Over 32% of Indians spend 4-6 hours weekly on mobile gaming, with 74% of Gen Z playing 6+ hours. Entertainment is the main driver (72%), while competitive gaming grows. MediaTek and Qualcomm lead as preferred chipsets. Concerns over addiction prompt potential government regulations.
Smartphone gaming has become a regular activity for many Indians, especially younger generations, with a significant portion dedicating several hours weekly to mobile games. According to a recent survey by CyberMedia Research (CMR), over 32% of Indian users spend four to six hours per week playing mobile games, while 74% of Gen Z gamers devote at least six hours weekly.
The study, released on May 2, surveyed 1,550 participants across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Gwalior. Respondents were grouped into three age categories: Millennials (28-44 years), Gen Z (13-28 years), and Gen Alpha (under 13).
The findings come amid rising concerns over gaming addiction in India. Last year, reports indicated that the government is considering imposing time restrictions and spending limits for online gamers, particularly in real-money gaming.
Entertainment remains the primary motivation for 72% of smartphone gamers, while mental agility (52%) and social interaction (41%) also play key roles.
Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Analyst at CMR, noted, “Mobile gaming is evolving from casual play to more immersive, social, and competitive experiences. Gen Z is leading this shift, prioritizing premium gameplay, social engagement, and eSports participation.”
Among serious gamers, 26% prefer Free Fire, while an equal percentage favor BGMI. Puzzle and First-Person Shooter (FPS) games (19% each) are the most popular genres, followed by action-adventure titles.
The survey also highlights that over 30% of Gen Z gamers opt for premium games, seeking high-quality experiences. Competitive gaming is on the rise, with 57% of Gen Z engaging in eSports.
CMR’s findings also shed light on smartphone preferences, with Gen Z prioritizing chipsets, performance, and brand reputation. MediaTek Dimensity and Qualcomm Snapdragon emerged as the top choices, with MediaTek leading in customer satisfaction (46%) and brand loyalty (50%). Meanwhile, Qualcomm maintains a premium appeal, with 40% of users willing to pay extra—rising to 45% among Gen Alpha.
Menka Kumari, Analyst at CMR, stated, “As demand for performance and quality grows, chipset brands like MediaTek and Qualcomm are becoming crucial in shaping user preferences, influencing not just specs but also brand trust and advocacy.”