Understanding eSports in India
ESports has emerged as a rapidly growing industry all across the world – and India is no exception. This form of competitive gaming has become hugely popular in recent years – attracting a large and diverse audience. Now, with the advent of high-speed internet, ever-more affordable gaming devices and an ever-expanding gaming community, eSports has become a force to be reckoned with in India. Whether taking part, watching or even betting on eSports, there has never been a better time to get interested in it…
Gaming in India
Playing games online in India for money has always long been popular. It started with online casino games, where players could get bonus offers from Casino.com and other such sites to try and play games such as blackjack and roulette for real money wins. However, now Indian players can actually play video games competitively for money… and those that reach the highest echelons of the eSports community can earn millions. Even if you don’t have the skills to beat the best, betting on the outcome of tournaments is also a way to make money from online gaming.
The Rise of eSports in India
The roots of eSports in India can be traced back all the way back to the early 2000s when LAN gaming cafes started to spring up across the country. These cafes meant that enthusiastic gamers could come together, play multiplayer games and start taking part in friendly competitions. Then, as technology got even better, online gaming platforms and tournaments started to gain traction, which led to a surge in the popularity of eSports in the country.
One of the turning points for eSports in India was the introduction of mobile gaming. More players in India started enjoying the freedom afforded by smartphones – and affordable data plans. This means that mobile gaming has become more accessible to millions. Games such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile quickly became favourites among Indian gamers – and thus eSports took a step into the world of the mainstream.
eSports Tournaments and Leagues
India has witnessed a significant increase in eSports tournaments and leagues across various games. From popular titles like DOTA 2, CS:GO and FIFA to mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, there are now plenty of leagues and tournaments to enjoy… whether playing or watching.
The Indian eSports scene has also seen the establishment of several eSports organisations and teams, each of them vying for dominance in the competitive gaming space. These organisations recruit the very best players, offer sponsorships – and even compete in national and international tournaments, thus raising the profile of Indian eSports on the global stage.
eSports Infrastructure and Investment
Unsurprisingly, the growth of eSports in India has not only attracted the attention of gamers but also of investors and corporations… all seeing the money potential. With it becoming evident that more time and money are being invested in eSports, more and more companies are investing in building eSports infrastructure, organising tournaments and simply becoming a part of the competitive gaming world.
What’s more, lots of educational institutions are actually starting to recognise eSports as a legitimate career option and are even offering courses or programs related to gaming and game development.
Broadcasting and Online Content Creation
The rise of eSports in India has also led to the emergence of dedicated eSports content creators. There are now many popular Indian YouTubers and streamers that regularly create content around eSports – giving top tips plus analysis of games and tournament coverage. Live streaming platforms like YouTube Gaming and Twitch have become hugely popular in broadcasting eSports events in India and to a global audience.
A Young Pastime?
It comes as little surprise that eSports has had the biggest impact on the young generation in India. With India having a relatively young population, gaming has become an integral part of many people’s lifestyles. Nowadays, more and more youngsters are considering becoming professional gamers and competing in eSports tournaments – where many used to dream of becoming cricket players or pro sports players, many are now looking to become professional computer game players.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth of eSports in India is promising, there are also a number of challenges. One of the main ones being the lack of recognition and support from traditional sports bodies and government organisations. Unlike many other countries, India has not yet fully embraced eSports as a legitimate sport – which is hindering its growth and development.
Another challenge is the need for greater investment in the whole infrastructure – higher-speed internet and better gaming hardware are essential. This would mean a much more seamless gaming experience for players – and improving them would improve the country’s whole eSports infrastructure.
However, despite the challenges, the future looks bright. With more investors and educational institutions getting on board – and ever more passion in the gaming community, it looks to get even bigger and better in future years.
Conclusion
eSports in India has evolved from small-time in cafes to a huge industry with a massive community of gamers. As technology continues to advance and eSports gains further recognition, India has the potential to become a major player in the global eSports landscape.