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The video game industry, which began in the 1950s with basic games and simulators played on mainframes and minicomputers, has grown tremendously. The Indian Esports sector is a multibillion dollar industry today, thanks to the advancements of high-speed internet and improved technology. It also benefits from the growing popularity of gaming with the younger generation.
According the the “Windows of Opportunity Report” on India’s Media and Entertainment Industry by FICCI EY, the number of Esports gamers across all competitive-level games in India has increased from 600,000.0 in 2021, to 1,000,000 in 2022 and is expected reach 2.5 million by 2023.
Indian Esports have been recognized in international competitions on multiple occasions. From winning the Bronze in Hearthstone in the 2018 Asian Games, to clinching the Bronze in DOTA 2, at the first Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in Birmingham last Year.
India will not only send its first ever female contingent to the World Esports Championships in CS:GO, but also be participating in the upcoming Asian Games in 2022 in which Esports will debut as an official medal sports. According to the FICCI/EY report the number of Esports international teams in India has increased from six in 2021, to seven in 2022, and to ten in 2023.
Mr. Lokesh Suji is the Director of Esports Federation of India and Vice President of Asian Esports Federation. He believes that India can continue to be a global Esports leader by nurturing the Esports eco-system. What began as competitive gaming, which was visible only in college fests and local tournaments during the late 2000s, is now a Rs. 250-crore business. We have seen significant growth in the last few years. Winning medals at prestigious competitions has shown our ability to compete at the highest levels. It is testament to India’s rise as a video gaming powerhouse,” says he.
The entertainment industry has been transformed by the rise of gaming and content creators. Through live streaming, video creation, and social platforms, many gamers have developed large fan bases, and become influential figures in the gaming community.
Brands have begun to form partnerships with these content creators through sponsorships and brand deals. This has opened up new revenue streams to creators as well as contributed to non-endemic brands entering the sector. The FICCI-EY study confirms this, stating that brands are investing more in Esports. This number has risen from 72 to 80 by 2022 and is expected to reach 100 in 2023.
Animesh, or Thug as he is better known, is the Founder and CEO of S8ul esports and 8bit Creatives. He says: “In recent times, gaming’s perception has changed dramatically, as both individuals and brands have realized its enormous potential as a lucrative source of revenue. Our creators at 8Bit Creatives have curated many campaigns with brands in diverse sectors. “I can say that brands, both native and non-endemic, are actively looking for ways to engage gamers today.”
According to Sensor Tower, the app intelligence firm, the game clocked about $33 million in in-app spending from July 2021 to July 2022. It also made history by becoming the first Esports event broadcasted on mainstream television (Star Sports). Sensor Tower estimates that the game generated about $33million in in-app purchases between July 2021 and July 2022. It also became the first Esports competition to be broadcast on mainstream TV (Star Sports ).).
ParvSingh, aka soul_regaltos, is a professional video gamer and gaming content creator. He has over 2.3 millions subscribers on YouTube. He says that BGMI played a crucial role in the growth of in-game expenditures within the Indian gaming industry. The game also caused an increase in Esports events in India, which attracted brands via lucrative media such as in-game advertising, sponsorships and content creation. It has helped to elevate the competitive landscape by giving new players the chance to show off their skills and become stars in the community.
Esports has evolved in India due to new platforms and technology that cater specifically to gamers. The emergence of new technology, such as Web3, VR and AR, gesture-controlled games as well as exclusive gaming social networks are all contributing to the technological revolution that is transforming Esports in India.
QLAN, a social networking app for gamers, esports fans, has recently received pre-seed financing to help fuel its growth and improve gamer discovery, networking, and content creation. QLAN, our own app, has been able elevate social networking for gamers to new heights and empower an ever-growing community of gamers. “We are confident that India will continue to adopt next-gen technology in video gaming in order to enjoy its immersive experience and to change the way gaming is perceived over the years.”
Overall, the Indian video game industry has seen remarkable growth, diversity, and recognition. It is a major cultural and economic force that offers entertainment, employment opportunities, and a creative platform.
