Clicks and Curiosities: How RMG Users Explore in the Absence of Certainty

India’s Real Money Gaming (RMG) market is witnessing an electrifying shift in how users discover and engage with apps. With traditional platforms like the Play Store posing challenges through restrictive policies, both users and developers are exploring uncharted territory. This transformation is giving rise to unexpected heroes in the app discovery game, from Telegram groups buzzing with recommendations to the versatility of Chrome and Google searches.

Take Telegram, for instance. Once just a messaging app, it’s now becoming a hub for app discovery. The case of MPL is a perfect example—its search activity on Telegram almost doubled during the first week of July, fueled by a surge of curiosity among 18-24-year-olds. These nighttime explorers, often influenced by peer discussions and community-driven chatter, helped Telegram claim its spot as a key player. Interestingly, this isn’t just a Tier 1 city phenomenon. Over twice as many searches for MPL on Telegram originated from Tier 3 cities, with the western and southern parts of India taking the lead. It’s clear: app discovery is no longer limited to urban elites.

Chrome and Google search apps are powerful alternatives for app discovery, particularly for users seeking clarity amid the Play Store’s ambiguous policies. Between July and September, searches for Dream11 and My11Circle on Chrome soared to 1.3x the numbers seen on the PlayStore. What’s striking is the nearly equal usage of Chrome and Google search apps for this purpose, indicating a growing comfort with bypassing traditional methods. This shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s about users adapting and thriving in a new digital ecosystem.

And then, there are the moments that take the market by storm. In late August, news of a cyberattack caused Dream11 searches on Telegram to skyrocket by 30%. But as the buzz faded, so did the searches, dropping by 21% by the end of September. Similarly, Play Store searches for Dream11 experienced a steady 3% dip over the same period. Meanwhile, Howzat might have leveraged the West Indies Premier League in September, with medium-affluent users likely driving Google searches to be three times higher than Play Store queries.

Timing, as it turns out, is everything. Afternoon searches dominate for Dream11, making midday hours a goldmine for engagement across platforms. On the other hand, MPL claims the night, with Telegram lighting up as younger users dive in for their gaming fix. This temporal dance highlights how user habits vary not just by platform but by the clock, offering brands a unique chance to hit the right notes at the right time and place.

These shifting trends are more than just numbers; they’re a treasure map for anyone navigating the competitive RMG landscape. By embracing these insights, brands can innovate their way into the hearts—and screens—of users across India.

As RMG discovery continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of app engagement isn’t confined to app stores. It’s happening in Telegram chats, WhatsApp chats, in Google searches, and at the times of day when users are most curious. Adapting to this shift isn’t just an opportunity; it’s a necessity in this fast-moving, ever-changing digital world.