How Indian women are outplaying men in mobile gaming

Gaming is widely considered to be a predominantly male activity. But that stereotype is breaking down worldwide, especially when it comes to mobile gaming. The trend is catching up in India, too.

While men still constitute a majority of gamers in India, an increasing number of women are taking to gaming. Women have also raced past their male counterparts in several other parameters, according to a recent survey of mobile gamers conducted by Gamesbond.com, operated by Mauj Mobile Pvt Ltd (see graphic). Puzzle, strategy and casual games are among the most popular games for women, the survey found.

No wonder, then, that some gaming companies are tapping into rising demand from women gamers. Mobile games developer Nazara Technologies, for instance, invested in London-based TrulySocial, which makes games for women. Nazara has also bought a stake in another London-based gaming firm, Mastermind Sports.

While Nazara is investing overseas, some Indian gaming startups have raised funds over the past few months. Delhi-based mobile gaming network app Gamezop raised funding in February while Bangalore-based Mech Mocha Game Studios Pvt Ltd secured $1 million in December.