After the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued draft rules for e-gaming, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has decided to step back from creating guidelines for online gaming. A planned study by Bengaluru’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) on the behavioral patterns of online gamers has also been cancelled.
The study, which was expected to cost around ₹20 crore, aimed to assess the impact of online gaming on users and develop guidelines to protect consumers. However, citing the availability of sufficient reference studies from other countries, the decision was made to forgo the research and rely on existing research papers.
The cancellation of the study has been met with mixed reactions. While some argue that the addictive nature of e-gaming is well-known and research from other countries can be used as a reference, others believe that continuous research is necessary to understand the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry.
India is recognized as the second-largest gaming market globally, with significant growth potential. The gaming sector has attracted substantial investments in recent years, particularly in the real money gaming (RMG) segment. Despite concerns about gaming addiction, the industry is poised for significant expansion, with a projected market size of $7.24 billion by 2029.
In conclusion, while the decision to cancel the study may be debated, it reflects the rapidly evolving nature of the e-gaming industry in India. Continuous research and collaboration between industry stakeholders are essential to address concerns about addiction and ensure responsible gaming practices.
