The transformation of the video game industry from its humble beginnings in the 1950s, when games and simulations were limited to minicomputers and mainframes, to its current booming status is nothing short of phenomenal.
The Indian Esports realm is a multi-billion-dollar industry, courtesy of advancements in high-speed internet, improved technology, the growing interest in gaming among the youth, and governmental recognition of Esports as a multi-sport event.
The “Windows of Opportunity” report by FICCI-EY on India’s Media and Entertainment shows a significant increase in the number of Esports players in India. The figures leaped from 600,000 in 2021 to 1 million in 2022, with an anticipated rise to 2.5 million in 2023.
The excellence of Indian Esports has been frequently showcased in significant international competitions, winning the bronze in the popular games Hearthstone and DOTA 2, in the 2018 Asian Games and the inaugural Commonwealth Games respectively.
Presently, India is set to not only send its first-ever women’s team in CS:GO to the World Esports Championships, but is also projecting its participation in the forthcoming Asian Games 2022, where Esports is programmed to debut as an official sport for winning medals.
Based on the FICCI-EY report, the amount of international Esports teams within India heightened from 6 in 2021 to 7 in 2022, with the figures projected to scale up to 10 by 2023.
The Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), Mr. Lokesh Suji, envisions India’s continuous rise in the global Esports realm through proper support and development of the Esports ecosystem.
He expresses his views on how a small start from local competitive gaming has now evolved into a massive Rs 250-crore industry. The significant improvement and achievements in the past years reflect India’s potential and growth as a global-stronghold in the world of video games.
The emergence of gamers as public celebrities
The evolution of gamers and game content creators has majorly transformed the entertainment scene in the country. Numerous gamers have gathered substantial fanbases and gained influence through live streaming, content creation, and social platforms.
Due to these content creators’ potential, brands have started to channel partnerships through deals and sponsorships, enabling new streams of revenue for creators while also inviting non-endemic brands into the sector.
The findings of the FICCI-EY report back this trend, stating that the number of brands investing in Esports experienced a rise from 72 in 2021 to 80 in 2022, and is predicted to hit a landmark of 100 by 2023.
Thug, or better known as Animesh Agarwal, is the Founder and CEO of 8bit Creatives and S8ul esports
Thug, the Founder and CEO of 8bit Creatives and S8ul esports, explains how gaming’s perception has dramatically changed, recognizing its potential as a profitable source of income.
The revitalization of Esports by BGMI
The reemergence of the game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has breathed new life into the Esports community. This is expected to drive the competitive gaming landscape. App intelligence firm Sensor Tower estimates a $33 million increase in in-app spending between July 2021 and July 2022. BGMI also set a milestone as the first Esports event aired on mainstream television (Star Sports).
ParvSingh, also known as soul_regaltos, a professional gamer and game content creator with an impressive audience of more than 2.3 million subscribers on YouTube, shares his views.
He discusses the vital role BGMI has played in augmenting in-game spending within the gaming community and the uprise in Esports competitions, thereby attracting brands for sponsorships, in-game advertisements, and content creation opportunities.
Soul_regaltos, also known as ParvSingh
Introduction of new technology
The growth of the Esports sphere in India is also propelled by the advent of new technology and platforms dedicated to the community of gamers.
Modern technology like Web3, AR and VR, gesture-controlled gaming, and exclusive gamers’ social network platforms are driving a technological transformation set to significantly reshape the Indian Esports scene.
A recent case is the pre-seed funding secured by Qlan, a unique social networking app created particularly for gamers and Esports enthusiasts. The funding aims to fuel its expansion and enrich its capabilities of discovery, content creation, and networking.
According to Sagar Nair, the Co-founder, and CEO of Qlan, the Esports industry globally is noticing an influx of technology that could revolutionize the sector. The app QLAN allows gamers to raise their social networking and empower the fast-growing community of gamers.
With these rapid strides, the video game industry has expanded significantly in India, earning recognition and becoming a cultural and economic powerhouse. The industry now provides a hub for entertainment, employment opportunities, and a stage for creative expression.