Dentsu and IWMBuzz to Unveil ‘India Gaming Report 2026’ at India Gaming Awards Season 5
The rapidly expanding landscape of India’s digital entertainment sector is set for a significant spotlight as Dentsu India and IWMBuzz Media prepare to launch the third edition of the India Gaming Report. The unveiling is scheduled for October 28 in Mumbai, coinciding with the grand fifth season of the India Gaming Awards.
This high-profile event is designed to bridge the gap between industry research and grassroots recognition. By bringing together game developers, professional esports athletes, creative studios, and major brand representatives, the event aims to document the trajectory of a sector that has moved from a niche hobby to a primary pillar of Indian youth culture.
A Strategic Deep Dive into Gaming Culture
As gaming continues to capture a substantial share of consumer attention, brands are increasingly looking for ways to foster authentic engagement. The India Gaming Report 2026 is being positioned as a critical tool for marketers, offering a granular look at the motivations, cultural nuances, and community-driven behaviors that define the modern Indian gamer.
This launch marks the second year of a three-year strategic partnership between Dentsu and IWMBuzz. While previous iterations of the report focused on scaling the industry and mapping the rise of local studios and intellectual properties (IPs), the upcoming 2026 edition shifts focus toward the future of brand participation. The report will analyze emerging business models, the increasing sophistication of domestic game-building capabilities, and India’s growing footprint on the international gaming stage.
Harsha Razdan, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Dentsu, emphasized the importance of this shift. “Gaming is where young India spends its time, attention, and passion. For brands, the real challenge lies in earning the trust and relevance of these audiences. Now in its third edition, the India Gaming Report provides a deeper view of how this ecosystem is evolving, and dentsu intends to keep leading that conversation,” said Razdan.
Empowering Marketers through Intelligence
Beyond just numbers and market share, the report addresses the fundamental “how” of brand integration. According to Narayan Devanathan, President and Chief Strategy Officer, South Asia, Dentsu, the primary strategic challenge for brands today is navigating a space that is constantly being reshaped by content creators and community leaders. The 2026 report is intended to serve as a roadmap, enabling marketers to move beyond superficial presence and instead create genuine value within the gaming ecosystem.
Celebrating the Faces of Indian Gaming
Complementing the industry research, Season 5 of the India Gaming Awards will return to its roots of celebrating the individuals who have built this community from the ground up. The awards will honor a diverse group of creators, esports athletes, and influencers whose contributions have been instrumental in the industry’s explosive growth.
Historically, the stage has recognized icons such as Payal ‘Payal Gaming’ Dhare, Tanmay ‘Scout’ Singh, and Jonathan ‘Jonathan Gaming’ Amaral, among others who have turned digital interaction into a massive, influential career.
Siddhartha Laik, founder and editor-in-chief of IWMBuzz Media, noted that this year’s milestone event reflects the industry’s maturation. “Season 5 is a milestone for the India Gaming Awards and for a community that has grown remarkably in scale, creativity, and influence. Our partnership with Dentsu brings recognition and research together on one stage, celebrating the talent at the heart of India’s gaming story,” Laik stated.
As the industry converges in Mumbai, the dual focus on data-driven strategy and human-centric achievement signals that the next phase of Indian gaming will be defined by its ability to blend high-tech innovation with a deeply rooted, passionate community.
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