“You get a lot of updates keeping it alongside with new events"
Mobile games are very popular among Indians, especially Android games.
This is down to a number of reasons. Games consoles are far too expensive for a lot of people and so are Apple phones.
The majority of Indian people who own a smartphone will have an Android one.
By owning a smartphone, they have access to thousands of apps. The most popular ones are the games.
Mobile gaming in India is massive and it is mainly down to the increased access to smartphones. One can download a gaming app to their phone at the tap of a screen.
Millions of gaming apps are downloaded every day, however, some games are far more popular than others.
We look at the 10 most popular Android games in India and their features.
Clash of Clans
Despite being out since 2012, Clash of Clans continues to be a popular Android game in India.
The 10th most popular game sees millions of players building villages, raising clans and using them to battle against other clans.
The online game requires you to defend your village from other players while upgrading your own clan at the same time.
The most popular feature is playing online which can become competitive at times but is a lot of fun. But casual gamers can take part in friendly challenges against friends they invite.
Regular content updates and the tactical style of gameplay is what Indian mobile gamers love about Clash of Clans.
Rishab Debnath said: “This is the best and epic strategy game of all time. My experience has been great since the past 4 years of gameplay experience with Clash of Clans.
“You get a lot of updates keeping it alongside with new events going on around you.”
On the Google Play Store, it has an average rating of 4.5 from over 51 million people so it is no surprise that it continues to stay relevant.
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade is a strategy game which has risen to prominence among Indian Android users.
Players are given the responsibility of ruling a kingdom. Starting off as an unknown, the decisions that you make will determine what type of leader you are.
From launching wars to helping your own people, it is these strategic decisions that you must make in order to create a thriving environment.
Players choose one of 11 historical civilisations with more to come as the developers add more new content.
One feature that gamers love is real-time battles. Anyone can join or leave a battle at any time allowing true real-time strategy gameplay.
Gamers also like the fact that all the action takes place on one enormous map inhabited by other players and NPC characters.
Map features include natural obstructions such as rivers and mountain ranges and strategic passes that must be captured to gain entrance to neighbouring regions.
An average rating of 4.5 establishes Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusades as one of India’s most popular Android games.
Gardenscapes
A lot of Indian mobile gamers enjoy strategic games but one casual game they love to play is Gardenscapes.
Gamers play through a storyline that is filled with unexpected twists and turns whilst trying to restore a garden to its former glory.
Gardenscapes takes you on an adventure where you restore and decorate different areas of the garden. You can also uncover secrets that the garden holds.
Engaging characters also add to the game’s popularity, including your butler and a funny pet dog.
It is simplistic but addictive and it is one of the main reasons why so many Indians play it.
One Android user said:
“I like the graphics and the silly storyline. It is a great way to pass the time.”
“I wish days were longer but hey ya can’t have it all. Good game worth my time.”
Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga continues to be an enjoyable game ever since it was first released in 2012.
The straightforward gameplay involves switching and pairing the sweets in order to progress through the levels.
Playing with friends or alone provides players with different options and appeals to wider audiences. A network connection lets players look at leaderboards to compare with others.
The game still remains popular as the developers continue to add new levels frequently.
This ensures that even the most hardcore gamers will face a challenge in this wonderfully addictive game.
It has a huge following in India with many loving that it makes them think about every move.
Candy Crush Saga enthusiast Shillu Malik explained:
“This is the sweetest puzzle game ever. It is a brainstorming game with lots of fun. All the graphics and controls are perfect.”
Candy Crush Saga may only be the seventh most popular Android game in India but it remains a much-loved gaming app on their phones, with 27.5 million people giving it an average rating of 4.6.
Lords Mobile: Battle of the Empires – Strategy RPG
This strategy game places you into a world which has changed since the first emperor’s death.
Lords now seek power and the land has been split into clashing kingdoms while monsters wreak havoc.
You play as a hero that is tasked with bringing peace to the world by creating the greatest empire ever. Recruit soldiers, heroes, forge alliances and battle for victory.
Defeat enemies and expand your kingdom’s territory. Also, protect your castle from monsters.
The decisions you make will determine what type of leader you are. You can become a ruler that cares for the people or one that the people fear.
Battling is not the only way when expanding an empire. Players can trade with others and forge alliances.
It is all about making strategic decisions in this real-time strategy game.
Playing against millions of players in an open world is why Lords Mobile: Battle of the Empires – Strategy RPG is the sixth most popular Android game in India.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a fast-paced Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game where you battle online against other players.
Join your friends in this 5v5 showdown and pick your favourite heroes.
Matchmaking takes 10 seconds and battles last 10 minutes, meaning that you can get through a lot of games.
During each match, a combination of strategy and teamwork is required. Block any damage from enemies and fight back while healing teammates.
Gameplay is also very simple. A virtual joystick is on the left while skill buttons are on the right.
Many games require in-app purchases, however, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang bases winners and losers on skill and ability. Instead of pay to win, this game is play to win.
Not only is the game popular among Android users in India but it is also an eSports game.
Teen Patti Gold
Teen Patti Gold is hugely popular in India mainly because the game uses Lakhs and Crore.
It is the largest online multiplayer card game in the world and gamers can play a range of games to pass the time. This includes poker and rummy.
While most players go up against people from around the world, casual gamers can invite friends and family to play on private tables.
It is a gambling game but the money that is gambled is virtual, so there is no financial risk to be worried about.
Many Android users enjoy Teen Patti Gold because of the competitive addition to classic card games. As it is online, you can come up against players of all abilities.
Mahiya Sony loved the game and says:
“It’s a good game with nice graphics and real players to play against in tournaments.”
Coin Master
The third most popular Android game in India is Coin Master. Millions play the game in order to create the best Viking empire possible.
It is a strategy game where coins are earned in different ways. The coins are then used to build strong villages and progress through levels.
Defeating other players’ village and stealing their loot is one of the main objectives. This is to eventually have the strongest village and the most loot, hence becoming the Coin Master.
Many enjoy the game because you come up against so many different players of all abilities. Another popular factor is the ability to trade cards with the online community.
Coin Master has an interactive Facebook community that is always growing and is used to earn in-game rewards and trade treasures.
Interacting with other players is why the Android game is extremely popular in India, which is why it is in the top 10.
Iqra Hussain said: “I did not think this game was soooooo interesting. I downloaded it and played it and I loved it. I play it all the time relentlessly after school.”
With over 50 million downloads from the Google Play Store, it is easy to see why Coin Master has a huge following in India.
PUBG Mobile
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has always been a favourite in India even though the game first made its way onto consoles.
The online Battle Royale game allows 100 players to play against each other as they are placed onto an island.
They must locate their own weapons and defeat each other in this winner takes all showdown. As time goes on, the island shrinks, which forces gamers into a smaller play zone.
Similar to the console version, the game boasts an astounding visual experience with its realistic effects and HD map.
Players either play solo or they can team up with friends to have a better chance of surviving the battle.
The gameplay is extremely enjoyable and addictive as players compete to be last person standing.
PUBG enthusiast Soumyak Das said: “Loved the concept and the graphics.
“Servers are good and it’s easy to find friends via Facebook login.”
While it is hugely popular, it does come with controversy. In some Indian states, the game was banned following concerns about the game’s violence and its addictive nature.
Despite the controversy, PUBG remains an entertaining mobile game in India, with an average rating of 4.4 from nearly 25 million reviews.
Garena Free Fire
India’s most popular Android game is the Battle Royale extravaganza, Garena Free Fire.
This online survival shooter game has 10-minute matches in which players are placed onto a remote island against 49 other players, all looking to survive.
It is every person for themselves as the objective is to be the last person standing.
Players choose their starting point on the map and aim to stay in the safe zone for as long as possible.
Use vehicles to explore the map but ensure that you search for weapons as other players will be doing the same. It is a game where every little helps when it comes to gaining an advantage over the opposition.
Ten-minute matches ensure fast gameplay whether you want to play alone or with friends in a squad.
Many Indian gamers enjoy the game because of the simple controls and smooth graphics. Its popularity is also down to the fact that new content is regularly added, ensuring that it stays fresh.
Over 41 million people have given the game an average rating of 4.2. Garena Free Fire is for those who want an alternative to PUBG.
Mobile games may come in all genres but they all entertain those who play them.
While the features are the main reason why gamers enjoy them, the sheer number of downloads is mainly down to the fact that most of them are available for free.
As more advanced Android phones are released, it is only natural that gaming developers create new games with seamless graphics.
Mobile games are always being created so it is only a matter of time before we see Indian people enjoying a new game.