The globe has never been in this state of stillness post the World War II. The COVID-19 pandemic is leading the world economy, which was already approaching a slow down due to steep recession. The pandemic has also hit the sporting industry pretty badly. Most sports industries are in the state of expenditure cut or some sort of shut down. But one segment that has shown a total opposite trend is the Esports industry.
Since many popular hangout options like theatres, malls, cafes, etc are being closed temporarily in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, online gaming and especially e-Sports is picking up pace as the most popular mode of entertainment during self-isolation. E-sporting is fast expanding its gamer base across the world and specifically in India with its 7 week-long shut down and a tally of 300 million gamers. Esports has thus gained much more recognition among the Millenials. People now associate it with its more accurate definition of sports, which take the form of organized multiplayer video game competitions that require some specific skill sets, particularly between professional players in individual or team format, rather than just the notion of computer games. It has allowed people to play online games and watch live game streaming of their favorite players in a time of social distancing, self-quarantine and containment. The industry matches with any other sports in terms of its following or professionalism. Players regularly practice their skills like any normal athlete and drape specially designed Esports jerseys for each game. The specific designs with personalization showcase elements related to their game of expertise and stand for the rapidly evolving robust nature of the game. These team wears are built with light fabrics and special features aimed at maximized performance.
The Indian gaming industry has already witnessed steady growth over the years. Last year was the most prominent one in terms of its growth with the total industrial revenue adding to 6460 crore INR witnessing a 40% growth rate. The industry saw the rise of major indigenous start-ups and heavy foreign investment. The industry was estimated to reach a total revenue worth 18740 cores INR by 2022 even before the current accelerated growth. The recent developments have increased the free available time for people. It has caused a surge in the stream time and customer base. Surveys testifies to this fact with certain locations recording a 36% increase in the number of gamers and a 21% increase in average weekly user time. The industry has garnered revenue with special merchandise for their teams. Players enjoying great fan following have even introduced their own line of special designs and merchandise for their dedicated fans. The followers love this special edition merchandise and flaunt their customized versions to show their love for this sport.
This deep success and reach of the segment prompted the WHO to join hands with leading Esports companies to launch a campaign of #PlayApartTogether to promote social distancing in these troubling times. The industry also witnessed major physical sporting bodies, adopting a virtual face for them such as the ‘Stay and Play Cup’ and the International Online shooting competition organized with 50 international professional shooters from seven countries. Professional athletes of other sports segments also joined in to promote the virtual version of their sport. The Formula one organizers even launched a virtual Bahrain Grand Prix with the professional drivers from the different teams.
It is very common for humans to look for some source of calmness or entertainment to distract themselves from the real world anxiety. Esports have surely provided such an alternative to the people and its recent surge testifies to the argument. With India moving forward with its initiatives for cheaper internet for all its citizens and technology shifting to 5G, India with its 300 million gamers is sure to house one of the largest Esports industries. This sport has now widely announced that it is here to stay and sure to conquer new heights in the coming decade.
The present and future of Indian E Sports Industry
The globe has never been in this state of stillness post the World War II. The COVID-19 pandemic is leading the world economy, which was already approaching a slow down to steep recession. The pandemic has also hit the sporting industry pretty badly. Most sports industries are in the state of expenditure cut or in some sort of shut down. But one segment that has shown a totally opposite trend is the e Sports industry.
Since many popular hangout options like theatres, malls, cafes, etc are being closed temporarily in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, online gaming and especially e-Sports is picking up pace as the most popular mode of entertainment during self-isolation. E-sporting is fast expanding its gamer base across the world and specifically in India with its 7 week long shut down and a tally of 300 million gamers. E sports has thus gained much more recognition among the millenials. People now associate it with its more accurate definition of sports, which take the form of organized multi player video game competitions that require some specific skill sets, particularly between professional players in individual or team format, rather than just the notion of computer games. It has allowed people to play online games and watch live game streaming of their favourite players in a time of social distancing, self-quarantine and containment.
The Indian gaming industry have already witnessed a steady growth over the years. Last year was the most prominent one in terms of its growth with the total industrial revenue adding to 6460 crore INR witnessing a 40% growth rate. The industry saw rise of major indigenous start-ups and heavy foreign investment. The industry was estimated to reach a total revenue worth 18740 cores INR by 2022 even before the current accelerated growth. The recent developments have increased the free available time for people. It has caused a surge in the stream time and customer base. Surveys testifies to this fact with certain locations recording 36% increase in the number of gamers and 21% increase in average weekly user time.
This deep success and reach of the segment prompted the WHO to join hands with leading E sports companies to launch a campaign of #PlayApartTogether to promote social distancing in this troubling times. The industry also witnessed major physical sporting bodies, adopting a virtual face for them such as the ‘Stay and Play Cup’ and the Internation Online shooting competition organized with 50 international professional shooters from seven countries. Professional athletes of other sports segments also joined in to promote the virtual version of their sport. The Formula one organisers even launched a virtual Bahrain Grand Prix with the professional drivers from the different teams.
It is very common for humans to look for some source of calmness or entertainment to distract themselves from the real world anxiety. E sports have surely provided such an alternative to the people and the its recent surge testifies to the argument. With India moving forward with its intiatives for cheaper internet for all its citizens and technology shifting to 5G, India with its 300 milllion gamers is sure to house one of the largest E sports industries.This sports has now widely announced that it is here to stay and sure to conquer new heights in the coming decade.
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