Sunepri, MA II Semester, English
Electronic sports or popularly known as eSports, is a type of competition that uses video games. Esports are usually organized, multiplayer video game competitions, held particularly between professional players, individually or as a team. It turns online gaming into a spectator sport, mimicking the experience of watching a professional sporting event; except instead of watching a physical event, spectators get to watch video gamers compete against each other for the trophy. They are broken down into competitive leagues and tournaments which are normally held at an organized arena event. These competitions can be held both online and offline.
With the increasing popularity and frequency of eSports tournaments, people often confuse eSports with online gaming. The requirement for an electronic device and online multiplayer game fuels the misnomer. However, eSports is not online gaming. Unlike online gaming, eSports is defined by online games based on skills that are played in tournaments. Then the different teams and individuals compete against each other to win the championship, leagues, and titles like that of physical sports. Esports also includes games which are the digital or virtual manifestations of traditional sports.
The most common video game genres associated with eSports are real-time strategy (RTS), Fighting, First-Person Shooter (FPS), Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), etc. Popular games include DOTA 2, LOL, Counter Strike GO, Call of Duty, FIFA, Heartstone, Minecraft, BGMI (PUBG), GTA V RP, Valorant, and many more. These tournaments are broadcasted online or through television and have commentary similar to that of Cricket, FIFA, etc. Around 500 Million fans from over 152 countries watch these competitions online through various streaming platforms like Twitch.tv, YouTube and Facebook.
Esports has effectively dominated the Indian market due to extensive marketing and advertising on different internet streaming platforms which is made successful only due to widespread use of high-speed 4G internet. The large number of young population in India and the affordability and accessibility of smartphones available, serves as a major contributor to the sector’s growth. It has nonetheless, also cleared the door for the establishment of an online casino site exclusive to India gamers. Online gaming is one of the reasons India’s economy has remained resilient in the face of a worldwide epidemic. When pre-covid and lockdown statistics are compared, the number of online gamers utilizing their smartphones has drastically increased by a massive 60%.
India was placed 16th on the Forbes list, indicating that the sector is worth billions of dollars. A decade earlier, India’s internet gaming industry, which was underdeveloped with just 25 developers, now serves as a home to approximately 250 game developers. Several industry heavyweights have previously invested in India’s gaming business, including Tencent, Paytm, Nazara, and Alibaba. The majority of income earned in sports comes from companies such as Oppo and Asus. India has also hosted some of the most important eSports events, including the PUBG Mobile Series 2019 and the Electronic Sports League, in which DOTA 2 players from all over the globe gathered and competed. Today, India is globally known for eSports, and Counter-Strike GO plays a significant role. DOTA 2 is the first eSports game to have conquered the Indian market. It is a multiplayer online combat game where two teams of five players compete with each other for the title.
E-commerce platforms have also played a significant and important role in the development of eSports in India. They ensure that gamers have access to the latest updated hardware and accessories required for the game, to ensure smooth gameplay without any lags or render. The manufacturers of such gaming accouterments guarantee that demand is fulfilled while maintaining affordability and accessibility. Amazon and Flipkart guarantee that gaming accessories are readily accessible at a reasonable price. Connectivity also plays a critical role in the gaming industry’s development. Telecommunications companies have been working around the clock to provide the most affordable data plans possible, emphasizing high-speed internet access and cost. Data access is enabled by Reliance Jio’s efforts to establish thousands of mobile towers across the nation, providing a high-speed connection.
As more Indian’s get involved in eSports, the prize pool grows as well. PUBG Mobile, now BGMI, had seen meteoric growth in India, providing players with a career choice. According to the July 2020 Statistics, India ranks as one of the top nations worldwide for PUBG Mobile downloads. In terms of revenue and player earnings, eSports in India will undoubtedly continue to expand in the following months and years. 2021 will always be regarded as one of the most challenging years in the history of India eSports.
According to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and EY India, the Indian eSports industry scaled to INR 3 Billion in FY 2021 and is expected to reach INR 11 Billion by FY 2025. Recently, Krafton had put up a BGMI tournament with the biggest prize pool ever seen in Indian eSports, i.e. an INR of 1 Crore. Esports is rapidly growing in India and such efforts like setting up of Bootcamps, which hones one’s skills and team gameplay, holding tournaments even in Colleges, daily online Scrims, etc. all contribute towards the rapid growth of eSports.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Khangpuiliu Pamei, Rinsit Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
