Since the 1980s, cricket-related titles have been widely available. However, in a genre that has long been dominated by football franchises, such as FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer, the bat-and-ball game has yet to establish itself as a leading player within the sports-oriented gaming sector. Because of that, digital variants of the 16th-century game have thus far been unable to force their way into the thriving eSports industry. So, let’s consider whether India’s undeniable admiration for cricket could help the sport break into competitive gaming.
India’s Recent Acceptance of Diverse Gaming Could Be an Indication
Released in May 2019, Cricket 19 is arguably the most immersive cricket game that has ever hit the shelves. According to IGN’s review, the title looks and feels like the real thing, with Big Ant Studios focusing on developing a more authentic experience. However, despite the fact that the latest creation in the Ashes brand has received positive reviews, its mainstream success hasn’t yet led to an eSports presence. By comparison, FIFA 20 is a leading contributor to competitive gaming despite being described as a wasteland of bad gameplay.
Interestingly, as per ReviewAdda, cricket’s popularity in India is unparalleled. Because of this, and when you factor in the unprecedented growth of the country’s online gaming industry, the two could unquestionably intertwine in taking Cricket 19 to the forefront of the sports genre, particularly on a competitive level.
In many ways, this potential is a testament to India’s new-found acceptance of diverse markets, as evident from online casinos. Following the sector’s rise in becoming the country’s latest phenomenon, it’s important to examine the pros and cons of digital operators, including their available sign-up bonuses and game library depth. For example, at LeoVegas, prospective players can immerse themselves in Cricket Star, which is indicative of how online casinos in India are seeking to take the much-loved sport to broader audiences.
A Deep-Rooted Love of Cricket Gives India the Edge
While, of course, the pressure to bring Cricket 19 and any future cricket video games to the eSports sector shouldn’t lie solely with India, few can argue that the South Asian country hasn’t been integral to the growth of cricket across numerous markets. Furthermore, as per Statista, India’s online gaming industry is forecast to reach revenues of $1.6 billion by 2023. When you couple this multiplayer growth with the country’s promising eSports future, there’s no reason that India can’t be the catalyst in exploring a cricket-related eSports market.
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