In an unprecedented move to bolster the burgeoning Esports industry in India, some of the most iconic figures in Indian gaming recently engaged in a historic discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting marked a pivotal moment for the country’s video gaming sector, signaling a bright future ahead.
Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages in thorough discussion with India’s leading gamers to champion development of country’s Esports industry
Who Were Present?
The roundtable brought together luminaries such as Animesh Agarwal (8Bit_Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) from 8BitCreatives, a leading gaming influencer management agency in India. They were joined by other notable personalities including Ganesh Gangadhar (SKRossi), Anshu Bisht (GamerFleet), Mithilesh Patankar (MythPat), and Tirth Mehta, making it a star-studded affair.
Esports in India: A Rapidly Growing Phenomenon
Esports has transcended its status as a mere pastime in India, evolving into a recognized multi-sport event. According to the latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future’, the participation in Esports tournaments witnessed a remarkable surge, reaching 1.8 million in 2023 and expected to hit 2.5 million by 2024. Game streamers have also seen a significant uptick in viewership, especially in Tier-II cities, ranging between 20% to 25%.
A Meeting of Minds
Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives and Co-Founder of S8UL, expressed his honor at discussing the Esports industry’s exponential growth with Prime Minister Modi. He was particularly impressed by the PM’s grasp of the industry’s nuances, emphasizing the need for support over regulation from the government. The dialogue also covered topics like ease of business in gaming and aspirations for the industry’s future.
Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur shared his surreal experience, highlighting the unique opportunity to introduce the PM to the intricacies of a game themed around Indian mythology. Payal Dhare reflected on the significance of their discussion on female gamers in India, praising the PM’s vision for game development centered around Indian culture and environmental issues.
Lokesh ‘Goldy’ Jain, Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, shared his pride and anticipation for the positive outcomes this dialogue would bring to the industry. The discussion underscored various aspects of gaming, including esports, game development, and the global presence of India in the industry, alongside sharing personal journeys and experiences.
A Milestone for Indian Esports
This groundbreaking roundtable discussion with Prime Minister Modi is not just a testament to the growing prominence of Esports in India but also a beacon of hope for the future of the industry. It underscores the government’s recognition of gaming as a mainstream sport and its potential to reach new heights with official support.
As India continues to make strides in the global Esports arena, this meeting will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment that helped shape the trajectory of the industry. With the backing of the government and the passion of its players, the future of Esports in India looks brighter than ever.
By engaging directly with key industry personalities, Prime Minister Modi’s initiative underscores a significant commitment to nurturing and developing the Esports ecosystem in India. This collaboration between government and gaming influencers is poised to accelerate the growth of the sector, promising an exciting era for gamers and enthusiasts across the nation.
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