India has become one of the world’s largest gaming markets. With an estimated 511 million players and USD 1.04 billion in video-game revenue in 2025, the country has established a formidable consumer base. Yet, behind these numbers lies a more consequential question: Can India translate its gaming audience into a globally competitive game-development industry?
The answer depends on more than the number of games being played. It lies in the studios creating them, the talent bringing them to life, the capital sustaining their development and the commercial pathways connecting Indian creators with audiences worldwide.
Developed by the Game Developer Association of India (GDAI), with PhonePe Appstore as Chief Sponsor, The Dialogue as Knowledge Partner, and 1312 Interactive, Chimera, Gameberry Labs and NODWIN Gaming as Associate Sponsors, the GDAI GameDev Outlook 2026 examines this evolving landscape through industry and academia surveys, stakeholder consultations and market research.
Drawing on 104 industry submissions and 13 academia submissions, the report explores the ambitions and realities of India’s game-development ecosystem. From original intellectual property and studio economics to workforce readiness, publishing, international market access and the policy environment, it offers an evidence-based assessment of what it takes to build and sustain successful Indian game studios.
The findings reveal an industry with considerable creative ambition, but also important questions about its commercial foundations. While 82.7% of surveyed industry respondents prioritise launching new game IP, the journey from a promising concept to a commercially successful product remains far from straightforward.
The report goes beyond identifying these challenges. It outlines a strategic roadmap towards 2035, examining how government, industry, academia and ecosystem partners can strengthen India’s capabilities as a creator of games and interactive experiences.
But where does India’s greatest untapped opportunity lie? What is holding its studios back, and which interventions could make the biggest difference?
The data tells a story that goes well beyond India’s impressive player numbers.
Download the full GDAI GameDev Outlook 2026 to explore the findings, emerging opportunities and strategic roadmap for India’s next chapter in game development.
