The Indian gaming industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation as local game studios increasingly shift their focus from outsourced services and global support roles to the creation of original intellectual properties (IPs). These homegrown titles are steeped in Indian culture, themes, and storytelling, marking a new era of cultural representation and creativity in the gaming ecosystem.

This evolving trend reflects not only the maturity of India’s gaming landscape but also the growing willingness of Indian players to invest in culturally resonant content. The Indian game studios 2025 narrative is now being shaped by developers who are eager to build games that connect deeply with local audiences—linguistically, thematically, and emotionally.

A standout example of this movement is SuperGaming’s Indus Battle Royale, developed in Pune, which has made headlines for both its scale and success. Since its launch last year, the game has notched eight million installs and boasts three million monthly active users. These numbers not only highlight the growing acceptance of local IP gaming in India but also point to global scalability, with the studio planning international expansion in the coming months.

According to Roby John, Co-founder and CEO of SuperGaming, the Indian market is now ripe for such ventures. In the past, Indian studios primarily served international publishers and clients, but the massive domestic mobile gaming base is emerging as the main growth driver for the future. Within two to three years, India is projected to become the dominant market for its own studios, underlining the potential of localised content.

This trend towards local IP creation aligns with the dominance of mobile gaming, which commands a 90% share of the Indian gaming market. As per data from Primus Partners, the market is expected to surge from Rs. 32,973 crore (US$ 3.8 billion) in FY25 to Rs. 79,828 crore (US$ 9.2 billion) by FY29. Such growth offers significant opportunities for developers focused on creating India-first gaming experiences.

One such promising title under development is E-cricket, a live-service cricket game from Bengaluru-based LightFury Games. What sets E-cricket apart is its hyper-local approach—the creative team behind it is actively engaging with neighbourhood cricket grounds, absorbing the cultural textures of everyday cricket life in India. This includes regional gameplay mechanics, multilingual narration, and a soundtrack influenced by global musical elements, all tailored to reflect authentic Indian experiences.

The rising popularity of these local titles is also validated by industry surveys, such as those conducted by AFK Gaming, which consistently show that culturally relevant themes, local languages, and relatable narratives are becoming essential to gaming success in 2025. This marks a pivotal change in player expectations and developer strategy, where representation and cultural identity are key market differentiators.

Despite this growing momentum, the Indian gaming sector faces challenges, particularly in the area of venture funding. Equity investment in Indian gaming studios declined by 38%, falling to Rs. 175 crore (US$ 20.2 million) in 2025, compared to Rs. 282 crore (US$ 32.5 million) recorded by June 2024. While this funding dip reflects broader macroeconomic uncertainties, it has not dampened the confidence of local developers.

Industry insiders suggest that five to ten Indian gaming projects currently in the pipeline are fully based on local IPs, with strong emphasis on sustained investment, distribution partnerships, and market reach. Developers are also focusing on live-service models, community engagement, and multiplayer functionality, designed to foster long-term player retention in the hyper-competitive mobile gaming ecosystem.

What sets the current phase apart from previous iterations of India’s gaming evolution is the intentional integration of cultural identity into game design. Whether it is mythology, street sports, folklore, or regional dialects, these elements are no longer secondary—they form the core of gameplay and storytelling. This shift not only makes games more relatable for Indian players but also helps studios build strong IPs that are exportable globally, riding the wave of Indian soft power.

The pivot to cultural narratives in Indian games also resonates with broader consumer trends, where regional content has taken centre stage in OTT, music, and social media. Gaming, as an immersive medium, offers even greater scope for interactive storytelling, allowing players to engage with local legends, history, and values in a dynamic format.

From a strategic perspective, this is a landmark opportunity for India’s creative economy. The development of original game IPs means job creation in areas like art design, game writing, voice acting, and regional marketing. It also opens doors for cross-industry collaborations, including TV series adaptations, merchandise, and e-sports tournaments, powered by local IPs.

While global giants continue to dominate revenue charts, the Indian game development ecosystem is carving its own identity—an identity that celebrates local traditions while aiming for global standards. The Indian gaming trends being witnessed in 2025 make it clear that culturally rooted IPs are no longer a niche—they are the future of gaming in India.

In summary, the rise of original IPs in Indian gaming, led by companies like SuperGaming and LightFury Games, showcases a vibrant and confident industry. With mobile gaming expanding, player demand growing, and a focus on local storytelling, Indian game studios are leveling up in every sense. Even amid funding constraints, the spirit of innovation and commitment to authentic, India-first gaming ensures that the future of the Indian gaming industry is not just bright—it is culturally powerful and globally relevant.

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