Women represent just 12-14% of India’s gaming industry: Report

Despite women constituting 44% of India’s gaming audience, they remain significantly underrepresented in the industry, according to a new report by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), Coral Recruit, and M-League. Women account for only 12-14% of the total workforce, with a mere 6-9% in technical roles and under 10% in decision-making positions.
The report highlights a gender imbalance in India's gaming sector, contrasting with the global figures where women comprise 22-24% of the gaming workforce. Leadership representation is notably skewed, with women holding just 12-14% of leadership roles.
Soumya AK from AIGDF commented, “The Indian gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, yet it continues to be male-dominated. Addressing gender disparity is not just about fairness—it is essential for innovation. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, improve storytelling, and help create games that resonate with a wider audience. The industry has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure that women are not just participants but key contributors in shaping the future of gaming in India.”
Key challenges outlined in the report include persistent gender bias in hiring and promotions, systemic barriers preventing women from advancing into technical and leadership roles, and a lack of mentorship programs. While women have a stronger presence in creative and non-technical fields like marketing, game design, and community management, their representation in programming, game development, and data analytics remains disproportionately low.
The report suggests several recommendations to bridge this gap. Companies must adopt inclusive hiring practices, such as structured evaluation processes and diverse hiring panels, to eliminate recruitment bias. Additionally, fostering a supportive work environment through mentorship programs, leadership training, and strong anti-harassment policies is crucial for ensuring that women not only enter the industry but thrive within it.