerged as a significant impediment to realizing this demographic dividend. Though the internet gaming industry has developed in leaps and bounds. It has also created a slew of issues for young people and their families.
These concerns highlight the need to reconsider how online games are played and regulated.