In October 2022, India officially embraced the era of 5G, and within a year, over 100 million users were already reaping its benefits. However, one of the most excited and optimistic user bases turned out to be the gaming community. According to a report by MoEngage, mobile gaming in India is projected to reach USD 8.6 billion by 2027, and the introduction of 5G is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape for PC and mobile gamers alike.
Gaurav Agarwal, Co-Founder of Gamezop, highlights the immense potential of the Indian gaming industry, with projections indicating 700 million gamers by 2025. Gamezop offers a platform for mobile gamers to seamlessly discover and play new games without the hassle of installations.
The private 5th generation mobile network brings in low latency, higher bandwidth, and secure wireless connectivity. Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-Founder of WinZO games, emphasizes the impact on online multiplayer games, stating that 5G networks offer minimal lag, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. The reduced latency rate of just 5 milliseconds in 5G, compared to 30-40 milliseconds in 4G, ensures real-time responsiveness.
Cloud gaming, heralded as the future, benefits significantly from 5G. With live-streamed links, users can access and play games without the need for downloads. Saurabh Pandey, Co-Founder and CEO of Eloelo, envisions the potential for 4K and 8K resolution live streaming, unlocking creative opportunities with AI and AR within live streams.
The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in gaming relies heavily on network capabilities. 5G fulfills these requirements, allowing for real-time processing in the cloud and cord-free experiences with AR/VR headsets.
Esports enthusiasts can now enjoy 4K streaming and advanced features previously deemed impractical on 4G devices. Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh, Founders of Loco, highlight the demand for real-time interactive features and augmented reality overlays on live matches, made possible by 5G.
Beyond metros, 5G will enhance accessibility to tier 2 and tier 3 cities, providing creators with the ability to reach diverse audiences globally. As Anirudh Pandita puts it, “This opens up opportunities for content creators and expands the user base to include a more diverse audience.”
In conclusion, the Indian gaming startup landscape is buzzing with anticipation for the transformative power of 5G technology. With its potential to revolutionize speed, reduce latency, and introduce immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality, 5G stands as a beacon of hope for the future of gaming in India.
