The gaming sector in India attracted USD 544 million in investments during August 2020-January 2021 period, and this is set to double over the next 12-18 months on the back of higher user awareness and accelerated engagement, as per a report by Maple Capital Advisors. With more than 400 million gamers, a plethora of investors are looking to deploy funds in the sector, and with over 15 per cent of the global gaming traffic, Indian gaming market is at an inflexion point.

“Consumer traction (15 per cent of global traffic) on the back of greater awareness and engagement is likely to accelerate. Also, clearer category leaders are likely to emerge. We expect improved regulatory coverage or judicial clarity, especially in the real money gaming space,” he said.

Early-stage investments have spanned actively on e-sports and casual gaming and are witnessing good growth, it added. Some of the big investments include USD 225 million investment in Dream11 (September 2020), USD 90 million investment in Mobile Premier League (November 2020) and USD 68 million in Nazara Technologies (January 2021). The report said the sector is likely to see multiple unicorns as investment accelerates in the space. E-sports gaming ecosystems are likely to see greater traction, while some games may see dip in traction as COVID ends and people head back to work, it added.