India's 450 Million Gamers Need Regulations, not restrictions

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The discussion also drew on global case studies, notably China's unsuccessful attempt to impose strict time-based gaming restrictions
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With over 450 million gamers powering India's digital entertainment surge, online gaming has become a dynamic force for expression, connection, and innovation. Nearly 70% of these players are under 35, reflecting a youthful, vibrant community reshaping how India engages with technology. Yet, this rapid growth brings critical challenges around user safety, mental well-being, and regulatory clarity.
The latest episode of Game OK Please – Khelo Dimaag Se features Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi, former Dean of NIMHANS and a leading mental health expert, Professor Vandith Pamuru, assistant professor at Indian School of Business and a digital policy expert and Mr Rameesh Kailasam, CEO IndiaTech.org and a leading public policy professional.
Understanding Gaming Behavior
Dr. Santosh Chaturvedi, provided a nuanced view of gaming behavior, ranging from healthy engagement to problematic overuse. He highlighted that issues arise when players lose control, leading to potential misuse or addiction. Rather than resorting to restrictive bans, he underscores the need for empowering users through tools like self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and third-party controls.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Professor Vandit Pamuru, emphasized that responsibility in gaming extends beyond the individual. Platforms must adopt early-warning systems to detect problematic behavior, while policymakers should craft inclusive, user-centric regulations.
He calls for evidence-based policymaking rooted in user autonomy and not restrictions imposed by the state on users. He argues that such restrictions often prove futile, as users find ways to circumvent them, defeating the entire purpose of user safety.
Pillars of Responsible Gaming
Rameesh Kailasam, touched upon the fragmented regulatory landscape across states and the critical need to differentiate online gaming from betting and gambling. Drawing from IndiaTech's recent report 'Responsible Gaming – A Scientific Approach to Mediate Potential Gaming Disorders and and a Review of Global Practices", he outlined four key pillars for responsible gaming: age-gating and identity verification, user-defined financial controls supported by platforms, robust cybersecurity to protect user data, and digital literacy campaigns targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
He warned that prohibition-driven policies often backfire, pushing users toward riskier, unregulated platforms, and stresses the need for education and proactive support to foster mindful gaming habits.
Learning from Global Lessons
The discussion also drew on global case studies, notably China's unsuccessful attempt to impose strict time-based gaming restrictions. Users easily bypassed these controls using VPNs and proxies, underscoring the limitations of rigid policies. This example reinforces the need for adaptable, technology-aware regulations that align with user behavior and technological realities.
The experts concur that responsible gaming is not a limitation but the bedrock of a sustainable industry. A collaborative, evidence-based framework, uniting platforms, civil society, academia, and policymakers can ensure a safe, inclusive, and innovative gaming ecosystem. By prioritizing tools like transparent controls, robust cybersecurity, and widespread digital literacy, India can set a global benchmark for ethical gaming practices.
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Indian Telephone Industry, India, India
First Published:
August 01, 2025, 21:18 IST
News studio18 India's 450 Million Gamers Need Regulations, not restrictions
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