TMKOC’s Gaming Empire Grows Despite Mixed Reviews
The latest game based on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has surpassed 5 million downloads despite receiving mixed reviews. In today’s Pixel P&L, we examine the launch of Gada Electronics and what it means for the franchise’s growing digital footprint. We also break down Bilibili’s strong quarterly performance and assess the shifting landscape of English general entertainment television in India, where recent channel closures signal a potential end of an era.
Neela Mediatech Leverages TMKOC’s Popularity as ‘Gada Electronics’ Tops 5 Million Downloads
Indian gaming studio Neela Mediatech continues to expand its mobile gaming portfolio by capitalizing on the enduring popularity of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). According to a release, its latest game, Gada Electronics, inspired by the long-running sitcom, has surpassed five million downloads across Android and iOS, ranking among the top titles on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India.
The game has shown strong early engagement, with a Day 1 retention rate of 35%, according to the release. However, user reviews have been mixed, with Gada Electronics holding a 2.6-star rating on the App Store and 3.8 stars on the Play Store. The title marks Neela Mediatech’s 14th release based on TMKOC.
According to AppMagic, the studio has recorded more than 10 million lifetime downloads since its debut in 2023, including 500 thousand in the past month alone.
Bilibili Achieves First Profitable Quarter as Mobile Games Revenue Surges
Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili posted its first-ever profitable quarter in Q4 2024, driven by a sharp rise in mobile gaming and advertising revenue. The company’s gaming division saw revenue soar 79% year-over-year to ¥1.8 billion ($246.3 million), propelled by the success of San Guo: Mou Ding Tian Xia, launched last year. For the full year, gaming revenue climbed 40% to ¥5.61 billion ($768.6 million). Advertising also performed strongly, with Q4 revenue rising 24% to ¥2.39 billion ($327.2 million) and annual ad sales increasing 28% to ¥8.19 billion ($1.12 billion).
Overall, Bilibili’s Q4 net revenue grew 22% Y/Y to ¥7.73 billion ($1.06 billion), while gross profit rose 68% to ¥2.79 billion ($382.0 million). The company recorded a net profit of ¥88.9 million ($12.2 million), marking its first quarter in the black.
🤔On Our Radar
End of an Era for English General Entertainment TV in India?
JioStar plans to discontinue nine channels, including both standard and high-definition versions of Comedy Central, Vh1, and MTV Beats, effective March 15, 2025. The move, announced in an updated Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO), marks a notable shift in India’s English-language entertainment landscape, reducing the number of channels dedicated to English general entertainment TV shows to just two (Colors Infinity and Zee Cafe) following the closures.
The decision underscores the ongoing upheaval in India’s television sector, where evolving consumer preferences and the growing popularity of streaming services are reshaping viewing habits. JioStar has not detailed specific reasons for discontinuing these channels, but the move suggests broadcast platforms may be re-evaluating the long-term viability of English-language content that competes with specialized offerings in online OTT platforms.
With fewer English-centric general entertainment channels available, the consolidation could prompt remaining broadcasters to adjust programming strategies to retain viewers of the recently discontinued channels.
💡Did You Know
There’s a U.S. dollar coin honoring the first home video game system, developed by Ralph Baer (aka the Father of Video Games) in 1966. Part of the American Innovation series, the coin’s reverse features Handball from Baer’s Brown Box console, with “NEW HAMPSHIRE” and “PLAYER 1” engraved on the left. The outer rim bears the inscriptions IN-HOME VIDEO GAME SYSTEM and RALPH BAER in a style inspired by his Odyssey console. Designed to resemble an arcade token, the coin pays tribute to Baer’s pioneering work, which laid the foundation for modern gaming and interactive entertainment.
📜Quote of the Day
“You won't win the war by dying for your Ancient. You'll win by making the other dumb, unfed b**tard die for theirs!”
Legion Commander, Dota 2
Join hundreds of top industry executives who rely on us to stay up to date with the latest industry developments and sharpest insights.
A daily dose of gaming, esports and youth culture industry information.
Delivered to your email once every weekday.
Free of cost.
