By Anand Mishra
Only two decades ago, 90s kids would find themselves spending hours navigating medieval castles with the Prince, exploring multiple stages with all-time favourite Mario or Contra, and shooting down ducks with a suspiciously orange dog. Since those days, India's gaming industry has come a long way. It’s the age of Esports which undoubtedly is currently riding the waves of rapid growth and is presenting a promising outlook for the future. With its young and tech-savvy population, India is embracing ESports with enthusiasm which signifies a cultural change in how we perceive and participate in sports. Competitive gaming is creating its own space, blurring the lines between the virtual and reality. It provides gamers a platform to showcase their skills, entertain audiences, and build a global community.
As per a recent EY Report, the Indian gaming market has reached a substantial Rs 16,428 crores. It goes without a doubt that India has the potential to surpass major global markets. It currently holds the second-largest number of gamers worldwide, with 435 million enthusiasts, trailing only behind China's impressive 750 million. The online gaming segment is flourishing with over 1,400 start-ups, attracting an impressive Rs 22,931 crores in investments from both domestic and global sources between FY20 and FY24 YTD27.
What obstacles are impeding the progress of India's esports industry?
Despite these projections, the esports industry in India faces various challenges that need immediate attention.
Untapped Potential: Beneath the surface of soaring statistics and impressive figures lies a field that has yet to unfold its full potential, with ground-level observations indicating that esports in India is operating at less than 10 per cent of its capacity. The Indian gaming market pales in comparison to China's Rs 370,064 crores and the US's Rs 363,600 crores.
Real-Money Gaming Dominance: It is also worth noting that a significant portion of this investment is directed towards real-money gaming, overshadowing the potential of esports. A critical need arises for a clear distinction between esports and real-money gaming, accompanied by regulatory measures to maintain this separation.
Tournament Prizes vs Industry Growth: While numerous tournaments flaunt substantial prize pools, it raises a pertinent question: are these events genuinely supportive and sufficient for the industry's growth? The industry demands a higher degree of professionalism, backed by support from government authorities and regulatory bodies. A clear distinction is crucial between esports and real-money gaming, emphasising that esports is a multisport endeavour rather than a mere avenue for financial gain. Infrastructure support and other crucial elements need to align with the industry's growth.
Beyond Prize Money: It is paramount to recognise that esports is not solely about prize money. Although prize pools are often highlighted, the core message should emphasise the promotion of skill, teamwork, and healthy competition within the community. Rather than prioritising financial gains, the focus should be on cultivating an environment that fosters the values inherent in competitive gaming.
Exploring the Opportunities
The interest in online gaming is growing, and there's a need for a strong infrastructure to attract more game developers. Game development has only recently gained recognition as a serious career option. On a positive note, private educational institutions across the country now offer degree and diploma courses related to the gaming industry. The game development scene in India has moved beyond its early stages. Studios are now crafting games that delve into the country's rich history and culture. Titles inspired by Indian mythology are capturing the attention of both domestic and international audiences.
The evolving infrastructure in the current esports landscape is a positive sign, and it is anticipated that by the end of 2030, India will boast state-of-the-art infrastructure, positioning the country as an esports hub. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of esports as a mainstream form of entertainment and competition. The growth of gaming in India reflects progress, passion, and potential. As the industry adapts to challenges, the future looks promising.
(The author is the Founder and CEO, Glazer Games)
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