Esports as a Medal Sport: Paving the Way for National Representation
The announcement of Esports as a medal sport in the 2026 Asian Games has set the stage for a nationwide surge in Esports preparation. Aspiring gamers, buoyed by the support of the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and collaborations with leading gaming companies, are preparing to showcase India’s prowess globally. The focus on talent development and competitive infrastructure signals the groundwork for future champions.
Metaverse Gaming and Market Projections: A Transformative Trend
In addition to physical tournaments, the virtual realm is beckoning with the advent of Metaverse gaming, a trend that dominated 2023. The Mordor Intelligence report projects a market size exceeding $700 billion by 2027, presenting an enticing frontier for Indian game studios and players. This dynamic growth is attributed to several factors, including India’s young and vibrant demographic, evolving IT infrastructure, technological advancements like VR and AR, and government initiatives fostering a “Digital India.”
Strategic Collaborations and India-Specific Games:
Animesh Agarwal, CEO of 8Bit Creatives and Co-Founder of S8UL, foresees strategic collaborations as a pivotal force in the growth of the gaming sector in 2024. He anticipates a surge in India-specific games, citing the example of Indus Battle Royale, seamlessly integrating the nation’s diverse culture into the gaming world. Agarwal envisions these titles offering gamers additional tournaments within a homegrown context.
Esports Programs, Degrees, and Scholarships:
Lokesh Suji, Director of the Esports Federation of India, emphasizes the upcoming implementation of Esports programs, degrees, and scholarships by educational institutions. This initiative aligns with the government’s promotion of gaming, empowering aspiring gamers at the grassroots level and further solidifying Esports as a legitimate sporting discipline.
Brands’ Deepened Commitment:
Naman Mathur, Co-Founder of S8UL, notes that top brands are increasing their involvement and commitment to gaming. Examples include MG’s Comet, a car launched for gamers, and IQOO partnering with Team Soul, showcasing a deepened immersion of mobile device brands in the gaming world.
AI Integration and Metaverse Gaming Trends:
Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director of Alpha Zegus, highlights the anticipated trends for 2024, emphasizing deeper integration of AI as a crucial tool for content creation and SEO optimization. The scaling up of Indian gaming globally is expected to provide access to international experts, software, and resources. He predicts more content creation and monetization tools from major platforms, enabling diverse forms of expression and nurturing a new generation of creators.
Global User Increase for Mobile Games:
Statista’s report predicts a global increase in overall users for mobile games from 1.66 billion in 2023 to 1.72 billion in 2024. Arpit Chaudhary, CTO of GreedyGame, anticipates a decrease in the cost of acquiring users for mobile games in 2024. Hyper casuals are expected to remain the dominant market segment, and the use of AI in gaming will rise, covering aspects from content generation to gameplay recommendations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for Indian Esports. With the inclusion of Esports in the Asian Games, the surge of Metaverse trends, and unwavering government support, India is on the brink of claiming a leadership position in virtual competition and entertainment. As the stage is set, anticipate the ascent of Indian gaming champions on the global arena.