The Indian video gaming and esports industry witnessed exponential growth in 2024, breaking into the mainstream. According to the recently published ‘India Gaming Report,’ the Indian pure-play gaming industry is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is on track to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026. With a staggering 13.85 crore gamers and an annual growth rate of 11.82% projected until 2026, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.

This year was marked by several historic milestones. India showcased its esports prowess on the global stage by securing a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024. Adding to the excitement, the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 has opened new doors for India to achieve further international acclaim in esports.

Government and state support for the industry also saw remarkable growth. The Union Cabinet announced the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is backing the inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025. States like Bihar introduced esports tournaments in schools, and Meghalaya became the first Indian state to sponsor an esports team. Nagaland also joined the momentum by hosting its first esports tournament, reflecting the growing grassroots movement across the country.

In addition to government initiatives, one of the industry leaders driving this transformation was NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports whose initiatives elevated Indian gaming to new heights. The company’s flagship esports IP, the BGMI Masters Series, not only brought esports to national television for the third consecutive year but also facilitated the entry of high-profile brands like Garnier Men and Android into the Indian esports ecosystem.

NODWIN Gaming also created one of the nation’s biggest youth entertainment events of the year by hosting DreamHack India alongside Hyderabad Comic Con. Internationally, the company acquired leading European esports company Freaks 4U Gaming and Turkey-based esports firm Ninja Global, while also partnering with the Global Esports Federation. Domestically, NODWIN Gaming expanded its footprint by acquiring Trinity Gaming and Comic Con India and collaborating with JSW Sports, reinforcing its position at the heart of youth entertainment.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming believes that in 2024, games became an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist, with creators and influencers amplifying their appeal among youth. The year witnessed significant strides in institutional support, with government recognition playing a pivotal role in legitimising esports as a sport.

“This rapid growth of gaming and esports has allowed NODWIN Gaming to evolve into a holistic youth-focused entertainment company. By focusing on curating entertainment platforms that go beyond esports, we have managed to build a comprehensive ecosystem that includes content production, event management, and community engagement, enabling us to connect with youth across multiple touchpoints. We believe that our philosophy of timeshare of mindshare has driven our strategy to reach audiences where they live, play, and engage, ensuring sustained growth and relevance,” he explains.

A significant highlight this year was the acknowledgment of the gaming industry by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time ever, the PM met with leading Indian gamers like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) to discuss the sector’s various aspects and its potential.

Creating even more history, S8UL Esports, India’s leading esports and gaming content organization, co-founded by Mortal and Animesh, completed a hat-trick of awards at the global Esports Awards, with Mortal also winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year.’ S8UL secured back-to-back victories at MOBIES 2024, with PayalGaming becoming the first Indian female to win ‘Streamer of the Year,’ further elevating India’s global esports reputation.

“2024 was a landmark year for S8UL, filled with milestones that cemented our position as leaders in global esports. In the past year, esports has solidified its position as a mainstream cultural phenomenon. The distinction between competitive esports and gaming became clearer, helping audiences and stakeholders better understand the ecosystem. At the same time, esports, traditional sports, and influencer-driven content began working more cohesively, creating synergies that enhanced fan experiences and industry growth. Brands now view esports not just as a sponsorship opportunity but as a platform for deep, authentic engagement with Gen Z and Millennials. This evolution underscores the industry’s maturity, making esports a dynamic and indispensable part of modern culture,” states Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder, S8UL Esports.

While India has long been a mobile-first gaming market, 2024 saw developments aimed at diversifying the landscape, with CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming computers, making its debut in the Indian market. Along with its groundbreaking configurator tool, the company introduced the EZPC module, allowing gamers to build PCs tailored to their favorite titles.

CyberPowerPC recently demonstrated its commitment to expanding the PC gaming community by awarding two premium gaming PCs, each valued at over INR 1 lakh, to two gamers at one of India’s largest gaming festivals in Mumbai. The initiative aimed to showcase the potential of custom gaming PCs while fulfilling the dreams of these gamers for an unparalleled gaming experience.

Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India, notes “2024 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem. Gaming has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, fueled by India’s expanding digital economy and government initiatives like ‘Digital India,’ which have provided fertile ground for the industry’s growth. The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has unlocked new demographics, driving demand for high-performance gaming rigs. At CyberPowerPC India, we have strengthened our engagement with the gaming community through partnerships with esports organizations, and our focus remains on delivering systems that combine high performance with affordability.”

Another notable development in the Indian gaming sector was 88 Pictures, the Indian animation and VFX studio behind Emmy-winning shows launching its game development division called 88 Games. With three premium titles in development, the studio aims to showcase India’s rich folklore and history to a global audience. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day call for Indian developers to make their mark internationally, positioning 88 Games as a leader in India’s growing presence in the global gaming landscape.

“In 2024, we witnessed a surge of homegrown studios and games, including our own, highlighting the immense potential for the industry’s growth. The rapid growth of gaming and esports has transformed them into viable career paths. Awareness has increased, not just about being a gamer or creator but also about the wide array of roles in the industry. While the industry is currently mobile-centric, there’s a massive opportunity in PC and console gaming. At 88 Games, we aim to fill this gap by focusing on premium titles for these platforms, contributing to a more balanced and diverse gaming ecosystem,” says Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games.

As the year closes, it is evident that Indian esports and gaming have not only grown but transformed into a cultural and economic powerhouse. Given the rapid pace of growth, the industry is all set to shape the future of entertainment both at home and on the global stage.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and San Miguel Infrastructure formally signed on December 12 a 25-year contract of lease for the utilization of PAGCOR’s 15-hectare Nayong Pilipino property in Pasay City.

A major consideration of the agreement is the construction of PAGCOR’s new corporate office building which will soon rise on a two-hectare portion of the property.

The office building, which will span 40,000 square meters, with an additional 15,000 square meters for fit-out space, is valued at Php2.45 billion (Php2 billion for the building construction and Php450 million for fit-out).

“It will be fully financed and built by SMC at no cost to PAGCOR,” said Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.

“This project will be more than just a structure,” the PAGCOR chief said. “It reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to creating a world-class work environment for its employees; a reflection of our identity, core values and aspirations.”

Mr. Tengco described the development as a practical and visionary solution to the agency’s need for its own office space.

“For many years, PAGCOR has operated across various rented locations, with our employees spread out and often working under less-than-ideal conditions,” he said.

“While we have always managed to deliver on our mandates, we’ve long dreamed of a day when we could bring everyone together under one roof—a place where we could foster a stronger sense of community, collaboration and shared purpose,” the PAGCOR chief added.

SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, who joined Mr. Tengco in the signing ceremony, assured that construction of the PAGCOR building would commence promptly upon PAGCOR’s formal approval of the design.

“Our goal is to maximize the potential of this property for the public’s benefit. The new PAGCOR headquarters will be a key part of this plan, providing a modern space to support their crucial role in funding government programs that uplift the lives of many Filipinos.”

During the contract signing, the San Miguel chairman also turned over to PAGCOR checks for nearly Php100 million representing advance rentals and security deposits.

In consideration of the office building construction and the rental, the lease agreement allocates 13 hectares of PAGCOR’s 15-hectare Nayong Pilipino property for SMC’s initiatives, which will mostly include infrastructure to complement airport requirements.

“Aside from the rental for the 13-hectare property, PAGCOR also expects additional revenues from renting out unused portions of the new corporate office once it is completed,” Mr. Tengco added.

JetSynthesys, a global leader in digital entertainment and technology, announces the addition of prominent industry leaders including Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman of TVS Capital Funds Limited, Madhusudanan R, Co-founder of M2P Fintech and Arjun Santhanakrishnan, Group CEO of GS Global as the team owners for the Chennai franchise in the second season of its popular IP, Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL).

Gopal Srinivasan, Madhusudanan R and Arjun Santhanakrishnan bring a wealth of expertise to GEPL’s growing ecosystem. Their acquisition of the Chennai franchise sheds light on the city’s deep-rooted connection to cricket, a sport that goes beyond entertainment to serve as a cornerstone of Chennai’s cultural identity. Their leadership and vision, coupled with their passion for innovation, will be instrumental in shaping the future of cricket esports in India and beyond.

The Global Esports Premier League (GEPL), hosted on the mobile app Real Cricket, JetSynthesys’ category-defining cricket video game, delivers the most authentic, immersive, and feature-rich cricket simulation experience for mobile users. Last year’s tournament attracted over 200,000 registrations and culminated in a rigorous selection process that identified the top 64 players who formed eight teams. The action-packed finale saw these eight teams play-off each other in and compete for global esports glory. With cumulative multiplatform reach of 70mn+, GEPL S1 was also streamed on JioCinema and witnessed a significant viewership of over 1.1mn+ mins.

Mr. Rajan Navani, CEO and founder, JetSynthesys, expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, “We are incredibly excited to have Gopal Srinivasan, Madhusudanan R and Arjun Santhanakrishnan join as the team owners of Chennai franchise. Their combined experience brings a fresh perspective that aligns perfectly with our vision to push the boundaries of cricket esports globally. Their involvement strengthens our resolve to not just grow GEPL, but to create an entire ecosystem where gaming, technology, and cricket intersect to inspire a new generation of gamers.”

The new team owners also shared their excitement about joining the league.

Mr. Gopal Srinivasan commented, “As a firm believer in the transformative power of technology, I’m  happy to support the Global e-Cricket Premier League and the Chennai franchise. Esports offers a unique platform to nurture talent and foster  inclusion. I look forward to witnessing the incredible skills and passion of our players and expanding India’s influence in the global esports landscape.”

Mr. Madhusudanan R added, “Cricket has always been a unifying force in India, and esports is rapidly transforming how we connect with the sport. Being part of the Chennai franchise in the GEPL allows us to tap into a growing digital audience and offer them a platform to showcase their skills. I am excited about the potential this league holds for fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of competitive eCricket.”

Mr. Arjun Santhanakrishnan said, “eCricket is redefining the boundaries of sports, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey with the Chennai franchise in the Global e-Cricket Premier League. The blend of cricket, technology, and esports is creating new opportunities for fan engagement and innovation, and I look forward to witnessing the next generation of esports talent from Chennai rise on the global stage.”

Mr. Rohit Potphode, CEO & League Commissioner of GEPL, enthused on the occasion, “We are thrilled to have Gopal Srinivasan, Madhusudanan R and Arjun Santhanakrishnanonboard as the franchise team owners for Chennai. Their participation adds immense value to the league, not just from a leadership standpoint but in terms of fostering innovation and new opportunities for players. As we look ahead to Season 2, we are working hard to expand the league’s footprint and deliver an unparalleled competitive experience that will captivate both players and fans alike.”

The second season of GEPL is set to introduce an expanded team format, new league guidelines, and a more intense competitive framework, building on the success of Season 1. Real Cricket 24 continues to set the standard for cricket simulation with nuanced mechanics, challenging gameplay, and a focus on strategy. The finals for GEPL Season 2 are scheduled for January 2025, where the top teams will once again compete for the prestigious title of ‘e-Cricket Icon’ on a global stage.