The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has sparked a religious fervor in India, leading to an unexpected trend in the gaming industry. Developers are witnessing a surge in downloads of spiritual and temple-themed games, with users showing heightened interest in this unique genre. The rise in popularity is not only seen in newly launched apps but also in the revival of older games with religious themes.
Expanding Market for Spiritual Gaming: Since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, there has been a noteworthy increase in downloads of Mandir-focused apps, nearly doubling their previous numbers. This surge has intrigued developers, who now see a vast market opening up for religious and spiritual-themed content in the gaming sphere. Even individuals who were not previously inclined towards digital gaming are now exploring these offerings, marking a significant shift in user preferences.
Developers Capitalizing on the Trend: FunStop Games, a casual gaming studio backed by InfoEdge Ventures, is among the developers seizing the opportunity. Their recently launched Shri Ram Mandir Game app, introduced on January 12, has already garnered an impressive five million downloads across various app stores. Additionally, older games with religious themes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity amidst this spiritual gaming wave.
Market Projections for India’s Gaming Industry: According to a report by Statista, India’s mobile gaming industry is poised for substantial growth, with revenue projected to reach US$151.60 million by 2024. The surge is expected to continue, with an annual growth rate of 7.02% from 2024 to 2027, culminating in a projected market volume of US$185.80 million by the close of 2027.
The expansion is not only reflected in revenue but also in the number of users, with forecasts suggesting a user base increase to 239.6 million by 2027. User penetration, currently at 14.6% in 2024, is anticipated to climb to 16.3% by 2027.
Evolving Landscape of Gaming Preferences: The exponential growth trajectory underscores the evolving landscape of gaming preferences and consumption patterns among Indian consumers. With the increasing availability of affordable smartphones and expanding internet connectivity, mobile gaming has emerged as a popular form of entertainment across diverse demographics. The current trend indicates that spiritual gaming has become the flavor of the season in India.
