Indian Gaming Market Shifts As ARC Launches Handheld Hardware

The Bottom Line

•ARC aims to bridge the gap between mobile and console gaming in India.
•The industry is pivoting toward entertainment-focused models following the real money gaming ban.

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[New Hardware Entrant]:

The Indian gaming landscape is evolving with the entry of ARC, a startup founded by Jobin Joseph and Kaustubh K Jadhav. The company is focused on developing affordable, premium handheld gaming devices specifically designed for the Indian market. By bridging the gap between mobile-first gaming habits and console-grade experiences, ARC aims to make high-quality gaming more accessible to a broader demographic of Indian consumers.

[Market Growth and Challenges]:

The Indian gaming market, valued at USD 5.91 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 16.72 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 14.6%. However, the industry faces significant regulatory headwinds. Dream Money, the fintech arm of Dream11, is set to cease operations after July 30, 2026, following the government's ban on real money gaming (RMG) and the Supreme Court's ruling on a 28% GST levy on the full face value of bets.

[Future Outlook]:

Despite the regulatory shift away from real money gaming, the broader gaming ecosystem remains vibrant. New titles like "Moonlight Peaks" and "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced" are slated for release in July 2026, keeping player engagement high. The focus is shifting toward digital entertainment and console-style experiences, with companies like Yaar Win Game emphasizing user-oriented platforms. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the industry as it pivots toward sustainable, skill-based, and entertainment-focused gaming models.

Pulse Intelligence

^{AI Analysis}

Context & Background

ARC has launched to provide affordable handheld gaming hardware in India.
The Indian gaming market is projected to reach USD 16.72 billion by 2034.
Dream Money will cease operations on July 30, 2026, due to regulatory changes.

Key Consequences

Handheld gaming devices may see increased adoption among Indian gamers seeking console-like experiences.
The gaming industry will likely pivot further toward entertainment-focused titles following the RMG ban.
Market consolidation is expected as companies adjust to the 28% GST levy on gaming platforms.

Market & Economic Impact

The shift away from real money gaming will reshape the revenue models of major Indian gaming companies.