The development and expansion of the Esports industry are opening up numerous career options and financial opportunities for Indian gamers. In comparison to 2022, India is seeing a rise in the earnings generated from gaming. Almost half of the serious gamers in a study said they made between ₹6 lakh and ₹12 lakh annually in 2023, as reported by the HP India Gaming Landscape Study 2023.
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This study, which surveyed 3,000 gamers in 15 cities across India, shared that besides being entertaining and relaxing, gamers are now exploring the potential of generating income and gaining recognition from their hobby. Esports tournaments and sponsorships have turned out to be major income generators which underscore the increasing significance of this community.
Senior Director of Personal Systems at HP India market, Vickram Bedi, expressed satisfaction in seeing the Esports industry thriving and offering a wide range of career options to players. He stated that HP believes in the potential of Indian youth to succeed not just in international esports but also in creating business opportunities in this sector. HP is undertaking initiatives such as HP Gaming Garage to support and motivate aspiring gamers.”
Possible Careers
The gaming sector in India is offering different career prospects to its players. The report alludes that in addition to being a player, survey participants are interested in becoming influencers or pursuing Esports management in the future.
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The research highlights a change in the attitude of parents towards gaming, with 42% approving of it as a hobby. Around 40% of parents participating in the study mentioned that their perception towards gaming has become more positive in recent years, primarily due to the growth of the industry.
However, the stability of a gaming career and possible social isolation remain concerns for parents. The study indicated that parents lack thorough information about the gaming opportunities in India, as 49% rely on friends and family for details.
Gaming is no longer limited to metropolitan cities. The study indicates a rising surge in serious gamers from non-metro cities. It notes that about 75% of GenZ and 67% of Millennials are serious gamers, while 58% of female respondents were identified as such, indicating the inclusive nature of the gaming realm.