The gaming world is abuzz today with the release of the much-awaited trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). This development marks a significant milestone for the gaming industry in India, where the GTA series has a substantial and avid fanbase.
GTA 6 Trailer Launch Ignites Excitement in India; bound to propel Indian Gaming Creators’ Economy
Data from Stream Hatchet indicates a remarkable surge in GTA V’s viewership, peaking at 874 million hours watched in Q2 2021. A significant contributor to this growth has been the popularity of roleplay streams, with over 85 million hours dedicated to watching these streams in Q2 2023, accounting for 23.4% of the game’s market share on major platforms such as Twitch, YouTube-Gaming, Facebook Live, and Kick.
Earlier this year, S8UL, the ‘Content Creator of the Year’ awardee at the recent global Esports Awards 2023, joined forces with Velocity Gaming to tap into the game’s vast viewership and create a high-profile roleplay server in GTA V, further cementing the game’s influence in the Indian Esports scene.
Raj Varma aka Snax, speaking on the game’s rise in role-play viewership and how the S8UL and Velocity Gaming alliance bolstered its growth in India, said, “GTA V’s figures bear witness to its incredible popularity worldwide and particularly in India. As streamers, it lends us a unique way to connect with our viewers and enhances the gaming experience through its roleplay mode. Our collaboration with Velocity Gaming this year not only added a new dimension to the game’s storyline for fans but also contributed to the expansion of its ecosystem in India. We eagerly anticipate what GTA 6 will bring to our community.”
Fashion brands like Civilist and MISBHV have previously partnered with GTA Online as part of The Cayo Perico Heist.
According to Statista, India’s Games Live Streaming market is projected to grow annually by 5.49% (CAGR 2023-2028), reaching a market volume of US$233.00m by 2028. The trend of live game streaming in India has seen a massive surge, with millions of Indian gamers tuning in to watch their favorite streamers.
Considering the profound impact of the GTA series on the gaming market and the skyrocketing viewership of game streamers, GTA 6 is poised to further boost the audience of gaming creators and provide an ideal platform for brands to collaborate through integrated branding.
Saloni Kandalgaonkar aka Mili Kya Mili stated, “The GTA series has revolutionized the Indian gaming scene and played a key role in shaping the careers of local streamers. The high viewership and engagement with GTA content make it a perfect platform for brands to engage with a diverse audience. The global popularity of GTA 6 will spur gaming creators, boosting their viewership and opening new opportunities for brand sponsorships and collaborations.”
As per the recently released HP India Gaming Landscape Study 2023, PCs are the preferred gaming device for 67% of gamers, over mobile phones. In India’s mobile-centric gaming market, GTA 6 is expected to attract a large player base to PC and console gaming.
Since its 2013 launch, GTA V has sold over 190 million units globally as of November 2023, making it the second best-selling video game of all time, according to Statista.
With the release of the GTA 6 trailer generating widespread excitement, it’s clear that the game is set to present unparalleled opportunities for growth for India’s gaming content creators.
