Across the world, gaming has witnessed accelerated growth. The HP Gaming Landscape Report 2021 reveals that gaming in India is increasingly being driven by
PCs. India’s soaring gaming industry is now valued at $930 million and is number one in the world. The growth is much widespread across North India especially in cities such as Delhi / NCR, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Jaipur.
Nitish Singal, Head, Personal Systems (Consumer), HP India commented, “We are on the verge of a massive Indian gaming boom, based on the increasing popularity of gaming witnessed during the last 18 months. It is also reassuring to see how women pose a promising future for gaming in India. As they progress toward fulfilling their professional, entertainment, and socializing goals, their increased gaming engagement reflects growing financial and social freedom. Gamers today look at gaming as more than a hobby – as a lucrative career option and a healthy outlet for relieving stress and continues to be a significant driver for HP’s persistent growth in the PC segment. We have a big untapped opportunity in front of us as a top PC brand in India, which we must seize.”
The Report disclosed key PC buying trends in North India. 6 in 10 respondents (67%) prefer a Gaming PC in the range of INR 50 thousand to 1 lakh. Women (43%) lead men (40%) in flexibility to buy a PC Over a Lakh.
Gamers from tier 2 cities such as Jaipur (36%), Chandigarh (34%) and Ludhiana (33%) are willing to spend more than gamers from Delhi.
According to the Report, 91% respondents in North India agreed that gaming helps relieve work / study pressure while reducing stress and inducing positive feelings.
96% of female respondents believe gaming is the best source of relaxation and recreation, as compared to male respondents (88%). Additionally, 95% of female respondents believe gaming helps reduce work/ study pressure, whereas only 90% of male respondents believe so.
Gaming is also perceived as an enabler to socialize and make new friends, especially during this time of social distancing. Yet again, women (96%) in North India evidently lead men (92%) in seeing gaming as a socializing tool.