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Esports, this name was completely unknown to many people, even a few years back, but with the rise of gaming as a profession, the landscape of competitive gaming also went through a massive change. This drastic change has prominently impacted India's esports industry. In the last few years, the Indian esports industry has witnessed a growth beyond expectations.
This rapid growth is not due to a single factor. Instead, multiple factors contributed to this growth, including the advancement of technology, governmental support, and a buzzing community of gamers and enthusiasts.
This is one of the main factors that have contributed to this massive growth. With AI advancement and new technologies getting implemented in smartphones, gamers received gaming phones at affordable prices. Aside from that, the high-speed mobile internet connection across India provides a smooth gaming experience without lags. Of course, PC and console gaming mark the major gaming sectors across the world, but when it comes to India, mobile gaming has become a dominant force.
The latest surveys reveal that more than 90% of gamers use mobile phones to access games like Free Fire, Clash Royale, and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). These are the top games that have heightened the popularity of gaming in India overall.
The contribution of BGMI to the rise of esports in India can’t be ignored. After the ban of PUBG Mobile, the local version, BGMI, was introduced, and within three months of its initial launch, BGMI boasted over 10 million daily users. This clearly shows how it has boosted the nation's appetite for competitive gaming. Further, the establishment of major leagues like the BGMI Series and the PUBG Mobile Pro League (PMPL) South Asia solidifies India's position in the global esports landscape.
Since the surge in the Indian gaming landscape has become prominent, the Indian government has recognized the potential of esports both as a medium of entertainment and as a legit sector of employment. The first time this acknowledgment for esports came from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 2021. That year, IOA officially announced esports as a sport and appointed the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) as its regulatory body.
After that, Skillhub Online Games Federation was founded in 2023. This establishment further takes esports in India to new heights. The aim behind founding this institute is to promote and regulate the online gaming industry in India. This is necessary to ensure that the standard of Indian esports aligns with international standards. This creates a structured ecosystem for competitive gaming.
The rise of esports shows its bright future in India. In the last few years, this industry has witnessed a significant growth in revenue, which rose from ₹750 crore in 2020 to ₹970 crore in 2021, with a 29% growth rate. In that same period, the number of esports players also doubled and reached 600,000.
These stats reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the Indian esports industry. During lockdowns, gamers used to pass their time by playing games and streaming them. Gradually, tournaments like the BGMI Premier League and the Free Fire India Championship attracted their attention and gave this rise a further boost. Participating in these leagues not only provides gamers with the opportunity to compete with challenging opponents across the world but also attracts significant viewership, further propelling the industry's growth.
To sum up, India’s emergence as a key player in the global esports arena is boosted by different factors. From technological accessibility to governmental recognition, everything played a pivotal role in taking competitive gaming to this peak. Hopefully, with constant support from the Indian government, the esports industry will shape the future of gaming in India.
