The Indian government has finally acknowledged electronic sports, or “E-Sports,” as multi-sports competitions. These competitions will be supervised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India. The 2018 Asian Games even introduced eSports as a sport, where India took home the bronze medal.
The eSports sector in India has been trying to maintain eSports distinct from the basic term “gaming.” eSports players require both their mental and physical talents to participate in these competitions. This major step of recognizing eSports, which will help to further urge and hasten the sector’s growth in India, is a significant development for the eSports industry.
International Recognition of eSports
Electronic sports, or “eSports,” is a term for video game competition. They frequently consist of team-based or solo multiplayer video game tournaments, especially involving professional teams. eSports has acquired official recognition as a sport from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Since 2007, eSports have been a component of OCA competitions. In 2019, 2021, and 2022, eSports were medal sports at the Southeast Asian Games. eSports are now recognized as legitimate sports in 46 nations, including Korea, Thailand, Finland, Italy, Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Kazasakhstan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Georgia.
Indian Government Recognizes eSports
The notice of eSports’ recognition was delivered on December 23, 2022, and was designated with the memo number S.O. 6062 (E). The Indian government recognized eSports as a multi-sport event, a major step toward acknowledging and promoting competition. This is significant news for the whole sector, given that it will undoubtedly spur growth across the industry and inspire eSports participants.
Many have expressed their appreciation for the government’s decision.
Great news for us to begin the New Year. We have been constantly working on establishing the difference between eSports and gaming, and finally, our efforts have been fulfilled. We welcome this announcement by our government under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi ji, which will open new avenues to pour in more investment opportunities in this booming industry. From now onwards, we will have to build the proper infrastructure, training facilities, and coaching for our young eSports athletes. Only a short time until we see eSports being placed in the same league as cricket, football, basketball, etc., and having similar fan power, scale and craze.
Lokesh Suji, Director of the eSports Federation of India and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF).
What Does It Mean for Indian Gamers?
The audience has overwhelmingly responded favourably to this news. The government’s effort has opened doors for the players and the industry. With the added status, gamers will be more motivated to compete in eSports events. This approach by the government will have huge effects on competitive gaming around the nation. These events will be taken just as seriously as any other type of sports competition.
Adverse Effects of the Decision
This choice does raise questions about how much time is spent playing video games. However, at this point, the Indian government has no plans to restrict the time spent playing online games. While some government officials have expressed concern about this. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, has stated that the government is aware of the dangers and difficulties associated with online gaming and has put regulations in place that require intermediaries to stop the spread of harmful information and adhere to the law.
The Next Action
The Indian government has given the issue of regulating internet gaming in India significant thought. As a result, the government has created a central regulating authority to distinguish and classify games of skill from chance-based games that include the use of real money.
The government task group has also suggested building incubators to hasten the creation of startups in the AVGC sector and has urged that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting investigate tax breaks, FDI incentives, and chances for the sector to engage in research and development.
Final Thoughts
The gaming business in India has expanded dramatically over the past several years due to the internet’s increasing usage and digital technology improvements. Due to a growing interest in gaming, there has been a considerable increase in the number of people creating content linked to gaming. This enthusiasm has prompted Indian gamers and content developers to make amazing gaming content for massive viewership. And the sector will only expand on account of this new decision.
The Indian government has stated its goals and desire to support eSports by regulating the sector. The decision would have a big impact on and help India’s gaming industry expand.
