Top 10 Best Digital gaming Companies in India 2023
Digital gaming companies, as the name suggests, are companies that design, develop, publish, or distribute video games that are played on computers, gaming consoles, mobile devices, or through online platforms. These companies may specialize in various types of games, such as mobile games, console games, PC games, virtual reality games, and more.
Digital gaming companies can be involved in a range of activities related to game production, including:
Game Design: This involves coming up with the concept for a game, including its rules, setting, characters, and story.
Game Development: This involves the actual creation of the game, which requires coding, art, sound design, and more.
Game Publishing: Game publishers are responsible for marketing and distributing games. Some larger gaming companies, like Electronic Arts or Ubisoft, both develop and publish their own games.
Game Distribution: Some companies specialize in distributing games, such as Valve Corporation, which runs the Steam platform for PC games.
Game Hardware Manufacturing: Some digital gaming companies, like Sony (PlayStation), Microsoft (Xbox), and Nintendo, produce gaming hardware like consoles and controllers, in addition to developing and publishing games.
Esports: Esports companies are involved in competitive video gaming, which can include organizing tournaments, providing streaming services, managing professional gamers, and more.
Examples of digital gaming companies include Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Supercell, Tencent, and many more. These companies have produced popular titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Assassin’s Creed, Clash of Clans, and League of Legends, among others.
The digital gaming industry has seen significant growth over the past few decades, and it continues to evolve with advancements in technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, cloud gaming, and more. It’s also a major contributor to the growth of the entertainment industry worldwide.
Why Digital gaming Companies are important
Digital gaming companies are significant for several reasons, both from an economic perspective and in terms of their broader societal impact:
Economic Impact: The digital gaming industry is a major sector within the global economy. It generates billions of dollars in revenue each year through game sales, in-game purchases, subscription services, advertising, and esports. This revenue supports job creation not only directly within the gaming companies, but also in related industries such as hardware manufacturing, retail, and esports.
Innovation and Technology: Gaming companies are often at the forefront of technological innovation. They drive advancements in graphics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and more. The technologies developed for gaming can often have applications in other fields, such as education, healthcare, and engineering.
Entertainment and Culture: Video games have become a major form of entertainment worldwide, and they have a significant cultural impact. They tell stories, create shared experiences, and can be a form of artistic expression.
Education and Training: Games can be used for educational purposes, helping to teach a variety of subjects in a more engaging way. Furthermore, simulations and serious games are used for training in numerous fields, such as the military, healthcare, and aviation.
Social Connections: Multiplayer and online games enable social interactions between players, helping to build communities and friendships. During times of social distancing, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, video games have provided a way for people to stay connected.
Mental Health: Certain games can potentially benefit mental health. For example, some games can help reduce anxiety or improve mood.
Esports: The rise of esports, driven by gaming companies, has created a new form of competitive entertainment, which draws millions of viewers and offers significant prize money for the competitors.
However, it’s also important to note that while digital gaming companies bring numerous benefits, they also face criticism and challenges related to issues like screen addiction, violent content, and online safety. They have a responsibility to address these issues and create a safe, healthy gaming environment for their users.
History of Digital gaming Companies in India
The history of digital gaming companies in India dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Here is a brief overview of the evolution of this industry:
Late 1990s to Early 2000s:
The early days of digital gaming in India were marked by the rise of a few pioneering companies, such as Dhruva Interactive and Indiagames. Founded in 1997, Dhruva Interactive was one of India’s first game development studios. Indiagames, established in 1999, was another early player that focused primarily on developing games for the then-nascent mobile market.
Mid 2000s to Early 2010s:
During this period, the Indian gaming industry began to grow more rapidly. Several new companies were founded, and existing ones expanded their offerings. The industry was driven primarily by the outsourcing model, with Indian companies providing game development and art creation services to foreign clients.
Companies like Nazara Technologies, Games2win, and Zapak.com came into existence during this period, focusing on web and mobile games for the Indian market.
Mid 2010s onwards:
The advent of smartphones and affordable mobile internet, especially with the launch of 4G services by telecom operators like Reliance Jio, dramatically transformed the gaming landscape in India. The number of mobile gamers surged, leading to a boom in the development of mobile games. Companies like Moonfrog Labs and Octro gained prominence with hit titles like Teen Patti and Ludo King.
The growing popularity of esports also started to shape the gaming industry. Companies like Mobile Premier League (MPL) and Dream11 offered platforms for competitive gaming and fantasy sports, attracting millions of users.
Late 2010s to Present:
India’s gaming industry continued to grow and mature, with several significant developments. PUBG Mobile’s massive success in India highlighted the potential of the Indian market for global gaming companies. It led to a surge in the popularity of battle royale games and also paved the way for the esports scene in India.
After PUBG’s temporary ban in India in 2020, several Indian gaming companies seized the opportunity to fill the gap, with nCore Games announcing FAU-G (Fearless and United Guards).
The Indian gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, driven by a large, young population, increasing smartphone penetration, and affordable internet access. It is witnessing the rise of more gaming startups, increased investment, and a growing focus on creating original Indian games. For the most current status and updates about digital gaming companies in India, please refer to the latest resources.
Benefits of Digital gaming Companies
Digital gaming companies offer numerous benefits to society and the economy, while also providing unique experiences for consumers. Here are some of the key benefits associated with these companies:
Economic Impact: Digital gaming companies contribute significantly to the global economy. They generate revenue through the sale of games, in-game transactions, advertisements, and other services. They also create employment opportunities in various roles, including game development, design, marketing, and customer service.
Technological Advancement: Gaming companies are often at the forefront of technological advancements. They contribute to the development of computer graphics, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and other cutting-edge technologies. These advancements can often have applications beyond gaming, potentially benefiting other industries as well.
Entertainment and Culture: Video games have become a major form of entertainment globally. They allow for interactive storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural exchange, creating shared experiences that can bring people together.
Education and Skill Development: Games can be educational and can help develop a range of skills. Some games are explicitly designed with educational purposes in mind, while even regular games can help improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and more.
Social Interaction: Multiplayer and online games enable social interaction and community building. Players can connect with friends or meet new people from around the world, fostering a sense of community.
Therapeutic Use: Certain games can have therapeutic benefits. They can provide distraction from pain or stress, help improve mood, and can even be used in rehabilitation or treatment of certain mental and physical health conditions.
Promotion of Esports: Digital gaming companies promote the growth of esports, a form of competitive gaming that has gained widespread popularity. Esports provide opportunities for gamers to compete professionally, while also creating a new form of spectator entertainment.
Job Creation: With the expansion of the gaming industry, there is an increasing demand for various skills such as game design, programming, graphic design, and more. This leads to job creation and provides new opportunities for professionals interested in the gaming industry.
Despite these benefits, it’s also important to note the potential downsides associated with digital gaming, such as issues related to addiction, the potential for antisocial behavior, and concerns about violent content. It’s crucial that digital gaming companies address these issues responsibly, to ensure a healthy and beneficial gaming environment for all users.
Best Digital gaming Companies in India
Nazara Technologies
Octro Inc.
Moonfrog Labs
Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd.
99Games
PlaySimple Games
Games2win India
Mech Mocha Game Studios
Nodwin Gaming
Dream11
Nazara Technologies
Nazara Technologies is one of the leading interactive gaming and sports media companies in India. Founded in 2000 by Nitish Mittersain, Nazara has a presence in India and across emerging and developed global markets such as Africa and North America.
Nazara has diversified business models and comprises of subscription, freemium, eSports, skill-based gaming in India, and chance-based gaming business in Kenya. Over the last two decades, Nazara has created a robust portfolio of own IPs, including WCC (World Cricket Championship) and CarromClash in mobile games, and Kiddopia in gamified early learning.
Here are some key aspects of Nazara’s operations:
Mobile Games: Nazara has developed and published a variety of mobile games, focusing on the massive Indian and emerging markets. It has built a portfolio of branded and IP-based mobile games, including popular titles such as Chhota Bheem and Motu Patlu series.
Esports: Nazara invested in the Esports segment through its subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming, which organizes and manages significant Esports events in India and other countries. Nazara also owns a majority stake in Halaplay Technologies Pvt Ltd., which operates Halaplay, a fantasy sports platform.
Gamified Early Learning: Nazara owns a majority stake in the gamified early learning app Kiddopia. It provides a wide array of interactive activities that foster cognitive development, self-expression, and also impart a sense of morality in children aged between two to seven years.
Real Money Gaming: Nazara has also ventured into real money gaming. It operates sports fantasy site HalaPlay and has a stake in other similar platforms.
Telecom Carrier Subscription: In several African and Middle Eastern countries, Nazara operates a telecom carrier subscription service, offering a variety of digital content to users.
Becoming the first Indian gaming technology company to make a debut in stock market.
Nazara Technologies continued to grow and invest in various sectors of the gaming industry. For the most current status and updates about Nazara Technologies, please refer to the latest resources.
Octro Inc.
Octro Inc. is a leading mobile gaming company in India known for developing popular digital versions of traditional Indian card games. Founded by Saurabh Aggarwal in 2006, the company is headquartered in Delhi, India.
Octro’s flagship games are Teen Patti and Indian Rummy, both of which have gained a massive following in India and across the world. These games are based on traditional Indian games and have been adapted for the mobile platform, making them accessible to a broader audience.
In addition to these, Octro has also developed other successful games like Tambola (also known as Housie or Bingo) and Carrom Live.
Here’s a brief overview of their popular games:
Teen Patti by Octro: This is a multiplayer card game that you can play with friends or with players around the world. It’s a digital version of a popular traditional Indian card game.
Indian Rummy by Octro: Similar to Teen Patti, this is a digital version of the classic Indian card game, Rummy. It offers various game modes and allows players to play with friends or with other players online.
Tambola by Octro: This is a digital version of the game also known as Housie or Bingo. It is multiplayer and allows players to host their own games or join games hosted by others.
Carrom Live: This game brings the popular board game of Carrom to the digital platform, allowing players to compete against others online.
Octro’s games are known for their social features, allowing players to connect with friends and other players, and for their faithful recreation of traditional Indian games.
Octro continued to be a leader in the Indian mobile gaming industry. For the most current status and updates about Octro Inc., please refer to the latest resources.
Moonfrog Labs
Moonfrog Labs is a mobile game development studio based in Bengaluru, India. It was founded in 2013 by a group of experienced game developers, including Tanay Tayal, Ankit Jain, Kumar Puspesh, Dimpalkumar Maisuriya, and Oliver Jones, who previously worked at global gaming companies like Zynga and EA (Electronic Arts).
Moonfrog Labs aims to redefine mobile gaming in India by creating entertaining games tailored for the Indian market. The company has successfully developed several popular games that have gained a large user base.
The most well-known games developed by Moonfrog Labs include:
Ludo Club: A digital version of the classic board game, Ludo. The game allows users to play with friends or players from around the world.
Teen Patti Gold: A digital version of Teen Patti, a popular traditional Indian card game. The game allows multiplayer gaming and offers several variations of the game.
Baahubali: The Game: Launched in conjunction with the popular Indian movie franchise Baahubali, this strategy game allows players to build their own city, train their army, and defeat enemies.
Moonfrog Labs has also partnered with other international companies to bring popular games to the Indian market. For example, it partnered with Zynga to launch a localized version of “Zynga Poker” in India.
Moonfrog Labs has continued to develop and launch games tailored for the Indian market. For the most current status and updates about Moonfrog Labs, please refer to the latest resources.
Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd.
Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd. is one of the pioneers in the Indian digital gaming industry. It was founded in 2006 as a part of Reliance Entertainment, which is a subsidiary of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group.
Zapak initially gained popularity with its online gaming portal, zapak.com, which hosted a plethora of Flash-based games across various genres. It offered both single-player and multiplayer games and quickly became one of the most popular gaming destinations for Indian users.
In the early days, Zapak also set up physical gaming cafes across India known as Zapak Gameplexes. These were spaces where gamers could come together and play both PC and console games.
With the shift in user preferences towards mobile gaming, Zapak pivoted its strategy and began developing and publishing mobile games. The company has launched numerous mobile games across different genres, such as arcade, action, sports, and puzzle.
Some popular games by Zapak include:
Little Singham: An action game based on the popular Indian animated series, “Little Singham.” Players control the titular character and run through various environments while avoiding obstacles.
Cricket World Cup Fever: A sports game that allows players to experience the thrill of playing cricket on their mobile devices.
Birdy Run: An arcade game where players need to help a bird fly as far as possible while avoiding obstacles.
Zapak Digital Entertainment continued to focus on creating entertaining mobile games tailored for the Indian market. For the most current status and updates about Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd., please refer to the latest resources.
99Games
99Games is a leading developer and publisher of games in India, particularly known for creating mobile games that have achieved significant success both locally and globally. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Udupi, a town in the southern state of Karnataka, India.
99Games is a part of Robosoft Technologies, a company that has been developing software solutions since 1996. This backing allows 99Games to create high-quality games with top-notch design and gameplay elements.
One of the most popular games developed by 99Games is Star Chef, a restaurant and cooking simulation game that has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and high-quality graphics. It has been downloaded millions of times across the world.
Another notable game by 99Games is Dhoom 3 The Game, which was developed in association with Yash Raj Films. It is an endless runner game based on the popular Bollywood movie Dhoom 3.
99Games has also developed and published several other games, such as SpellUp, an educational word game, and Sultan: The Game, another game based on a Bollywood movie.
Here are some of the games developed by 99Games:
Star Chef: A cooking and restaurant management game that lets players create and manage their dream restaurant.
Dhoom 3 The Game: An action-packed endless runner game based on the popular Bollywood movie Dhoom 3.
Sultan: The Game: A wrestling game based on the popular Bollywood film Sultan, featuring the movie’s main character.
SpellUp: An engaging word game that tests the players’ vocabulary skills.
Chef Wars Journeys: A culinary adventure game where players travel the world and learn about various cuisines.
99Games was continuing to develop and publish new games. For the most current status and updates about 99Games, please refer to the latest resources.
PlaySimple Games
PlaySimple Games is a prominent digital gaming company based in Bengaluru, India. Founded in 2014 by Siddharth Jain, Preeti Reddy, and Suraj Nalin, PlaySimple Games has gained recognition for developing engaging and addictive word puzzle games for mobile platforms.
The company focuses primarily on creating games that revolve around wordplay and trivia, offering casual and accessible gameplay experiences for a wide range of players. PlaySimple Games has a strong emphasis on high-quality graphics, user-friendly interfaces, and immersive gameplay.
Some of the popular games developed by PlaySimple Games include:
Daily Themed Crossword: A crossword puzzle game with a new theme every day, allowing players to solve crosswords based on a variety of topics.
Word Trip: A word search puzzle game that challenges players to find words by connecting letters on a hexagonal grid.
Word Jam: Another word puzzle game that tests players’ vocabulary skills as they find hidden words by swiping their finger across letter blocks.
Word Wars: A multiplayer word puzzle game where players compete against each other in real-time battles, forming words to score points and win matches.
GuessUp: A social trivia game that allows players to challenge their friends or compete against other players worldwide, testing their knowledge in various categories.
PlaySimple Games has been successful in creating games that appeal to a broad audience, attracting millions of players globally. Their focus on word-based puzzles and trivia has garnered significant popularity, making them one of the notable digital gaming companies in India.
PlaySimple Games continued to develop and expand its portfolio of word puzzle games. For the most current status and updates about PlaySimple Games, please refer to the latest resources.
Games2win India
Games2win India is a well-known digital gaming company based in Mumbai, India. It was founded in 2005 by Alok Kejriwal and Mahesh Khambadkone. Games2win is recognized for developing and publishing casual and mobile games that cater to a wide audience.
The company has a diverse portfolio of games across various genres, including casual, arcade, racing, and simulation. Games2win focuses on creating entertaining and addictive gameplay experiences, often incorporating elements of humor and creativity into their games.
Some popular games developed by Games2win India include:
Decisions: A unique storytelling game where players make choices that affect the outcome of the story. It offers various scenarios and multiple endings, giving players the power to shape the narrative.
Parking Frenzy: A popular driving and parking simulation game that challenges players to navigate through various parking lots and complete parking tasks.
Fashion Diva: A fashion-themed game where players can create and style their virtual avatars, participate in fashion competitions, and design their own fashion line.
Fab Tattoo Artist: A creative game that allows players to become virtual tattoo artists, designing and applying tattoos on their customers.
Games2win India has achieved significant success, with millions of downloads and a loyal user base. The company has also collaborated with popular brands and celebrities to create licensed games, further expanding their reach and offerings.
Games2win India was continuing to develop and publish new games, focusing on creating enjoyable and engaging experiences for players. For the most current status and updates about Games2win India, please refer to the latest resources.
Mech Mocha Game Studios
Mech Mocha Game Studios is a digital gaming company based in Bengaluru, India. It was founded in 2011 by Arpita Kapoor and Mohit Rangaraju. Mech Mocha specializes in developing and publishing mobile games that are designed to appeal to the Indian gaming audience.
The company focuses on creating games that have a local flavor, incorporating elements from Indian culture and traditions. Mech Mocha aims to bridge the gap between international game designs and the preferences of Indian gamers, making their games more relatable and engaging for the Indian market.
Some notable games developed by Mech Mocha Game Studios include:
Hello Ludo: A digital adaptation of the classic board game Ludo, Hello Ludo allows players to compete against friends or online opponents in a virtual Ludo board.
Jetpack Joyride India: A localized version of the popular endless runner game Jetpack Joyride, featuring Indian-themed characters, environments, and power-ups.
Mech Mocha Game Studios has also collaborated with various partners, including global gaming companies, to bring popular games to the Indian market with localized features and content.
Mech Mocha Game Studios continued to develop and explore new opportunities in the Indian mobile gaming industry. For the most current status and updates about Mech Mocha Game Studios, please refer to the latest resources.
Nodwin Gaming
Nodwin Gaming is a prominent digital gaming company based in India that specializes in esports. Founded in 2014 by Akshat Rathee, Gautam Virk, and Sidharth Kedia, Nodwin Gaming is known for its contributions to the growth and development of the esports ecosystem in India.
The company focuses on various aspects of esports, including organizing esports tournaments, managing professional esports teams, providing broadcasting and production services, and promoting the overall esports ecosystem in India. Nodwin Gaming has played a vital role in bringing esports to the forefront in India and has been instrumental in organizing large-scale tournaments and events.
Some key initiatives and activities by Nodwin Gaming include:
Esports Tournaments: Nodwin Gaming organizes and hosts various esports tournaments in India, featuring popular competitive games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Dota 2, FIFA, and others. They have conducted tournaments such as the ESL India Premiership, DreamHack India, and the PUBG Mobile India Series.
Esports Broadcasting and Production: Nodwin Gaming provides broadcasting and production services for esports events, including live streaming, commentary, analysis, and content creation. They have collaborated with broadcasting platforms and partners to bring esports content to a wide audience.
Professional Esports Teams: Nodwin Gaming manages professional esports teams that compete in national and international tournaments. They provide support, training, and resources to players and teams to help them excel in their respective games.
Esports Education and Community Building: Nodwin Gaming aims to nurture and develop the esports community in India by organizing workshops, seminars, and educational programs focused on various aspects of esports, including player development, coaching, and management.
Nodwin Gaming has played a significant role in elevating the profile of esports in India, helping to create opportunities for Indian gamers and contributing to the growth of the esports industry in the country.
Nodwin Gaming continued to be a key player in the Indian esports scene, organizing tournaments and supporting the growth of professional esports in India. For the most current status and updates about Nodwin Gaming, please refer to the latest resources.
Dream11
Dream11 is a prominent digital gaming company in India, known for its fantasy sports platform. Founded in 2008 by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, Dream11 has played a significant role in popularizing fantasy sports in India and has become one of the leading fantasy sports platforms globally.
Dream11 allows users to create their virtual teams by selecting real players from various sports, such as cricket, football, basketball, and more. Users earn points based on the performance of their chosen players in real-life matches, and the teams with the highest scores win prizes.
Here are some key aspects of Dream11 and its operations:
Fantasy Sports Platform: Dream11 offers a platform where users can participate in fantasy sports leagues and competitions by assembling their virtual teams and competing against other users. The platform covers a wide range of sports, with cricket being particularly popular in India.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Dream11 operates in compliance with the legal framework for fantasy sports in India. It follows a skill-based model, where users’ performance is based on their knowledge and skills in selecting players and building teams.
Partnerships and Sponsorships: Dream11 has entered into strategic partnerships and sponsorships with various sports leagues and teams. It has been the title sponsor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, one of the biggest sporting events in India.
Expansion and Global Presence: Dream11 has expanded its operations beyond India and now operates in several countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has also ventured into other fantasy sports verticals, such as basketball and football.
Dream11 has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way fans engage with sports in India. It has contributed to the growth of fantasy sports and the overall sports ecosystem by providing a platform for fans to showcase their knowledge and passion for the game.
Dream11 continued to be a major player in the fantasy sports industry, attracting millions of users and organizing various contests and leagues. For the most current status and updates about Dream11, please refer to the latest resources.
