India’s gaming industry continued its rapid rise in 2025, driven mainly by widespread smartphone adoption, faster mobile internet, and a young, digital savvy population.
From competitive multiplayer titles to casual mobile games and online platforms, Indian gamers embraced a wide range of experiences across genres. As the market matured, certain games stood out not only for their popularity but also for their cultural impact and commercial success.
With millions of players engaging daily across mobile, PC and console platforms, gaming in India has become a mainstream form of entertainment.
Alongside traditional video games, interest in skill-based and online gaming experiences such as megaways casino slots games also continued to grow in popularity, which reflects the country’s expanding digital entertainment ecosystem.
Mobile games that dominated the charts
Mobile gaming remained the dominant force in India throughout 2025, which is largely due to affordable smartphones and widespread access to high-speed mobile data. Examples that we will be looking at here include:
Battlegrounds Mobile
Free Fire MAX
Ludo King
Subway Surfers
That’s not forgetting EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto, to name just a few.
Titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India maintained a strong position, consistently topping download and engagement charts. Its competitive multiplayer format, regular updates and strong esports presence kept players invested throughout the year.
Another major performer was Free Fire MAX, which continued to attract millions of daily active users. Its low device requirements and fast-paced gameplay made it especially popular in tier two and tier three cities.
Casual games such as Ludo King and Subway Surfers also maintained impressive user numbers, proving that simple, accessible gameplay still holds strong appeal across age groups.
These games succeeded not only because of gameplay but also because of their ability to create social experiences, and they allow players to connect with friends and communities across the country.
Rise of PC and console gaming in India
While mobile gaming dominates in terms of sheer numbers, PC and console gaming saw noticeable growth in 2025. Increased availability of affordable gaming laptops and consoles helped more Indian gamers access premium titles.
Games like EA Sports FC, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto Online gained strong traction, supported by growing interest in online multiplayer and streaming culture.
Indian gamers also showed greater interest in story-driven single-player titles, with narrative-focused games gaining popularity on platforms such as Steam and PlayStation. Streaming platforms and content creators played a major role in driving awareness, with gameplay videos influencing purchasing decisions and shaping trends.
The rise of esports tournaments and gaming cafes in major cities further supported this growth, offering players opportunities to compete, spectate and connect with the wider gaming community.
The influence of online and skill-based gaming
Another significant trend in 2025 was the continued growth of online skill-based games. Fantasy sports platforms, card games and strategy-based digital games attracted millions of users seeking competitive and social experiences.
These platforms benefited from improved payment systems and better user interfaces, making participation more accessible than ever.
At the same time, players showed increasing interest in platforms offering variety and entertainment beyond traditional gaming. Features such as tournaments, leaderboards and personalised challenges kept users engaged and returning regularly.
This shift highlights a broader change in how Indian players view gaming, not just as a pastime but as an interactive and social activity that fits into daily life.
The role of technology and connectivity
The expansion of 5G and improved internet infrastructure played a crucial role in shaping gaming habits in 2025. Faster speeds and lower latency allowed for smoother gameplay, reduced lag and better overall performance, particularly for multiplayer and cloud-based games.
As connectivity improved across urban and semi-urban regions, more players gained access to high-quality gaming experiences. This technological progress has positioned India as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, with continued growth expected in the coming years.
Final thoughts
The best-performing games in India in 2025 reflected a dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming landscape. From mobile blockbusters and competitive multiplayer titles to immersive PC experiences, Indian gamers embraced a wide range of content.
As technology continues to improve and the gaming community expands, India’s position as a major force in the global gaming industry looks stronger than ever.