Esports trends that India saw 2022 were really exciting, and, no doubt, they’ll shape the industry in the year ahead. The Tech Panda asked esports enthusiasts and experts what events and trends in 2022 rocked the esports industry.
2022 events like the BGMI ban, significant partnerships, and esports entering mainstream media, are just some of the breath-taking events that have left us wondering what more is there to happen.
Read more: Indian esports gets official recognition as multi-sport event with MeitY as nodal ministry
Teched Up in 2022
Technology is the backbone of this industry, and as emerging tech penetrates further into our lives, esports spreads with ease and efficiency. Tech like 5G, the metaverse, and Web3 promise to take the industry to never before seen heights.
says Animesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, 8bit Creatives and an ex-esports athlete says in many respects, 2022 was a milestone year for the Esports industry.
“High speed and low latency are here to redefine gamers’ lives, and once fully implemented, they will propel the industry to unprecedented heights,” he says.
Once fully implemented, high speed and low latency will revolutionize the lives of players and propel the gaming industry to unimaginable heights
Animesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, 8bit Creatives
In addition to the significant return of on-site events in 2022, there were numerous game-changing developments, such as the debut of 5G.
“Once fully implemented, high speed and low latency will revolutionize the lives of players and propel the gaming industry to unimaginable heights,” he adds.
Then there’s big data and IoT, which have enabled real-time tracking, data monitoring, and analysis, allowing the industry to become more vigilant and dynamic. Web3 has also created opportunities for gamers and developers to become economically independent in an entirely new way.
“These additions have also helped to unite the gaming community through the enhancement of gaming experiences,” he further says.
Data management has enabled the sector to become more self-sufficient and futuristic.
“This year, we also watched the rise of the metaverse, which has been a prominent topic of conversation even while receiving conflicting reviews. Whether or not it has a significant impact on the Indian gaming sector remains to be seen, but as far as trends are concerned, it has unquestionably garnered attention from the community and companies alike.
“Assuming these tendencies continue to gain traction, I believe the Esports industry will reap significant benefits,” he adds.
BGMI Ban
Obviously, one of the most popular games in the country, BGMI, was banned during the second half of the year, which was a major setback. Esports organizations and players have started diversifying into multiple games as a result of this event. Favourably, this has prompted other game developers to invest in the Indian gaming industry, recognizing a potential to increase their market penetration in India.
2022 has been massive as well as surprising for the entire esports ecosystem in India, from seeing the most loved game in India receive a prime-time slot on Star Sports to seeing it get temporarily suspended took the entire esports industry by a surprise
Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO, Revenant Esports
“All of these elements should help bring the Indian gaming industry much-needed stability and maturity. Personally, one of our biggest milestones so far has been, S8UL being chosen as the best Content Group of the Year at the global Esports Awards 2022, earlier this month. This recognition is not only historic for Indian Esports at the same time winning this prestigious award also established our name as one of the world’s top gaming powerhouse,” says Agarwal.
“2022 has been massive as well as surprising for the entire esports ecosystem in India, from seeing the most loved game in India receive a prime-time slot on Star Sports to seeing it get temporarily suspended took the entire esports industry by a surprise,” says Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO, Revenant Esports.
Titles Like Valorant, Pokémon Unite
In 2022, we have also seen titles like Valorant, Pokémon Unite, New State getting attention and organisations in India have started following a more holistic approach towards esports and gaming.
Esports Enters Mainstream Media
The Esports industry in India has kept surpassing expectations since the pandemic and 2022 was another remarkable year that elevated the industry to bigger heights. Mainstream media such as television, OTT platforms, and INOX have telecasted as well as promoted Esports tournaments, consequently contributing to spreading awareness about gaming all around the country.
We have witnessed non-endemic brands and popular personalities from numerous industries taking a keen interest to explore the gaming industry and leverage it through collaboration
Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF)
“We have witnessed non-endemic brands and popular personalities from numerous industries taking a keen interest to explore the gaming industry and leverage it through collaboration. There has also been a tremendous rise in video gaming influencers and streamers who have been thriving in the industry and become a key medium for brands to enter the industry,” says Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF).
India Wins Bronze at Commonwealth Esports Championship
Suji emphasises that the most important aspect of video gaming in the country has undoubtedly been the inclusion of Esports in international multi-sport events with the bronze medal that India won in DOTA 2 at the Commonwealth Esports Championship and our Indian driver Muhammad Ibrahim ranked #5 globally in sim racing being the highlight of the Indian esports industry in 2022.
Read more: Esports 2023: ‘We are set to enter a new era of Web3 gaming in 2023’
“With participation in the upcoming Asian Games, Olympic Esports Week, and potentially AIMAG 2025 also being confirmed, this is the golden age for Indian Esports on the international stage,” he says.
Gaming Creator Economy
Rohit Agarwal, Founder and Director, Alpha Zegus, the next-gen marketing agency specializing in the domains of gaming and lifestyle says that the creator economy of esports has definitely boomed beyond comparison, with well over 5000 more creators taking on gaming as a content option.
Since COVID is finally out of the picture, we have seen a tremendous rise in physical/on-ground events, which is getting fans, players, content creators and brands to finally engage face-to-face after a big gap. So far, we have already seen over 15 big-scale events
Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus
“This has led to the rise of more brand endorsement opportunities, monetization tools, streaming opportunities, and more. Also, since COVID is finally out of the picture, we have seen a tremendous rise in physical/on-ground events, which is getting fans, players, content creators and brands to finally engage face-to-face after a big gap. So far, we have already seen over 15 big-scale events.
“Lastly, in 2022, we have seen more Web3 brands take interest in the space and create a whole new form of gaming,” he concludes.
