In a groundbreaking collaboration, the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) and the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata (ISIK) have unveiled a comprehensive study titled “Unveiling the Potential and Scope of the Online Skill Gaming Industry: A Study with Technology Students and Professionals.” This study has cast a spotlight on the burgeoning attraction of the online gaming sector among India’s technology community, potentially reshaping the country’s technological and economic landscape.

The study, conducted through an extensive survey of 4644 individuals across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has illuminated a robust interest among both students and professionals in the online skill gaming sector. Notably, an overwhelming 73% of respondents have expressed a strong desire to pursue a career within this dynamic domain, underscoring its immense growth potential. Moreover, 68% of participants recognized the industry’s role in honing skill sets, while 60% believed that the opportunity to innovate and create within India could reverse the trend of brain drain to foreign tech jobs.

Dr. Diganta Mukherjee, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, remarked, “The research highlights the symbiotic relationship between technology and gaming. As the industry rapidly evolves, we have a unique opportunity to harness the creative potential of our youth and build a robust ecosystem that nurtures both technological innovation and economic growth.”

Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Subhamoy Maitra, another Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, stated, “This analysis unearths a strong belief among the respondents that India’s homegrown gaming industry can reduce the brain drainage of talents in the technology domain, offering them opportunities towards innovation and growth right here on home soil. Within the larger gaming domain, from an intellectual point of view, skill gaming enjoys a particularly strong interest among technology professionals.”

Malay Kumar Shukla, Secretary of the E-Gaming Federation, emphasized the significance of the online skill gaming industry in the digital era. “The sector continues proliferating, with cutting-edge technologies, trends, and consumer and business interests driving innovation. The recognition that India has the potential to become a center for global gaming innovation would ensure the industry’s ability to grow, create employment opportunities, and meaningfully contribute towards the $1 Trillion digital economy vision of our Prime Minister,” he stated.

Notably, amidst a scenario where a significant number of Indian students are pursuing higher education in the United States and the IT sector facing a substantial attrition rate, the online gaming sector emerges as a beacon of hope. With 55% of respondents identifying it as a preferred domain due to its emphasis on technology adaptation and innovation, the industry’s rapid integration of advanced technologies like AI/ML and VR positions India as a frontrunner in technological advancements.

This study’s findings underscore the potential for India’s technology landscape to flourish through strategic investments and fostering a conducive ecosystem for the online skill gaming industry. As the sector gains momentum, it holds the promise of not only creating substantial career opportunities but also anchoring India’s position as a global hub for gaming innovation and technological excellence.Industry