India’s booming gaming industry remains largely male-dominated, with women comprising just 12-14% of its workforce, despite making up nearly half of the country’s gaming audience. A new report by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), Coral Recruit, and MPL’s parent company, M-League, highlights the stark gender disparity, placing India well below the global average of 22-24%.
Gender Gap Extends to Leadership
Women are even underrepresented in leadership positions, where just 12-14% serve in managerial capacities and fewer than 10% occupy positions of important decision-making authority. Systemic gender discrimination in hiring and promotions is identified by industry observers as a key stumbling block.
“The Indian gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, yet it continues to be overwhelmingly male-dominated. Addressing gender disparity is essential not just for fairness, but for fostering innovation. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, enhance storytelling, and create games that resonate with a wider audience,” said Soumya AK, spokesperson for AIGDF.
Challenges Holding Women Back
The report identifies key reasons for the low representation of women in India’s gaming sector:
- Hiring Bias – Women face barriers in securing technical and leadership positions.
- Lack of Mentorship – The absence of structured mentorship programs limits career progression.
- Workplace Culture – Discrimination, exclusion from networking opportunities, and a lack of role models create additional obstacles.
Closing the Gender Gap: Key Recommendations
To fill the gap, the report recommends several steps. The research discovers the following as the primary causes for women’s low representation in India’s gaming industry
- Hiring Bias – Women are inhibited from getting technical and leadership roles.
- Lack of Mentorship – The lack of formalized mentorship programs restricts career advancement.
- Workplace Culture – Discrimination, exclusion from networking opportunities, and a lack of role models present other hurdles.
Why Gender Diversity Matters?
Studies show that firms with more diverse leadership outperform their peers financially and deliver more innovation. For India’s gaming industry to reach its true potential, specialists believe gender diversity needs to become a top priority.
As the Indian gaming market continues to grow at breakneck speed, industry leaders, recruitment managers, and policymakers are under increasing pressure to make the gaming industry a more inclusive and balanced place for women.
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