Esports has become a global industry over the last few years, and India is no different. What once was a community of a handful of gamers now includes millions of committed fans and players, with eSports tournaments continually breaking news around the country.
And the question everyone has is: Is eSports going viral in India? So, let’s learn about why this is so growing and where the field is headed.
Increased Investment and Infrastructure Development
A primary factor driving eSports in India is the increasing investments of Indian and foreign companies. The gaming sector in India has been pumped with money over the last few years by companies – from the tech giants to the media conglomerates and even sports management companies. This capital has funded eSports leagues, tournaments and professional teams that help make the scene professional.
Major companies such as Intel, Red Bull, and Sony have organised sponsorships, tournaments and promoting the sport. Then there are the Indian tech giants, who have launched their gaming sites and streaming services, thus making eSports legit and future-ready in India.
In addition to these investments, eSports’ infrastructure is also improving. The nation has professional games halls, streaming services and even player training centres. This infrastructure investment is making eSports mainstream not only for enthusiasts but for potential professionals as well. The existence of eSports academies and coaching courses indicates the sector is getting more structured and sophisticated.
The Surge in Mobile Gaming
The mobile gaming explosion is another reason eSports have started taking off in India. The cellphone is the preferred gaming device of millions of Indians and is an easy and cheap route to competitive gaming.
Mobile gaming is the factor that has undoubtedly helped bring eSports on the map. The more people play such games, the more tournaments and gaming events they generate. This previously PC and console-only niche now gets full of mobile gamers, making the Indian eSports movement very big and opening the doors to a whole industry of mobile gaming events, teams, and sponsors.
And with the cheapest smartphones, lightning-fast internet and a growing passion for digital entertainment, India’s gaming scene is in bloom. As mobile gaming keeps the sway going, smartphones are where eSports will head in the country.
Of course, it’s not only eSports that have prospered from the boom in mobile gaming – iGaming has, too. There are popular sites – you can count on 10CRIC for the best casino bonuses – and even entire communities are dedicated to iGaming. The proliferation of mobile phones has bolstered gaming in India as a whole.
Growing Popularity of eSports Events
It’s no longer the old eSports tournaments, where just a few people huddle together in an empty room. Now they’re major shows, where thousands of people live watch – and millions online – as the best players compete for cash and glory. The popularity of such tournaments, such as the PUBG Mobile Pro League and the Free Fire India Championship, has taken off in India, where the fans are massive offline and online.
These aren’t only for the games – you also get to meet other people and have fun. On streaming services such as YouTube and Twitch, where you can live stream teams and players, you can also stay informed about your favourite team and player live in real-time to watch the game from home. Some fans even join live tournaments, which turn them into eSports-themed parties.
Their growing popularity is reflected also in the media attention they receive. TV networks and digital streaming services are now airing tournaments – and some are even making content about eSports. More media coverage is needed to rebrand eSports and get it in front of the public.
Young & New: Where Do We Go From Here?
India’s youth are also at the heart of eSports. We have so many young tech aficionados in the country, so it is no surprise that gaming culture is on a roll. These youth gamers aren’t just players but also fans, influencers, and content creators who drive eSports growth in India via live social media streams and gaming videos.
The more people talk about eSports, the more they talk about eSports as a job. Gaming careers are no longer a mirage but real and sustainable careers. It’s caused the emergence of competitive gaming academies where young talent can get a head start and work with veteran coaches. They’re also helping to develop Indian eSports as players and as a segment of the gaming industry.
Also, Indian eSports teams and players are already starting to find their place globally. Indian players are playing on global circuits, and a few even bag sponsorships from major brands. The more players who break out, the more they motivate others to try their hand at eSports stardom. The cycle of talent generation and inspiration will only increase as the eSports scene in India spreads.
The Future of eSports in India
If you are looking forward, then India is an up-and-coming country in terms of eSports. This industry will continue to expand as more investment is being made, more games can be played on mobile devices, and a growing and vibrant gaming crowd would like to enter competitive gaming.
The most interesting information in the next few years will be whether eSports will be permitted at major sporting competitions. There’s even talk of eSports becoming an Olympic sport or being a part of multisport competitions such as the Asian Games. This will further elevate the status of eSports in India and consolidate its place in the competitive sports arena.
Furthermore, as mobile gaming grows, there will be even more regional tournaments and events in eSports for regional players. This will allow India’s metros and smaller towns to get new exposure for eSports to create a more inclusive competitive gaming space.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that eSports is on the rise in India. As mobile gaming continues to explode in popularity, more money comes in, and an emerging, young and enamoured gaming scene propels the industry, eSports is no longer just a pipe dream; it’s a flourishing reality.
India is on a roll for eSports, and with the help of players, fans, and investors, the gaming industry will change the entertainment landscape for years to come.
(Disclaimer: This is a guest blog)
