A Policy Matrix Initiative
The gaming industry is experiencing rapid and sustained growth, driven by the rise of mobile and online platforms, the increasing affordability of smartphones, faster internet connectivity, and an expanding base of digital users. Today, gaming spans multiple formats, console, PC, and mobile, and audiences, with e-sports emerging as a global phenomenon that offers significant prize pools and professional recognition.
India, with over 560 million internet users and nearly 50% of its population under the age of 25, is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in the gaming sector. Notably, 85% of the Indian gaming market is mobile-based, owing to the accessibility and affordability of smartphones compared to other gaming devices. The average Indian gamer is under 25, and many actively engage in skill-based gaming formats such as fantasy sports, leveraging strategy and technique to win both virtual competitions and real-world rewards.
However, the rise in popularity of gaming also brings with it a set of critical concerns, particularly around privacy, addiction, age-appropriate content, and ethical monetisation models. Recognising these challenges, the Government of India released revised regulations for online gaming on 20 April 2023, aimed at ensuring transparency, fair play, and user protection. Among other mandates, these rules require platforms to disclose the odds of winning and losing, prohibit minors from participating in games that are age-restricted, and enforce identity verification for users.Against this backdrop, Youth for Responsible Gaming (YRG), a flagship initiative of Policy Matrix, was launched to advocate for a safe, ethical, and inclusive gaming ecosystem in India, particularly for young people, who form the largest segment of gamers.
Our Vision
YRG envisions a future where gaming is not only entertaining and rewarding but also responsible and regulated. Young people must be active participants in shaping this ecosystem through awareness, advocacy, and engagement with all stakeholders, including government, industry, academia, and civil society.
What We Do?
YRG has consistently worked to bring the issue of responsible gaming to the forefront through:
- Webinars and panel discussions with experts and regulators
- Outreach and awareness campaigns across educational institutions
- Policy advocacy and engagement with government stakeholders
- Research publications, opinion articles, and policy briefs
Our Network
YRG has an active presence across several top institutions in Delhi-NCR, including:
- University of Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Indraprastha University
- Ashoka University
- O.P. Jindal Global University
We also collaborate with student volunteers, young professionals, and activists from across India’s central universities, forming a growing coalition of youth committed to ensuring gaming is safe, fair, and future-ready.
Join Us
As gaming continues to shape the digital experience of India’s youth, Youth for Responsible Gaming, under the aegis of Policy Matrix, remains committed to working with partners across sectors to create a gaming culture that is both empowering and accountable.
YRG Contacts:
- Akash Kumar Singh, Director, Email: akashsinghdd@gmail.com
- Akshara Bharat, Lead-Geopolitics & Secretary-YRG, Email: akshara.bharat.2023@vedicascholars.com
- Siddhartha Ghosh, Joint Secretary YRG, Email: author.fastmail@slmail.mer