A recent survey conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, reveals that a significant percentage of tech practitioners in India believe that the country has the potential to lead the global gaming industry. This article explores the findings of the survey, which also highlights the increasing interest among students to pursue careers in the gaming sector and the role gaming can play in addressing the “brain drain” of tech talent.
In a recent survey conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, a promising outlook for India’s gaming industry has emerged. The survey, titled “Unveiling the Potential and Scope of the Online Skill Gaming Industry: A Study with Technology Students and Professionals,” was conducted in collaboration with the E-Gaming Federation (EGF). It involved 4,644 participants from states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
One of the key findings of the survey is that a remarkable 84% of technology practitioners surveyed believe that India has the potential to lead the global gaming industry. This positive sentiment underscores the growing recognition of India’s capabilities in the gaming sector.
Notably, the survey also revealed a significant surge in interest among students to pursue careers in the online gaming domain. A substantial 73% of the respondents expressed a strong inclination towards building their careers in this burgeoning industry. This trend highlights the appeal and opportunities that the gaming sector presents to India’s youth.
Moreover, the survey shed light on the role of the gaming industry in enhancing skill sets. Approximately 68% of the participants acknowledged that their engagement with the gaming sector had a positive impact on their skill development. This indicates that the industry is not only seen as a source of entertainment but also as a platform for personal and professional growth.
One compelling aspect is how the gaming sector can potentially address the issue of “brain drain.” As per the survey, 60% of respondents believe that the gaming industry can help curb the outflow of tech talent to foreign shores. By providing opportunities and fostering innovation within India, the gaming sector could play a pivotal role in retaining skilled professionals.
Subhamoy Maitra, a professor at ISI Kolkata, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “This analysis unearths a strong belief among the respondents that India’s homegrown gaming industry can reduce the brain drainage of talents in the technology domain, offering them opportunities towards innovation and growth right here on home soil. Within the larger gaming domain, from an intellectual point of view, skill gaming enjoys a particularly strong interest among technology professionals.”
The survey also delved into the specific areas of interest within the online skill gaming sector. Programming emerged as a predominant area of interest for 44% of participants, followed by testing and automation at 40%, and art at 16%. This diverse range of interests highlights the multifaceted nature of the gaming industry.
Furthermore, a majority of 75% of respondents expressed their preference for careers in technology domains linked to 5G, metaverse, virtual reality (VR), and novel technologies. This underscores the industry’s potential for innovation and growth, aligning with India’s aspirations in the tech world.
While recognizing the role of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the online gaming domain, 63% of respondents believed that current courses needed further alignment with sector-specific needs. This suggests an opportunity for educational institutions to tailor their programs to the evolving demands of the gaming industry.
Additionally, the survey acknowledged the potential of “gamification” to expand the gaming industry’s scope. A significant 56% of participants agreed that gamification offered substantial avenues for innovation, paving the way for novel experiences and products.
One of the critical takeaways from the survey is its relevance to the challenge of “brain drain.” In the academic year 2021-22, more than 200,000 Indian students pursued higher education in the United States, while the Indian IT sector grappled with a persistent 25.2% attrition rate in 2021. With the anticipated departure of 2 to 2.2 million IT-BPM professionals by 2025, India’s talent drain poses a significant challenge to the domestic IT sector. In this context, the online gaming sector emerges as a promising career prospect, offering opportunities that can contribute to skill growth and innovation within India’s technological ecosystem.
Malay Kumar Shukla, secretary of the E-Gaming Federation, highlighted the significance of the online skill gaming industry, stating, “The online skill gaming industry is the new rapidly rising industry in the era of digitalization. The recognition that India has the potential to become a center for global gaming innovation would ensure the industry’s ability to grow, create employment opportunities, and meaningfully contribute towards the $1 trillion digital economy vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
In conclusion, the survey’s findings underscore the pivotal role that the gaming sector can play in India’s economic and technological expansion. Realizing this vision requires collaborative efforts between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia to harness the potential of India’s gaming industry fully.
Source: t.ly/_FQVF
