India has become the largest mobile gaming market in the world by downloads, with Sensor Tower reporting 8.45 billion installs in FY2024–25, more than double Indonesia’s total. However, when it comes to spending, India is still catching up. In-app purchase (IAP) revenues were only about $400 million in 2024, ranking the country 8th globally (AdGully).
The player base is young and male-dominated: about 77% are aged 18–34 and nearly 86% are male (PocketGamer). With Android phones holding ~90% market share, Google Play drives most installs, while iOS users contribute a disproportionately higher share of revenue.
Let’s explore the top 5 mobile game genres shaping India’s gaming landscape in 2025, their popularity, spending trends, and what players love about them.
1. Casual & Social Games (Simulation, Arcade, Puzzle)
Casual games are the biggest download category, covering Simulation, Arcade, and Puzzle genres. Together, they make up 40–45% of installs (Sensor Tower).
- Examples: Subway Princess Runner, Indian Vehicles Simulator, Candy Crush Saga, Makeup Show & Beauty.
- Why they work: Easy to play, family-friendly, and often built on local themes like driving simulators or fashion apps.
- Spending: Despite high installs, these genres contribute little to revenue (only ~5–9% of IAP). Monetisation comes mostly through ads.
- Who plays: Teens and older adults alike. These games are especially popular in households where gaming is a shared family activity.
What to try: Subway Princess Runner, Indian Vehicles Simulator, Candy Crush Saga, Ludo King
2. Tabletop & Board Games
Digitised versions of traditional Indian games have become massive cultural hits. Tabletop games account for about 9% of downloads in 2024–25.
- Examples: Ludo King, Carrom Pool, Yalla Ludo, Indian Rummy Master.
- Why they work: They tap into nostalgia and bring families together. Voice chat and multiplayer modes make them social.
- Spending: Low monetisation (≈2% of IAP revenue) but enormous reach.
- Who plays: Wide demographic appeal, from young kids to parents, with a higher share of female players compared to shooters.
What to try: Ludo King, Carrom Pool, Yalla Ludo, Snakes and Ladders King
3. Shooter Games (Battle Royale)
Shooters are the revenue powerhouse of Indian gaming. Despite making up only 6% of downloads, they account for nearly 50% of IAP revenue.
- Examples: Garena Free Fire, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Mobile, Apex Legends Mobile.
- Why they work: Real-time PvP combat, team-based play, voice chat, and esports appeal keep players hooked.
- Spending: High, thanks to battle passes, skins, and seasonal updates.
- Who plays: Hardcore audience, mostly male (≈90%), concentrated in the 18–24 age group.
What to try: Garena Free Fire, BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, Dead Trigger 2
4. Strategy Games
Strategy titles are smaller in volume but punch above their weight in spending, accounting for ~9% of IAP revenue.
- Examples: Clash of Clans, Rise of Kingdoms, Boom Beach, Last War: Survival.
- Why they work: Deep progression, long-term investment, and guild-based play.
- Spending: High commitment from core players willing to pay for upgrades and progression.
- Who plays: Core male gamers, primarily in the 18–34 age range.
What to try: Clash of Clans, Rise of Kingdoms, Last War: Survival
5. Sports Games
Sports titles, especially cricket simulations, hold a special place in India. They account for ~4% of downloads and 6% of revenue.
- Examples: World Cricket Championship 3, Sachin Saga Cricket Champions, Dream League Soccer, 8 Ball Pool, Basketball Stars.
- Why they work: National passion for cricket drives engagement, while football and cue sports broaden the appeal.
- Spending: Moderate, often linked to seasonal events and in-app upgrades.
- Who plays: Primarily young males, but cricket titles attract a wide audience.
What to try: World Cricket Championship 3, Dream League Soccer, 8 Ball Pool, Sachin Saga
What Shapes Player Preferences in India?
Social factors, affordability, and cultural relevance influence Indian gamers:
- Social Play: Many players discover games through friends, family, or influencers.
- Culture: Games with familiar themes, such as cricket, Bollywood tie-ins, or traditional board games, see stronger adoption.
- Economics: Free-to-play dominates. Most gamers use affordable Android phones, so ad-driven models thrive. Paying users, mainly in shooters and strategy games, sustain IAP revenues.
Final Thoughts
India’s mobile gaming scene in 2025 is a story of volume vs. value. Casual and board games dominate downloads, but shooters and strategy games drive revenue. As incomes rise and digital payments spread, we can expect more players to move from free play to premium spending.
For now, one thing is clear: whether you’re racing in Subway Princess Runner, dropping into BGMI, or battling in Clash of Clans, mobile gaming is at the heart of India’s digital culture.