Can Esports Become as Big as Cricket? The world of online gaming is evolving faster than ever, and India is at the heart of this digital revolution. In this electrifying episode, Sibtain Baqri, CEO of Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), sits down with Sonam Bhagat, founder of VYGR, to discuss the future of esports in India, AI’s role in gaming regulation, and how the country is carving its space in a $200B+ global industry.
Could esports become as big as cricket in India? What does AI-driven gaming regulation mean for the industry? And how is India shaping the global gaming landscape? Buckle up, because this conversation is a game-changer! The Esports Boom in India: The Next Cricket? Cricket has long been India's dominant sport, capturing the hearts of millions.
But esports is rising at an unprecedented pace, and many are asking the golden question: Can esports become India’s next cricket? With over 400 million gamers and a growing esports ecosystem, India is becoming a serious contender in competitive gaming.
The numbers don’t lie:
• Esports in India is projected to grow to a $3 billion industry by 2025.
• Over 100 million Indians watched esports tournaments in 2023.
• Government-backed initiatives and sponsorship deals are skyrocketing.
AI and Gaming Regulation: A Game-Changer? One of the biggest disruptors in gaming today is artificial intelligence (AI). But AI is not just shaping how games are played—it’s revolutionizing how they are regulated. Baqri explains, “AI is already being used to track suspicious player behavior, flag fraud, and even manage in-game economies.
The future of gaming regulation will be automated and AI-driven.” But with AI comes challenges—data privacy, algorithmic biases, and regulatory hurdles. How do you ensure fairness when AI itself can be flawed? India is taking cautious steps, but the need for a robust AI-based gaming framework is clear. India's Role in the $200B Global Gaming Industry
The global gaming market has exploded past $200 billion, and India is fast emerging as a key player. With affordable internet, smartphone penetration, and a young population, India is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets worldwide. Here’s how India is making waves:
1. Massive Mobile Gaming Boom India’s gaming revolution is being fueled by mobile gaming, thanks to cheap data plans and budget smartphones. Over 90% of gamers in India play on mobile devices.
2. Government Support for Esports The Indian government has officially recognized esports as a multi-sport event, similar to the Olympics. This legitimization is attracting investments and infrastructure development.
3. Homegrown Esports Leagues India is witnessing the rise of professional esports leagues like the BGMI Pro Series, Valorant India Championship, and FIFAe Nations Cup. This is paving the way for esports to become a mainstream career option.
4. Indian Developers on the Rise The country is no longer just a gaming consumer—it’s becoming a game developer. Studios like Nazara Technologies, Nodding Heads Games, and JetSynthesys are creating games that appeal to both domestic and international audiences. If you’re an aspiring gamer, investor, or just someone who loves the digital world, this is the time to pay attention!
Whether esports will rival cricket remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: gaming in India is here to stay, and it's only getting bigger. 🔔 Subscribe to VYGR for more in-depth conversations on gaming, technology, and the future of digital India!
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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