The Game is On: The Rise of Esports in India

Esports is now becoming a global phenomenon with its global market estimated to be over 3.75 billion USD in value this year. India is no exception to this as the country has also witnessed a remarkable growth in popularity in terms of esports.

Reports like the one published by FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment have shown that the number of eSports players in the country has risen to 600,000 in 2021. The local market revenues have also grown by 29% from INR 7.5 billion in 2020 to INR 9.7 billion in 2021.

Now, why is this becoming more popular in India and what does it mean for the future of gaming and entertainment in the country? Those are the things we’ll be looking into in this article.

What’s Driving the Popularity of Esports

The rise of Esports in India can be due to different factors. There’s the availability and affordability of smartphones and internet access. India has one of the largest and fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world, with over 500 million users as of last year.

The cost of data plans has also dropped significantly in recent years, making online gaming more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Since last year, 5G connection has also been getting rolled out in different parts of the country so locals can enjoy faster internet that they can use to join esports tournaments or follow them.

Esports has also given attention to other industries like esports betting in India, which allows fans to wager on the outcomes of esports matches and tournaments.

There’s also the diversity and quality of esports games and platforms. India has a rich and varied gaming culture, with preferences ranging from casual games like Candy Crush and Ludo King to hardcore games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.

The emergence of platforms like Dream11, MPL, and Paytm First Games has also enabled gamers to play and win real money through fantasy sports and skill-based games.

The influence and support of celebrities and influencers. Many Indian celebrities and influencers have embraced esports as a form of entertainment and engagement with their fans.

For instance, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar launched his own mobile game called FAU-G (Fearless And United Guards) in 2020, which was inspired by the Indian Army.

Popular streamers like MortaL, Dynamo, and CarryMinati have also gained millions of followers on YouTube and other social media platforms by showcasing their gaming skills and interesting personalities that somehow make their audience interested in gaming and esports.

The development and recognition of esports leagues and tournaments in the country also play a big role.

India has hosted and participated in several national and international esports events, such as the ESL India Premiership, the PUBG Mobile India Series, the COBX Masters, and the Asian Games.

These events have provided opportunities for Indian esports players to compete with the best in the world, as well as to earn fame and fortune. Some of the most successful Indian esports teams include Entity Gaming, Global Esports, Team Mahi, and Team Brutality.

Esports Beyond Entertainment

Esports is not just a hobby or a pastime for many Indians; it is also a career option and a source of income. It has also created a cultural impact. There’s the recognition of esports athletes in the country, who have become icons and influencers for the youth.

When it comes to economic impact, India has been generating around INR 100 billion each year because of investments, app purchases, and other consumptions related to Esports gaming. It has also created thousands of jobs for the locals in the game development sector, event management, marketing, and content creation.

The growth of esports in India surely has a cultural impact. Many esports players have become celebrities and role models for the younger generation. These are people who are now inspiring them to pursue their passion and dreams.

While in general, online betting is still in the gray area in terms of legalities in the country, locals are still free to bet online. That’s as long as they do so on online betting sites accepting Indian Rupees.

Their chosen online betting sites should also be based outside the country to avoid any conflicts with the Public Gaming Act of 1867.

Conclusion

Gaming has surely come a long way, and Esports has only proven that it can be taken seriously. It’s now a thriving industry and even community not only in India but also around the world. We can only expect that it will continue to be popular in India in the coming years.