With the number of registered console gamers increasing in the state of Gujarat, Zapak intends to cash in on the upward trend soon. For this, the company plans to double the number of its gaming zone, Gameplex, in the state.
Currently, the number of Gameplexes in Gujarat stands at 12, with six running in Ahmedabad, two each in Vadodara and Surat, and one each in Anand and Jamnagar.
"Nationally, the number of registered console gamers at Zapak stands at seven million, and it is growing steadily. Gujarat is also one of the states that is witnessing a rise in the gaming habits among youths. Hence, we hope to double the number of Gameplexes in Gujarat in next 6-8 months," said Arun Mehra, Chief Operating Officer at Zapak. Typically, a Gameplex requires an investment of Rs 15-20 lakh for an average area of 400-600 sq ft.
According to Mehra, console gamers have been offering Zapak an average revenue per user (ARPU) of Rs 2,100 - 2,400 per month.
"The Gameplexes have been witnessing fantastic ARPUs. Also, the merchandise, especially the high-end one, are popular among the youths. Instead of music, it is now gaming that the youths are becoming passionate about. However, gaming is still at a nascent stage in India and there is lot of potential for growth," he added.