[tbes50203]

I have been watching the growth of gaming apps in India for a few months now, but I have noticed a strange trend: more and more often, regular casual games are turning into platforms with cash prizes, lotteries and bets. And it is no longer clear – are these still games or hidden excitement? Especially after the story with MPL and Dream11, I personally have a feeling that the industry has lost its clear face. The boundaries between entertainment and excitement are blurred. Does anyone have any thoughts on what is the reason for this transformation? Is it market pressure, lack of regulation or just the evolution of user behavior?

[EvanDuke]

I am actually doing digital product analysis at a startup incubator in Pune, and the question you raised is something we discuss literally every week. What you described is exactly the grey area that many of the fast-growing Indian apps are currently stuck in. We are talking about a platform shift: when initially gaming products start to integrate reward mechanics that are psychologically more related to gambling than entertainment. Take Dream11, as you mentioned. As stated in https://www.greaterkashmir.com/tech/gamble-or-game-identity-crisis-of-indias-fastest-growing-apps/ it all started with fantasy cricket, where, it would seem, users just make teams and get points. But gradually, bets, real money were added, and questions arose – is it still a game or is it already gambling? In fact, legally, they have gone unregulated, because fantasy sports are not considered gambling in India. But psychologically, the involvement and behavior patterns of users become similar to gambling. People enter, “invest” 100-200 rupees, then get hooked, start calculating strategies, monitor the odds. Why does this happen? Several factors. Firstly, economic instability and lack of jobs among young people make any quick ways to “earn extra money” extremely attractive. Secondly, the gamification culture is very addictive – for every 10 minutes in the app you get coins, bonuses, chests, and so on. It’s not just a game – it’s already a habit. And when they add the ability to cash out or exchange for real money – that’s it, the line is erased.

[thiefcrazy98]

It’s interesting that you both brought this up. I’m not a gamer myself, but people I know literally “live” in these apps – one even quit his job to “play” on Dream11. I look at this and don’t understand – is this the future of entertainment or a new kind of addiction?

[Author]

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