Study reveals high interest in online gaming sector among technology students and professionals
A recent study conducted by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) and the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata (ISIK) has revealed that the online skill gaming industry is being seen as a potential high-growth sector by tech talent in Kerala. The study, titled ‘Unveiling the Potential and Scope of the Online Skill Gaming Industry: A Study with Technology Students and Professionals’, provides unique insights into the growing interest in the online gaming sector within the technology community.
The study sampled 4,644 individuals from the tech community across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, demonstrating a very strong interest among both students and professionals in the online skill gaming sector. It found out that 72.5 per cent of respondents across India have expressed a strong inclination towards pursuing a career within this dynamic domain, while 60 per cent believed that “providing an opportunity to create in India for the world” could stem the brain drain to overseas tech jobs.
Another finding was 100 per cent of participants in Kerala showed a willingness to pursue professional education in the gaming sector, indicating a strong desire to upskill and contribute to the industry’s expansion.
Online skill gaming industry offers innovation and economic opportunities
Dr Diganta Mukherjee, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, said as the industry rapidly evolves, there is a unique opportunity to harness the creative potential of our youth and build a robust ecosystem that nurtures both technological innovation and economic growth.
“Online skill gaming is a fast-growing segment that requires cutting-edge technology, design, and data analytics. It also has the potential to generate employment, revenue, and foreign exchange for the country. The study shows that there is a huge pool of talent that is eager to learn and work in this sector, which can be tapped by creating a conducive environment for skill development and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Kerala is home to more than 4100 start-ups operating in a variety of industries including hardware, healthcare, fintech, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. The study’s analysis underscores the vital role the sector could play in India’s economic and technological trajectory.
Policy support and academic collaboration needed to boost online skill gaming industry
To unlock this potential, it is imperative that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia work hand in hand to create an environment that fosters innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship. The study recommends that the government should provide policy clarity and regulatory support to the online skill gaming industry, which is currently facing legal challenges and uncertainty in some states.
The study also suggests that academic institutions should collaborate with industry players to design and offer courses and programs on online skill gaming development and management, which can help bridge the skill gap and create a talent pipeline for the sector.
The E-Gaming Federation (EGF) is an industry body that represents the interests of online skill gaming operators in India. It aims to promote responsible gaming practices, ethical standards, and self-regulation among its members. The Indian Statistical Institute (ISIK) is a premier institution of research and education in statistics, mathematics, computer science, and related fields.
