The Indian eSports scene is experiencing a groundbreaking transformation, emerging as a mainstream sport with aspirations of competing in the Olympic Esports Games. This surge is marked by increased viewership, substantial investments, a growing player base, and participation in major international tournaments.
National Video Game Day 2024 – The mainstream breakthrough of Indian esports and Olympics aspirations
The Meteoric Rise of Esports in India
The video gaming and esports industry in India has seen exponential growth over the past few years. According to a FICCI-EY report, esports tournament participation is projected to reach 2.5 million participants across various titles in 2024, up from 1.79 million in 2023. Additionally, airtime for esports broadcasts is set to increase from 6,500 hours to 8,000 hours, with a rising average minute audience.
Major Tournaments and International Success
Tournaments like the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) have announced their third straight season being broadcast on mainstream sporting networks, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s acceptance. India’s participation in major events like the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022, where the nation’s DOTA 2 team won bronze, and the 2022 Asian Games, where esports debuted as a medal sport, further validates its competitive stature.
Government Support and Aspirations for Olympic Inclusion
Various states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are undertaking initiatives to develop esports. The honorable Prime Minister has also advocated for the sector’s growth. With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to discuss the creation of the Olympic Esports Games during the upcoming Paris Olympics, the future of esports in India looks bright.
Industry Insights: From Hobby to Mainstream Sport
Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, reflects on the evolution of esports: “More than a decade back, gaming was nothing but a hobby of a few passionate gamers, with small groups organizing scattered community competitions across the country. We started NODWIN Gaming in 2014 to streamline esports in India. Looking at the scenario today, India has come a long way. The industry has gained immense popularity and legitimacy among the masses, attracting interest from celebrities, brands, corporates, and traditional sporting organizations alike.”
The Rise of Indian Game Developers
Indian game developers are making significant strides with culturally inspired games. Titles like ‘Ludo King,’ which surpassed 1 billion downloads, and ‘Raji: An Ancient Epic’ exemplify this trend. Another promising title is the Indo-futuristic ‘Indus Battle Royale’ by Pune-based SuperGaming, which has recently surpassed 11 million pre-registrations.
Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperGaming, commented, “Over the past decade, India’s gaming industry has transformed from a niche pastime into a mainstream entertainment medium. The surge in mobile gaming has made gaming more accessible, driving the industry’s growth. The creativity and innovation by Indian game developers have earned international recognition, placing India firmly on the global gaming map.”
The Growing PC Gaming Ecosystem
Despite being a mobile-first gaming nation, there is a noticeable surge in interest in PC gaming. Recent data from Valve highlights that Asia, including India, is one of the fastest-growing regions for Steam users, with a more than 150% increase in new users from 2019 to 2024. CyberPowerPC, North America’s leading gaming PC manufacturer, recently entered the Indian market to cater to this growing demand.
Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer of CyberPowerPC India, said, “The growth of gaming in India is remarkable. While mobile serves as an entry point, the shift towards more immersive experiences on larger screens is becoming inevitable. PC-based esports titles highlight the importance of gaming PCs for grassroots development and achieving success in major tournaments.”
Gamification and Mainstream Integration
Leading streaming and social media platforms are increasingly embracing gamification to engage users and attract new audiences. Platforms like Facebook, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Google Pay, Zomato, and LinkedIn have integrated gamification features to tap into a massive and engaged audience.
Siddharth Nayyar, Co-founder and CRO of Max Level, noted, “The gaming and esports industry has evolved and grown. Today, gamers of all ages and backgrounds have become active contributors to the sector’s growth. Gaming has cemented its place in mainstream culture and this momentum is only going to grow, making the future of gaming in India incredibly bright.”
Conclusion: The Sky’s the Limit
Without a doubt, the video gaming sector in India is on an upward trajectory, and looking ahead, the sky’s the limit! As the industry continues to grow, the aspirations for Olympic inclusion and the support from the government and key industry figures will play a crucial role in shaping the future of esports in India.
