India, Dec. 9 -- Gaming In The Post-RMG Era

India's online gaming industry closed a painful chapter in 2025. The ban on online real money gaming toppled giants, triggered mass layoffs and even led to arrests of cofounders. Amid the churn, what could be in store for the gaming ecosystem in 2026?

Funding Recovery: The worst of the investment slowdown is over, with VCs recalibrating their approach post-RMG ban. Funding is expected to see steady improvement rather than explosive growth, with backers now prioritising revenue, profitability, and sustainable business models.

The Casual Gaming Shift: The RMG collapse has triggered massive focus on casual and hyper-casual gaming, with founders building for an international audience. However, th...