74% of Indian Gen Z Gamers Clock Over 6 Hours of Mobile Play Every Week: Survey

Mobile gaming has woven itself into the everyday lives of Indian users, especially the younger generation. A new report by CyberMedia Research (CMR), published on May 2, reveals that over 32% of Indian smartphone users dedicate 4 to 6 hours weekly to mobile gaming.

The research paints a striking picture of Gen Z habits, with 74% of users aged 13 to 28 spending more than six hours per week on gaming apps. The data highlights a generational trend toward immersive digital entertainment.

The CMR survey sampled 1,550 users from a broad spectrum of cities—including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, Guwahati, and Gwalior. Respondents were divided into three age groups: Gen Alpha (up to 13 years), Gen Z (13–28 years), and Millennials (28–44 years).

Amid rising awareness about gaming addiction, the findings are timely. Recent reports indicate that Indian policymakers are considering restrictions on gaming time and online spending, especially in real-money gaming scenarios.

The motivation behind gaming is also evolving. According to the survey, 72% of users game primarily for fun. Mental alertness (52%) and social interaction (41%) were also cited as major reasons for mobile gameplay.

Sugandha Srivastava, Senior Analyst at CMR, noted, “We are witnessing a clear shift in mobile gaming behaviour—from casual play to more immersive, socially connected, and competitive formats. Gen Z is driving this evolution, not only in how often they play, but in what they expect from the experience.”

Popular titles among “serious gamers” include Free Fire and BGMI, with each named by 26% of respondents as their go-to game. Puzzle games and first-person shooters (FPS) are tied as the most favored genres (19% each), followed closely by action-adventure titles.

Interestingly, the appetite for high-quality games is on the rise. Over 30% of Gen Z players are gravitating toward premium games, with 57% already involved in competitive eSports—indicating a shift toward more performance-driven experiences.

Smartphone chipset performance has also become a defining factor for Gen Z users when choosing devices. CMR’s report shows that users are highly conscious of the processing power and overall brand trust associated with their smartphones. MediaTek Dimensity and Qualcomm Snapdragon emerged as the most preferred chipsets.

“MediaTek leads in satisfaction (46%) and loyalty (50%), while Qualcomm maintains its premium image, with 40% of its users—rising to 45% among Gen Alpha—willing to pay extra for its devices,” the study notes.

Menka Kumari, Analyst at CMR, added, “As expectations around performance and quality grow, chipset brands like MediaTek and Qualcomm are becoming strategic enablers of these experiences. Their influence now extends beyond technical specs to shaping how young users choose, trust, and advocate for their devices.”

As mobile gaming culture deepens in India, the evolving preferences of Gen Z users are not only redefining the gaming landscape but also influencing the broader tech ecosystem.