Rockstar Games: From Vice City to GTA 6: Why Indian Players Love Rockstar’s Games | Esports News
Rockstar Games has a loyal following in India, and its games such as Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Red Dead Redemption continue to rule the nation’s gaming landscape. Whether GTA 6 is priced on the higher side at ₹5,999 to ₹8,800, Indian gamers continue to be keen to have it in their hands. With India’s gaming market set to reach $4.88 billion by 2026 and the nation having more than 628 million gamers, Rockstar is targeting a fast-expanding consumer base.
India: A Developing Market for Rockstar’s Games
India is essentially a mobile-first gaming market, and hence console and PC titles such as Rockstar’s are more difficult for much of the player base to access. Nevertheless, with growing digital infrastructure and rising disposable incomes, Western AAA title interest is growing. While being the world’s second-largest gaming market by number of users, India’s per-user revenue is lower than in Tier 1 markets, creating a problem for developers regarding monetization.
Rockstar India: A Local Connection
Many Indian players feel a personal connection to Rockstar due to its Rockstar India studio in Bengaluru, which employs over 1,000 developers. The studio played a crucial role in Red Dead Redemption 2 and is expected to contribute to GTA 6. This local involvement strengthens brand loyalty and makes Rockstar feel like a “homegrown” company for many Indian fans.
What Draws Indian Gamers to Rockstar’s Titles?
- Open-World Freedom: GTA offers an expansive world where players can do almost anything, which resonates with India’s younger gaming audience.
- Storytelling & Cultural Impact: Rockstar’s narrative-driven games, filled with crime, ambition, and power struggles, mirror themes seen in Bollywood films and Indian pop culture.
- Graphics & Next-Gen Features: With GTA 6 set to push gaming visuals to the next level, Indian players are eager to experience its Vice City-inspired world, even if it means upgrading their hardware.
The Future of Rockstar in India
As gaming continues to expand in India, Rockstar is positioned to see even more success. With a quarter of Indian gamers being paying users and gaming revenues projected to reach $9.2 billion by FY2029, the market is ripe for expansion. Whether through future Rockstar titles or potential India-focused game modes, one thing is clear—Indian players are here for the ride.
Also read – GTA 6’s Online Mode: Will It Be Bigger Than GTA Online?
