Integration of Esports into Mainline Sports is a powerful promise says Khalid Wani Senior Director – Sales, India, Western Digital

Competitive video gaming, also known as esports, has become a worldwide phenomenon with a fast-expanding fan base and a considerable year-on-year revenue increase. In fact, the past few years have seen a rapid integration of esports into popular cultures globally, and India is no exception. It has progressively grown in popularity not only among the younger generation but also among the older social and professional gamers who wish to get more competitive. As opposed to online gaming, esports is characterized by competitive online games of skill that are played in tournaments. Different teams and players compete to earn titles, similar to physical sports.

Today, India is one of the fastest-growing markets for esports, and according to a recent report, the sector is expected to grow rapidly and increase from INR 3 billion in 2021 to INR 11 billion by 2025. Given its growing popularity, esports was formally recognized as a sport and granted the status of a "priority" sector by the government of India in 2018. Furthermore, in December last year, esports was integrated with mainline sports disciplines and recognized as part of the
multisport activity.

This move by the government has paved the way for esports to receive greater support both from the private and public sectors, which should further boost the growth of the industry. The government's recognition of esports has also led to the development of several policies and regulations that are aimed at encouraging and promoting further development in esports. For example, the government has set up a federation for esports, which is tasked with promoting and regulating the industry. Additionally, the government has also announced plans to establish a national esports academy to provide training and support to these aspiring athletes. This announcement was seen as a welcome move by the growing community of esports players in India.

At last count, the number of esports players in India had doubled from 300,000 in 2020 to 600,000 in 2021, according to data shared in a recent report. Available forecasts indicate that the number of esports players will breach the 1.5 million mark by 2025 and will attract 85 million viewers, 20+ broadcasters, and several brands, organizers, and publishers.

This phenomenal interest in esports is also driven by the affordability and accessibility of devices, and the widespread use of high-speed 4G and now 5G internet networks. With more and more people now being able to connect to the internet and play games online, the audience for esports in India is growing dramatically. In addition, the rise of popular streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to watch and follow their favorite players and teams.

Esports players need a combination of skill, strategy, dedication, and the right equipment to succeed. When it comes to hardware, esports players require high-performance components that can handle the demands of modern video games, which often require fast processing speeds, high-resolution graphics, and responsive controls. When it comes to storage, a solid-state drive (SSD) like the WD_BLACK™ SN850X NVMe SSD offers fast loading times, improves game performance, and provides quicker data access compared to traditional hard disk drives. This gives esports players a competitive edge by reducing the time taken to load games and levels, allowing them to react faster to in-game events.

Additionally, SSDs such as the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD from Western Digital are known for their reliability and durability, which is important for esports players who may be putting their hardware through intense use for extended periods. Dependable high-speed SSDs can be particularly beneficial for esports players who need to make quick decisions and execute their strategies with greater precision. Reliable hardware means fewer interruptions and less
downtime, which is critical for competitive gaming.

As the industry continues to mature, more players are expected to pursue esports as a viable career option, and more teams are likely to form to compete at national and international levels. Esports players in India now have access to top-notch tools, hardware, and training facilities thanks to the proliferation of esports arenas, training centers, and gaming cafes. This infrastructure will help to improve the quality of players, increase the level of competition, and lead to the growth of a robust esports ecosystem in India, with opportunities for players, teams, sponsors, and investors alike.