Cover-Credits:
Microsoft Designer / AFK Gaming
Video game culture in India has been steadily growing over the years, fueled by factors such as increasing internet penetration, the rise of affordable smartphones, and a growing young population. From the days of Duck Hunt, Contra and bootleg retro consoles that promised "9999 Games in 1". From competitive FPS titles to AAA story games, the Indian audience is open to everything under the sun. Here's a quick look at some of the most popular video games among Indian players in 2024.
Most Popular Video Games in India
Battle Royale Games
Krafton
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI): BGMI quickly gained immense popularity. It achieved over 100 million active users within a year and boasted a thriving esports scene with major tournaments and talented esports teams.
Free Fire MAX: Following the ban on PUBG Mobile, Free Fire MAX emerged as a strong contender in the battle royale genre. Its fast-paced gameplay, shorter match durations, and great moment-to-moment gameplay contributed to its widespread popularity among Indian gamers.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Games
Dota 2: Dota 2 has a dedicated fan base in India, particularly among players who appreciate its deep strategic gameplay, complex hero mechanics, and competitive scene. It is one of the go-to titles for college students in India and quite a few gamers in the country have spent far more time in the game than they would like to admit.
Casual Games
Gametion
Ludo King: Ludo King gained immense popularity in India as a digital adaptation of the classic board game. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, along with features like online multiplayer, private rooms, and chat functionality, made it a go-to choice for casual gaming sessions among friends and family.
Candy Crush Saga: Candy Crush Saga remains a favorite among Indian gamers, known for its colorful visuals, engaging puzzles, and rewarding progression system. Its accessibility across multiple platforms, coupled with a seemingly endless array of levels and challenges, has kept players coming back for more.
Genshin Impact: Genshin Impact captured the attention of Indian gamers with its breathtaking open world that was previously unseen on mobile devices. It is a free-to-play title that gets updates regularly and it has generated a sizeable community in the country.
Among Us: Among Us became a global phenomenon, including in India, for its simple yet compelling gameplay centered around social deduction and deception. Indian gamers embraced the game's multiplayer experience, leading to widespread popularity and countless hours of intrigue and laughter. The popularity of the game was also boosted by local content creators who streamed the game on platforms like YouTube Gaming, Loco and Rooter.
First-Person Shooter (FPS) Games
Call of Duty: Mobile: Call of Duty: Mobile successfully translated the fast-paced action of the popular franchise to mobile devices, attracting a large player base in India. Its variety of game modes, customizable loadouts, and frequent updates kept players engaged and contributed to its popularity.
Counter-Strike 2: CS2 (previously CS:GO) has a dedicated player base in India, particularly among competitive gamers and esports enthusiasts. Known for its tactical gameplay, team-based mechanics, and skill-based gunplay, Counter-Strike has been a staple in the Indian gaming community, with players participating in tournaments, leagues, and online matches.
Sports Games
Nautilus Mobile
Cricket Games (Real Cricket & World Cricket Championship): Cricket, the undisputed king of sports in India, also reigns supreme in the mobile gaming world. Games like Real Cricket and World Cricket Championship offer a realistic and immersive cricket experience.
FIFA series: Football holds a special place in Indian sports culture, and the FIFA series of games has a dedicated fan base in the country. Indian gamers enjoy the realistic simulation of football matches, extensive licensing of teams and players, and immersive career modes offered by FIFA titles.
