Chennai, August 28th, 2023: The online skill gaming industry is being seen as a potential high-growth sector by tech talent in Tamil Nadu according to a recently released study titled “Unveiling the Potential and Scope of the Online Skill Gaming Industry: A Study with Technology Students and Professionals” by the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) and Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata (ISIK). The study 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 Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka demonstrating a very strong interest among both students and professionals in the online skill gaming sector. Notably, 72.5% of respondents across India have expressed a strong inclination towards pursuing a career within this dynamic domain, while 60% believed that ‘providing an opportunity to create in India for the world’ could stem the brain drain to overseas tech jobs. Furthermore, the study revealed that a substantial 84.4% of respondents from across India, with an equally noteworthy 86.9% from Tamil Nadu, firmly believe in India’s potential to lead the global gaming industry, thus showcasing their confidence in the nation’s gaming capabilities.
The study also highlights that Tamil Nadu’s tech professionals recognize the potential of the online skill gaming sector, with 87.2% of respondents believing that it will lead a software revolution in the country. Additionally, 68% of respondents across the country and 84.9% of those hailing from Tamil Nadu believe that involvement in the online skill gaming sector can notably enhance their overall skill sets. This sentiment aligns with the industry’s rapid integration of advanced technologies like AI/ML and VR, positioning India as a leading force in technological advancements.
On the unveiling, Dr. Diganta Mukherjee, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, said, “The research highlights the symbiotic relationship between technology and gaming. As the industry rapidly evolves, we have a unique opportunity to harness the creative potential of our youth and build a robust ecosystem that nurtures both technological innovation and economic growth.”
Dr. Subhamoy Maitra, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, added, “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 online skill gaming industry is the new rapidly rising industry in the era of digitalization. The sector continues proliferating, with cutting-edge technologies, trends, and consumer and business interests driving innovation. This is reflected in the significant interest of tech professionals and students considering a career in the industry, owing to the substantial investment the sector has made in cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML over the last decade. The recognition that India has the potential to become a centre 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,” concluded Mr. Malay Kumar Shukla, Secretary of the E-Gaming Federation.
During the academic year 2021-22, over 200,000 Indian students pursued higher education in the United States1, while the Indian IT sector faced a persistent 25.2% attrition rate in 20212. The continuing trend of talent exodus forecasts the potential departure of 2 to 2.2 million IT-BPM professionals by 20253. Amidst this scenario of talent drain, the online gaming sector emerges as a promising career avenue, fostering skill growth and innovation within India’s tech landscape.
Tamil Nadu contributes almost one-sixth of India’s technology workforce4. The state has been steadily advancing in technology development and IT services, along with its associated skill sets. The expansion is seen beyond Chennai, as tier-2 and tier-3 centres are attracting tech professionals and becoming catalysts for sustainable talent development.
The study’s insightful analysis emphasises the vital role the sector could play in India’s economic and technological trajectory. To realise 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.
