A guide to developing gaming apps in India

The gaming industry is thriving like never before, with people all over the world engaging in gaming activities. More specifically, India's gaming scene has experienced a huge surge in popularity in recent years thanks to increasing accessibility and engagement with these sorts of activities. In this context, here’s a guide to developing gaming apps in India.

India has a long and rich history of gaming. In particular, traditional board games have been preferred by those in the country as well as strategy-based games. Historically, people would bet on rooster fights and play card games such as rummy, which is considered a game of skill. 

Across different states in India, games such as UNO and Solitaire were popular. These games were played during festivals, social gatherings, providing entertainment and also promoting social bonding and cultural traditions. Nowadays, there is even more choice for people in India who can play their favourite games online thanks to technological developments, the widespread nature of smartphones and high-speed 4G and 5G internet.

Mobile gaming popularity in India

Out of all types of gaming in India, mobile gaming has risen exponentially in popularity. Mobile apps have been a game-changer for the popularity of gaming in India, giving them instant access, social connectivity, and competitive opportunities in a way they couldn’t before. Various types of games are now accessible on a smartphone in India via apps. Casino apps are popular in India, with most people preferring to play games via their mobile due to the convenience and easy access.

Building an app – getting started

For smaller studios who are hoping to join the ranks of top Indian game developers, there are several key opportunities and strategies they can pursue. For example, India’s growing middle class which is in millions are potential mobile game players and a big opportunity for any mobile application development company. To take advantage of this, game developers can create affordable and engaging mobile games that appeal to this large audience. As India’s middle class grows and has more disposable income, developers can offer games that are free to play, with options for in-app purchases to suit different budgets.

Analyzing your target market

Furthermore, when your game manages to establish a strong relationship with the specific user segment, it ensures the surplus involvement of end users. Indian game developers have already used artificial intelligence to give personalised recommendations by analysing players' in-game behaviour and preferences. For example, AI collects data about certain players’ gaming styles and provides game recommendations and tailored rewards based on their history. This means that players are more likely to use your app over any others because you pay attention to their personal tastes. By giving them special recommendations, you also help them to save time as they don’t have to browse through an endless stream of options, leading to more user engagement and repeat customers.

Choosing the right software

Indian game developers who are striving for success will also need to carefully choose their software. The quality of software can make or break your company, so it’s vital to pick one that allows your games to run smoothly across different devices and platforms. Some of the most popular options used by top games developers are Unity and Unreal Engine which help you to create games of varying difficulties with high quality graphics. For your app, Cocos2d is often used for 2D games, while Blender or Maya are used for designing game characters and environments. If you have no experience with using software or coding, it’s a good idea to take a course on app and web development so that you can educate yourself about the technical aspects of games development.

Be aware of your demographic

To achieve success in the Indian gaming market, developers should also be conscious of their demographic. To appeal to people in India, it’s necessary to make your app inclusive. This means offering support for different languages in the country such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu. Additionally, incorporating localised content such as Indian themes, festivals and cultural references will make your games more reliable and engaging to Indian players. If you are in the early stages of launching your app, it’s advisable to get feedback from a few players before you fully launch so that you can take their input on board to satisfy your customer base.

Make sure to research

One of the most important steps when developing an app in India is research. More specifically, India has various rules and regulations around online gaming. These activities are regulated by state laws, which are different across the country and must be adhered to. Breaking these rules can result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action, which can significantly impact your business. It’s also a good idea to check out other gaming apps launched by competitors as well as reviews from players to get an idea of the user experience.

Overall, the gaming industry in India is growing rapidly, with mobile gaming becoming especially popular. Developers can succeed by creating engaging, culturally relevant games and offering multi-language support. By following legal rules and meeting the needs of diverse players, Indian game developers can achieve success in the country’s expanding gaming market. So, if you want to make a name for yourself as a game’s developer in India, why not follow some of these top tips?

(Disclaimer: Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)