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  • International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    Mumbai: Esports, which was once a male-dominated domain, is witnessing a significant shift as female gamers are carving their own space within the landscape by challenging stereotypes. With talent, resilience, and a supportive community, women are proving that esports is a platform where skill and passion determine success, regardless of gender.

    According to the ‘Female Gamers in Asia’ report by Nikoartners, the female gamers market in Asia represents 37 per cent of total gamers, with an annual growth rate of 11 per cent, nearly double that of new male gamers. Female gamers contribute about 23.5 per cent of total revenue in the Asian games market and have the potential to double in size in the coming years.

    Brands are increasingly recognising the unique appeal and reach of female gamers and teaming up with them to tap into their considerable influence within the gaming community. The increasing presence of gaming streamers and collaborations between in-game advertising and fashion brands, such as Burberry x Minecraft, Balenciaga x Fortnite, and Gucci x Roblox, are proving to be lucrative ventures, driving higher ROI and engagement across diverse audiences.

    8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal shared his thoughts on this trend by saying, “In the budding years, the Indian Gaming Industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in Female Gamers fostering the growth of the industry as a whole. With the number of women increasing in Esports, gaming content creation, and streaming, brands recognize the immense potential and capitalize on the ability of female content creators to connect authentically with diverse audiences. At 8Bit Creatives, we align brands with our female gamers and empower aspiring gamers at the grassroots levels. This growth not only showcases the talent and expertise of female gamers but also reflects a shift in the industry.”

    As more women step into roles as developers, CEOs, designers, writers, and coaches, there is a noticeable increase in female representation across various facets of the video games industry. The latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future’, forecasts an increase in the female fan base of the overall Esports audience, rising from 23 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent by 2024.

    “As a female gamer, witnessing the progressive influx of female talent across various domains within the video game industry fills me with immense pride. Women choosing their passion over societal norms play a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative around gender representation in gaming. With more female gamers continuing to assert their place in this dynamic industry, they will inspire budding gamers and create an inclusive and welcoming space for players of all backgrounds to thrive,” noted Payal Dhare aka PayalGaming who is a part of 8Bit Creatives and stands one of India’s leading female gamers with more than three million followers on Youtube.

    The emergence of more female protagonists in games is gradually reshaping narratives and broadening the appeal to a wider audience. Historically, female video game protagonists were scarce, with characters like Lara Croft and Samus Aran standing out as exceptions. However, the gaming landscape is gradually becoming more diverse, with numerous upcoming titles featuring strong female leads, including Wonder Woman, Star Wars: OutLaws, Grand Theft Auto 6, and many others.

    Krutika Ojha, also known as KrutikaPlays, another well-renowned female gamer of 8Bit Creatives expressed her optimism by stating, “With this certainly evolving gaming industry, women are thriving in their ways to break the stereotype and make their mark in the community. Women lead in video games not only serve to attract more female gamers to the medium but also provide them with relatable and empowering role models within virtual worlds. Initiatives like these are instrumental in paving the way for a more diverse and welcoming gaming community.”

    The presence and influence of women in the Indian Esports industry is undeniable and with each achievement and contribution, they pave the way for a vibrant future for the community.

  • Union Budget 2024: Government support and tax relief key for Indian esports industry’s growth

    Union Budget 2024: Government support and tax relief key for Indian esports industry’s growth

    Mumbai: Since the Indian government’s official recognition of Esports as a multi-sport event, the industry has witnessed substantial growth as a new-age sport. The sector’s journey to mainstream recognition reached new heights with its inclusion as an official medal sport in the Asian Games 2022 and its potential entry into the Olympics.

    With finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the interim Budget for fiscal 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on 1 February, the Esports community is optimistic about the prospects of government support.

    Esports Federation of India director & Asian Esports Federation (AESF) VP Lokesh Suji noted, “We hope to see a dedicated allocation of funds for the Esports sector, alongside incentives for Indian video game development studios. This will not only encourage innovation but also enable homegrown titles to prosper within the community. To ensure the long-term success of our Esports athletes and attract more aspiring players to pursue careers in Esports, we also hope for tax relief for athletes on winnings from Esports tournaments. ESFI will remain committed to working closely with the government to further elevate the status of Esports in the country.”

    According to the “Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23” report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google, the Indian gaming industry clocked $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is set to hit $7.5 Bn by FY28.

    “The Esports industry is growing at an impressive percentage and is only forecasted to grow. We hope for fair support and conducive policies from the government in the upcoming budget to further foster this growth,” said 8Bit Creatives founder & CEO and S8UL co-founder Animesh Agarwal.

    Recognizing the industry’s potential, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala are actively engaging with Esports by organizing tournaments, establishing Esports academies, and partnering with the sector’s organizations or publishers.

    Highlighting how the involvement of state governments can be leveraged to enable the development of the video gaming community, Gods Reign CEO K R Rohith commented, “We hope for the government’s consideration and support in encouraging educational programs by adding Esports into Educational Curriculums and skill development initiatives focused on gaming and Esports. This would contribute significantly to nurturing talent within the sector, aligning with the national agenda of promoting digital skills. In addition, we earnestly suggest the allocation of funds to each state government for the organization and promotion of State Esports Championships. This collaborative effort with prominent esports organisations at the state level, starting from the school level to the national level, will undoubtedly contribute to the organic growth of esports across the nation.”

    Furthermore, there is also a call to reduce the GST on esports activities from 28 per cent to 18 per cent and introduction of regulations.

    “From budget 2024, one of the major steps I look forward to is more ‘Esports’ based activities moving to 18 per cent slab (from 28 per cent slab). Apart from this, I’m also looking forward to the government encouraging more state governments to assign budgets for the growth and promotion of Esports (similar to Bihar). Lastly, more regulations in terms of in-game and tournament winnings are expected to come in,” emphasised  Alpha Zegus founder & director Rohit Agarwal.

    With all eyes on the upcoming budget, the esports community is hopeful that government support will pave the way for a sustainable and thriving esports ecosystem in India.

  • Indian Esports: Reflecting on a historic year, Outlook for 2023

    Indian Esports: Reflecting on a historic year, Outlook for 2023

    Mumbai: The year 2023 has been defined by a multitude of key events and accomplishments for Indian Esports. The ‘Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23’ report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google states that India was home to 568 Mn gamers in FY23. The country’s gaming market hit $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is projected to reach $7.5 Bn by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent.

    The Indian contingent’s participation in the Asian Games 2022, where Esports debuted as an official medal sport, and the remarkable fifth-place finish secured by the League of Legends team emerged as the year’s crowning achievement that showcased the nation’s Esports prowess on the international stage. S8UL, India’s premier Esports organization, added to this triumph by winning the first-ever ‘Global Impact on Mobile Gaming’ at the MOBIES Awards as well as the ‘Content Creator of the Year award at the Global Esports Awards 2023.

    8Bit Creatives and S8UL founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug reflected on these milestones, stating, “The recognition on the global stage including our country’s talented contingent competing at the Asian Games 2022 and S8UL achieving unprecedented success elevated the industry’s status. The stigma surrounding gaming as a career choice has dissipated, opening new opportunities for aspiring gamers and legitimizing Esports as a viable and respected profession.”

    The year also witnessed a transformative influx of brands into the Esports ecosystem, with notable examples such as IQOO SOUL’s historic title sponsorship with Team SOUL. Animesh Agarwal highlighted the significance, saying, “The increasing involvement of non-endemic brands, their entry into the gaming space, and the rise of official tournaments have reshaped the industry’s landscape. IQOO SOUL’s title sponsorship with IQOO highlights the expanding horizons of Esports sponsorships with brands across all domains. The influx of non-endemic brands brings both financial support and broader visibility to gaming creators, organizations, tournaments, and other Esports events.”

    The amendments made to the Information and Technology (IT) Act by the Indian government played a pivotal role in distinguishing Esports from real money gaming (RMG). This recognition provided legitimacy to the sector, leading to increased sponsorships and investments.

    States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have also taken proactive steps, with initiatives such as the country’s first esports academy and tournaments. Educational institutions have also embraced Esports with the inclusion of Esports in the curriculum.

    Sharing his thoughts on these developments, the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and vice-president Lokesh Suji commented, “The future of Esports is exceptionally bright in India. Through the consistent efforts of ESFI, the Indian government officially recognized Esports as a multi-sport event and categorized it under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2022. Beyond official recognition, infrastructure development is a critical factor for the sustained growth of the Esports industry. The initiatives by our government and numerous states have laid the groundwork for potential financial backing and infrastructure growth in the coming years. Esports now proudly stands alongside the traditional sports of the country, attracting more players and sponsors to the industry.”

    After its temporary hiatus, the triumphant return of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) this year was an instrumental factor for the Indian Esports industry. Emphasising resilience and growth, Alpha Zegus founder & director Rohit Agarwal noted, “Content solutions have been our top priority in 2023, and it has been an incredible year for us. Titles like BGMI had a comeback that boosted the Esports industry by more than 4x factor, while publishers like RIOT took serious efforts and made massive investments into the Indian gaming space. In numbers, we generated more than 400 pieces of quality content for our partners and saw a 300 per cent growth in content solutions as compared to 2022. In 2024, our efforts are going to continue towards content solutions and experiential marketing, expanding our base to different regions, and bringing more quality to our work.”

    As Esports continues its ascent as a global phenomenon, the inaugural Esports World Cup 2024 and the entry of streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube into gaming signal a revolutionary shift for Indian esports in the upcoming year. The convergence of these factors coupled with other trends promises a dynamic and transformative year ahead.

  • ScoutOP stars in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 official anthem

    ScoutOP stars in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 official anthem

    Mumbai: Indian gaming sensation Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP who is part of 8Bit Creatives, a leading gaming talent management agency has become the country’s first-ever gamer to be featured in the official anthem for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after starring in the exciting video alongside notable personalities including actor Ranveer Singh, composer Pritam, commentator Jatin Sapru, choreographer Dhanashree Verma and creator Be YouNick.

    By being the sole gamer to grace the promotional video of the highly anticipated cricket tournament, ScoutOP has not only made history but has also showcased how gaming is increasingly becoming part of the mainstream landscape in India. His inclusion signifies the growing interest among brands and advertisers to collaborate with gamers as a means to connect with their highly engaging and tech-savvy fanbase.

    Sharing his thoughts on being included in the promo for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP expressed, “It feels like a great moment of reflection! It shows how far Indian Gaming has come, and also makes me look back to my own journey. Sharing the stage with figures like Ranveer Singh and working with organizations like ICC for the International cricket event of the year, ‘ICC Men’s World Cup 2023,’ is truly special! Thankful to 8Bit Creatives for setting the stage for me to work on projects like these.”

    Following its official recognition as a multi-sport event by the government, Esports has made its way into prestigious tournaments such as the Olympics Esports Week and Asian Games 2022, establishing itself as a mainstream sport.

    “As a cricket fan, it is a personally happy moment as well. Looking forward to working on more audacious projects each day. Thanks to all my viewers & fans for their support in my journey! In India, Esports holds a promising future with increasing recognition, substantial rewards, and surging popularity. The gaming industry has evolved giving rise to a new content ecosystem primarily driven by Esports players, gaming content creators, and live streamers,” he added.

    With more than 4.85 million subscribers on YouTube and four million subscribers on Instagram, ScoutOP is one of the most influential gamers in India. The 27-year-old is part of India’s leading gaming talent management agency 8Bit Creatives which is home to the country’s best gaming talents and has a rich portfolio of curating exemplary campaigns with high-profile brands.

    “This is a big moment for 8Bit Creatives and the Indian Gaming Community. Congratulations to Scout for becoming the first and only gamer to be featured in an ICC Men’s World Cup anthem so far. India’s growing gaming network is the place to get your brand conversations going and we at 8Bit Creatives are proud to open doors like these for gamers,” commented 8Bit Creatives founder & CEO and S8UL co-founder Animesh Agarwal.

    According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s media and entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, the number of brands investing in Esports in India grew from 72 in 2021 to 80 in 2022, and it is estimated to reach 100 in 2023.

    This milestone will propel the entry of brands to aid the growth of collaborations with gaming creators within the video-gaming industry in India.

  • Celebrating the rise of Esports, India’s new-age sporting phenomenon

    Celebrating the rise of Esports, India’s new-age sporting phenomenon

    Mumbai: Esports, the newest addition to the sports ecosystem is disrupting traditional norms and making waves all across the country. Once considered a niche pastime, Esports has transformed into a global phenomenon that is reshaping the traditional sports landscape in numerous ways. As the nation gears up to celebrate National Sports Day, let’s dive into the meteoric rise of this new-age sporting phenomenon.

    For any sport to gain recognition and credibility amongst the general population, it is essential to achieve significant success at major international tournaments and Esports fulfils that criterion. With remarkable bronze medals in the DOTA 2 title at the Commonwealth Games 2022, and also in the Hearthstone title at the 2018 Asian Games where Esports was a demonstration event under its belt, India has already marked its presence on the global Esports map.

    Now, the country is all set to battle it out in four different titles – DOTA 2, FIFA, Street Fighter, and League of Legends at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou where Esports is making its debut as a full-fledged medal sport. Regarding this, the Sports Ministry has also given its official approval for the 15-member contingent to represent the nation at the prestigious tournament which is a monumental step towards marking the growing significance of considering Esports as a mainstream sport.

    FIFA athlete of India a distinguished Charanjot Singh,  recently secured top seeding in the South Asian region seeding event for the Asian Games 2022. Speaking ahead of the biggest competition of his life yet, the athlete said, “I never thought I would be representing India in Esports at such a major international tournament. Having started with local tournaments it gives me immense joy to witness this rapid rise of Esports in the country. I am happy that people have understood that Esports is just like any other sport as it requires physical reflexes, strong mental strength, dedication, practice, and strategy. Every young kid with a controller in his hand will now be encouraged instead of being scolded.”

    While Esports gained the stature of a sport when the government officially recognized it as a multi-sport event, its legitimacy amongst the general public was enhanced when the government made amendments to the Information and Technology Act to establish a clear distinction between Esports and online gaming.

    Talking about the inspiring journey of Esports from being considered a hobby to an official sport,  the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director of the esports federation of India and vice president Lokesh Suji stated, “Within a year, Esports has transcended the perception of entertainment to reach the level of competitive excellence. We are extremely thankful to the government for separating Esports from the umbrella of online gaming and is not considered to be a part of iGaming, rummy, gambling, etc. With our talented athletes striving for a medal in this year’s Asian Games and the official inclusion of Esports as a medal sport for Asian Games 2026 as well, it will help in educating the general public about its significance even more. Looking at the impressive growth trajectory of the ecosystem, we eagerly await its flourishment in the country.”

    Along with major international tournaments, Esports has also made its way into mainstream media. The reach of competitive gaming has extended beyond Esports dedicated platforms, with established sports networks like Star Sports and streaming giants like JioCinema realizing the potential of the sector by broadcasting Esports events to a wider audience.

    Sharing his thoughts on the mainstreaming of Esports, S8UL founder and CEO of 8Bit creatives and co-founder Animesh Agarwal expressed, “The transition from online streaming platforms to renowned sports networks signifies a noteworthy shift in the perception of Esports, positioning it on the same level as traditional sports. As Esports tournaments become a familiar sight in households across the country, there will be a surge in interest and participation, leading to a larger pool of potential talent that we can guide, support, and represent. Additionally, with Esports solidifying its mainstream status, the interest from non-endemic brands looking to establish a presence and be a part of the gaming community will also skyrocket which is beneficial for the overall growth of the sector.”

    Esports getting the status of a mainstream sport has not only led to an upsurge in its popularity and cultural acceptance but has also created a solid foundation at the grassroots level for gamers to take it up as a viable career option.

    ScoutOP also known as Tanmay Singh who is one of the leading gamers in the country said, “As an Esports athlete, I feel more validated and motivated to grind than ever before. The recognition on different platforms like TV and major streaming services makes me realize that we’re part of a rapidly evolving industry that is capturing the hearts of people across the nation. There has never been a better time to be an Esports athlete, and I am genuinely thrilled to contribute to the ongoing gaming revolution in India.”

    According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s media and entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, the number of Esports players across all competitive level games in India increased from 600,000 in 2021 to 1 million in 2022, and it is expected to reach 2.5 million in 2023.

    As Esports continues to flourish, its landscape is evolving as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and Web3 gaming are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Esports tournaments are being conducted in stadiums, degrees, and courses for Esports in educational institutes are becoming common, and even states are building their own Esports academies. So, it is safe to say that the future of video gaming in India is exciting.