Today on National Sports Day (observed on August 29 every year as it is the birth anniversary of Indian Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand), here’s a short note on the fastest growing and most happening vertical of Indian sports – ESports!
Indian ESports has been experiencing for a while, and is likely to experience, for the nest decade or so, unprecedented growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing internet penetration, and a growing base of enthusiastic players and fans. E-sports, once a niche activity, has now become a mainstream phenomenon in India, attracting attention from gamers, sponsors, and even the government.
Here are the top trends shaping Indian e-sports in 2024.
1. Mobile Gaming Continues to Dominate
One of the most significant trends in Indian e-sports is the dominance of mobile gaming. India has a massive mobile user base, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. With affordable smartphones and widespread access to high-speed internet, mobile gaming has become the preferred platform for many Indian gamers.
Titles like ‘Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)’, ‘Garena Free Fire’, and ‘Call of Duty: Mobile’ continue to be the most popular e-sports games in the country. The ease of access and lower entry barriers for mobile gaming have democratised e-sports, allowing a more extensive demographic to participate in tournaments and competitions. In 2024, we expect more mobile-exclusive e-sports events, with major sponsors backing these tournaments, further cementing mobile gaming’s position at the forefront of Indian e-sports.
2. Regional Language Content and Localisation
As e-sports grows in India, the demand for regional language content has surged. The Indian gaming audience is incredibly diverse, with gamers coming from various linguistic backgrounds. Recognising this, e-sports organisers and content creators are increasingly focusing on localisation efforts to cater to regional audiences.
In 2024, we see an uptick in e-sports content in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Marathi, among others. Streamers and shout-casters are now offering live commentary and content in these languages, making e-sports more accessible and enjoyable for non-English-speaking audiences. This trend not only broadens the appeal of e-sports but also helps in building stronger community engagement across different regions of the country.
3. Rise of Female Gamers and Inclusivity
Inclusivity is becoming a significant trend in Indian e-sports, with a noticeable rise in female participation. Historically, e-sports has been male-dominated, but the landscape is changing as more women enter the scene, both as players and content creators.
In 2024, we witness the emergence of all-female teams and tournaments dedicated to promoting female participation in e-sports. Organisations are actively working towards creating a more inclusive environment, encouraging women to pursue careers in gaming. Additionally, there is an increased focus on addressing issues like online harassment and gender bias within the gaming community. The rise of female gamers is not just a trend but a crucial step towards making e-sports more diverse and representative of the broader gaming population.
4. Government Support and Policy Initiatives
The Indian government’s recognition of e-sports as a legitimate sport has been a game-changer for the industry. In 2024, we see continued government support through policy initiatives aimed at nurturing the e-sports ecosystem. This includes funding for infrastructure development, training programs for aspiring gamers, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure fair play and integrity in e-sports competitions. The setup of India’s first National Centre of Excellence for AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming & Comics), which will lay special focused attention on ESports is only going to accelerate its proliferation in India
Moreover, e-sports is being integrated into educational curriculums in various states, providing students with opportunities to pursue careers in this burgeoning field. The government’s involvement has also helped in legitimising e-sports, attracting more investment and sponsorship deals, which in turn fuels the growth of the industry.
5. Expansion of E-Sports Infrastructure
The expansion of e-sports infrastructure is another critical trend in 2024. India is witnessing the development of state-of-the-art e-sports arenas and training facilities across major cities. These facilities are equipped with the latest gaming technology, providing players with the resources they need to train and compete at the highest levels.
In addition to physical infrastructure, there is also a significant investment in digital platforms that support online tournaments, streaming, and content creation. These platforms are crucial for hosting large-scale e-sports events, enabling players from different parts of the country to participate without the need for physical travel. The growth of e-sports infrastructure is laying the foundation for India to become a global hub for e-sports in the coming years.
6. Corporate Sponsorships and Brand Involvement
As e-sports gains popularity, it is attracting the attention of major brands and corporations looking to tap into the young, tech-savvy audience that follows e-sports. In 2024, we observe an increase in corporate sponsorships, with brands from various sectors, including technology, telecommunications, and consumer goods, partnering with e-sports teams and events.
These sponsorships are not limited to financial support; they also include collaborations for product placements, co-branded merchandise, and exclusive content creation. This influx of corporate investment is helping to professionalize the e-sports industry in India, providing players with better opportunities and higher earnings.
7. Corporatisation of the industry, at scale
With the emergence of corporate organisations like Nazara and Jetsynthesis, to name just a couple, as serious players in the global ESports ecosystem, we see the Indian ESports industry start to take some serious steps towards ‘corporatisation’ of the organisations who operate in ESports in India. With both public & venture capital funding readily available in a scenario of rapidly growing valuations, Indian ESports corporates are not only undertaking major M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) across the world, but are also signing up large long-term deals with several global ESports market leaders. These organisations and many more like these will soon see themselves sitting at the global high table for ESports and will hopefully also drive the direction that ESports takes globally.
Meanwhile, we have also seen the proliferation of hundreds of commercial smaller-in-size (relatively) companies who are setting up ESports teams and ‘buying’ ESports players to represent their teams in tournaments and leagues across the world. We are not too far away from a stage where some of these ESports teams will be as valuable, if not more valuable than any of the teams in the Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League (Football) or the Premier Badminton League. Not being tied down to just one league or just one geographic region has allowed these ESports teams to really spread their wings globally and participate (and also increasingly win) in tournaments around the world.
8. Emergence of New E-Sports Titles
While established titles like ‘BGMI’ and ‘Free Fire’ continue to dominate, 2024 is also seeing the rise of new e-sports titles that are capturing the interest of Indian gamers. Games like ‘Valorant’, ‘Apex Legends’, and ‘League of Legends’ are gaining traction, particularly among the PC gaming community.
The introduction of new e-sports titles is diversifying the gaming ecosystem in India, offering players more options and catering to different gaming preferences. This trend is also encouraging the growth of niche communities within the larger e-sports landscape, fostering a more varied and vibrant gaming culture in the country.
9. Growth of Grassroots E-Sports Initiatives
Grassroots e-sports initiatives are playing a crucial role in nurturing talent and expanding the reach of e-sports in India. These initiatives, often organized by local communities, colleges, and small organizations, provide a platform for aspiring gamers to showcase their skills and gain exposure.
In 2024, we see a proliferation of grassroots tournaments and events across the country, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. These events are instrumental in discovering new talent and bringing e-sports to regions that have traditionally been overlooked. The growth of grassroots e-sports is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and inclusivity of the industry.
10. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are emerging as innovative trends in the Indian e-sports scene. With advancements in VR and AR technology, e-sports is becoming more immersive and interactive, offering players and spectators new ways to experience games.
In 2024, we expect to see more VR and AR-based e-sports events, where players compete in virtual environments, adding a new dimension to traditional gaming. This trend is still in its early stages, but as technology continues to evolve, VR and AR could become integral parts of the e-sports experience in India.
In Conclusion
The Indian e-sports industry is at a pivotal moment in 2024, characterised by rapid growth, increased inclusivity, and technological innovation. These trends are not only shaping the future of e-sports in India but are also setting the stage for the country to emerge as a global leader in this exciting and dynamic field. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve and contribute to the continued success of Indian e-sports.
