Highlights:
* India celebrates its National Video Game Day on September 12.
* A glance at Indian esports scene and gaming market’s monumental boom.
The Indian esports ecosystem and gaming market has seen remarkable growth over the past few years, expanding tenfold in relevance. As the country celebrates National Video Game Day 2024, there has never been a better time to be a gamer. The Government of India has also shown its positive intent towards alternative career choices, encouraging casual players and studios in the country. In this special feature, we look at the ascent of esports and an enhanced scope for gaming studios and publishers.
National Video Game Day Special: India Has Become One Of Asia’s Fastest-Growing Gaming Markets In The Past Decade
In India, gaming was not as mainstream a decade ago as it is today. The rise of video games, especially those on mobile platforms, can be attributed to multiple factors. In the past few years, the expansion of internet connectivity and the introduction of gaming-focused smartphones have contributed to a consistent increase in the number of users in India. At the same time, the emergence of games like Free Fire (& FF MAX) and PUBG Mobile/BGMI spawned their respective fanbases in the country.
One of Niko Partners’ reports from 2023 suggests that an overwhelming majority of gamers operate on mobile platforms. The country reportedly had 444 million users in 2023, a number which is forecast to increase to 641 million by 2027. Moreover, the spending of about $1.6 billion in 2027, as predicted in the report, also makes India one of the fastest-growing video game markets in Asia. If the number of users keeps growing at the same pace, India might surpass China by 2028, as another report from Niko Partners suggested.
With BGMI and Free Fire MAX being the most loved games in the country, Indian publishers have been profoundly encouraged to launch their locally developed IPs like FAU-G and Indus Battle Royale. Beyond the gaming culture, the rise of mobile shooters has also spurred content creation and esports in India. Since BGMI’s launch (and re-launch), fans have enjoyed multiple action-packed competitions featuring million-rupee prize pools. Moving on to PC, VALORANT is gaining significant attention from Indian fans as well.
BGMI Dominates The Indian Esports Scene, While Others Are Gradually Catching Up
The general commotion around esports as a career path has significantly reduced with the rise of competitive gaming. At the forefront of the esports scene, BGMI has dominated almost every other title to become one of India’s favorite mobile games. The journey that began with the release of PUBG Mobile in 2018 saw many streamers and content creators making a name for themselves.
While Dynamo and Mortal mainstreamed the video game streaming culture with PUBG Mobile, Scout, Owais, Ghatak, Jonathan, RonaK, ClutchGod, and many more made esports popular. Along with PUBG Mobile/BGMI, Free Fire also made its mark and introduced Total Gaming, Desi Gamers, Raistar, Gyan Gaming, TWO SIDE GAMER (TSG), and more.
In the last five years, numerous organizations have emerged and acquired fan-favorite status, with some of them even representing India on the global stage. Recently, S8UL claimed its third consecutive ‘Content Group of the Year’ honor at the Esports Awards 2024, competing against the likes of Fnatic, G2 Esports, Sentinels, T1, and more.
The success of BGMI in the mainstream hasn’t halted the progress of other titles, with many e-athletes representing India at multi-sport events. 15 athletes played under India’s flag at medal events for FIFA Online 4, DOTA 2, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V. With increasing interest, Olympic Esports Games 2025 might become a new chapter for India’s sporting legacy.
While Indian esports is making steady progress, support from the Indian government is likely to accelerate its success in the coming years. The GOI has already started making efforts to encourage esports and gaming by organizing competitions at the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Judging by the current scenario, fans can look forward to a more affluent esports ecosystem by National Video Game Day 2025.
