Esports has been perhaps the quickest developing industry recently. The ascent of the gaming industry has been fuelled by the development of digital technology and the internet, which has empowered the formation of virtual gaming communities and the creation of new game titles. The esports industry enjoys taking benefit of this development, offering gamers and fans the valuable chance to contend in online tournaments and watch live streaming events.

For example, the debut of Dubai Esports Festival 2022 gave a top-notch platform to feature the development and capability of esports. It united a portion of the top esports players and teams from around the world, giving a potential opportunity to organizations and associations to exhibit the most recent innovations. It likewise offered an exceptional encounter for fans, permitting them to engage with their favorite players and partake in gaming-related events, live competitions, and events. The Dubai Esports Festival 2022 was a good example of building a worldwide community and raising the profile of the industry.

The state of esports in India
In India, the esports industry is simply beginning to get steam. Also, the nation has every vital ingredient to make this sector huge in the worldwide arena, the primary one being we are home to the second-biggest gamer base on the planet, with around 400 million gamers. Further, the new acknowledgment of esports as a “multi-sport event” and incorporation into the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs by the Indian government has given the industry a significant lift. This is a huge step in the right direction for the industry, as it presently has the back of the government to develop and foster in India. India is presently set to partake in the AIMAG 2025, the Olympics Esports Week, and the Asian Games 2023 (Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games).

As per the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2022, the number of esports players in India multiplied from 300,000 in 2020 to 600,000 in 2021, while the incomes expanded by 29% from INR 7.5 billion in 2020 to INR 9.7 billion in 2021. The development of esports in the nation among others is being supported by the rising digital adoption, availability of high-speed internet with affordable data plans, ascend in several new game releases and viewership of broadcasting platforms, and expansion in vernacular content. According to Ernst & Young’s report titled, ‘Ready.Set.Game ON’, India is anticipated to be one of the nations with the most elevated development as far as esports viewership and income produced, expanding four-crease to INR 1,100 crore by 2025.

What India needs to do
For India to benefit from the development of the esports industry, there are a few things that we should focus on right now.

Esports requires infrastructure. This incorporates building specific gaming venues like arenas and stadiums to have live events and competitions alongside essential equipment and innovation to help the gaming experience. These incorporate high-speed internet connections, gaming PCs, and gaming consoles.

Nurturing talent for esports: At present, there are just three institutes in India that have an educational plan around esports and gaming, and this number likewise needs to develop. For this, the government should begin specific gaming schools and training programs independently and collaborate with colleges and universities that cover various topics, including game design, programming, and esports strategy catering to players at all stages. Corporates too can assume a critical part by offering monetary help to gaming schools, training programs, and events, to set out opportunities for gamers to level up their skills. This diverse methodology will assist with building a strong and inclusive community for gamers, empowering development and potential opportunities.

Standardization and regulation: As esports proceeds to develop and advance into a professional industry, there is a need to lay out prescribed procedures, define roles and, obligations, and give a framework to players, teams, and associations to work inside. This will assist with safeguarding player welfare i.e., guarantee fair play and promote healthy competition. Guidelines will assist in guaranteeing the health and safety of players, like drawing certain limits on playing time, giving admittance to medical support, and promoting a positive and sound workspace. Likewise, a regulated and standardized esports industry will be more alluring to investors and sponsors, as it gives a more steady and unsurprising climate to work in.

Collaboration with foreign esports bodies and institutions: Right now, there are a couple of esports associations that are worldwide and add to knowledge sharing, and India needs to expand this number further for its development. Foreign esports bodies can bring global exposure and competition opportunities, admittance to expertise and resources, support in standardization and regulation, and cultural exchanges. Then again, collaboration with organizations can give players enough roads to upgrade their skills and competencies, and enjoy research and development making a pool of ability separated from admittance to expert advice on policy and regulation.

Access to funding: Throughout recent years, there has been a huge consolidation between traditional console/PC and mobile games. With a wide, consistently developing selection of games that users can play, the main character here is the publisher. Game publishers should invest time and money to develop the game. Accordingly, admittance to funding becomes vital. Likewise, investment is expected to fabricate a fundamental infrastructure and supportive networks, nurture talent, and create more up-to-date advancements that can drive development among others.

The esports industry in India surely holds a tremendous commitment for the future. With more than 650 million smartphone users and most of them are gaming lovers, there is a conviction that everybody is a gamer. By executing the smart actions now, India can guarantee that the nation is ready to profit from the extending worldwide esports market and capitalize on the opportunity for job creation, economic development, and diverse connection.

Credit: India Times