A significant shift is underway in India's digital economy as a new report reveals that a majority of Indian consumers are now willing to pay for online content, with gaming dominating their premium spending habits.
Gaming Captures Largest Share of Wallet
The detailed analysis of consumer behavior shows that gaming content accounts for the overwhelming majority of premium content spending in India. Fifty per cent of surveyed consumers reported paying for midcore games, establishing this category as the undisputed leader in the paid content landscape.
Following midcore games, casual games captured a significant 20 per cent of consumer spending. The report also noted that 15 per cent of payments were directed toward real money games, a category that now faces regulatory bans. Meanwhile, hyper-casual games accounted for a smaller but notable 5 per cent of the premium wallet share.
A Watershed Moment for Digital India
This data, compiled and released on November 16, 2025, marks a pivotal change in the Indian digital market. For years, the dominant narrative suggested Indian users were reluctant to pay for digital content, preferring free, ad-supported models instead.
This report fundamentally challenges that assumption, indicating a mature and evolving market where users recognize the value of quality content and are opening their wallets accordingly. The willingness to pay for gaming, in particular, underscores the sector's massive growth and monetization potential in the country.
What This Means for Content Creators
The findings present a clear roadmap for developers, publishers, and other digital content creators targeting the Indian audience. The strong performance of midcore and casual games suggests a robust market for well-produced, engaging gaming experiences.
However, the data regarding real money games also highlights the impact of regulatory changes on consumer spending patterns. As the digital payment infrastructure continues to deepen across India, this trend of paid content consumption is expected to accelerate beyond gaming into other verticals like video, news, and educational content.
