Missing Guards And Leaky Gates: The Case For Self-Regulation And Data Privacy In India’s Gaming Industry
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 20
- 1 min read
Yash Jain, USLS, GGSIPU
Introduction
India’s gaming landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation from casual offline games to a digital ecosystem that now spans real-money contests, esports, and mobile first platforms. With affordable smartphones, low-cost internet, and increasing digital participation, gaming has become a frontfoot form of entertainment for millions. What was once a niche pastime has evolved into a fast-growing sector drawing interest from investors, startups, and policymakers alike. Mobile gaming alone dominates the space, driven by over 500 million smartphone users in India and contributing significantly to the overall market share. Real- money games (RMGs), where players pay to compete for monetary rewards, have emerged as one of the most rapidly growing segments. These platforms now attract not only players but also regulatory attention due to their growing economic and legal impact.
At the same time, the broader Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector is being recognised as a driver of innovation and employment, with strong potential for global expansion. As India aims to increase its stake in the global gaming economy, the focus must also shift from the tech oriented industry toward creating a clear legal framework and safeguarding user interests in this rapidly changing digital environment.
EVOLVING REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS IN INDIA’S GAMING SECTOR
As the Indian gaming industry has grown in size and complexity, so have the legal challenges surrounding it. In its early years, online gaming largely operated under the broader umbrella of the Information Technology Act, 2000, with oversight from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). However, the surge in real-money games and user engagement prompted the government to rethink its regulatory approach.
