17 June 2024 | Insights & Opinion
Namaste to fellow esports enthusiasts! The global landscape of esports is growing, and India is becoming one of the key players. Having a huge population with a massive number of young tech-savvy people and a mobile gaming culture that resonates with a booming esports ecosystem, India’s potential in the esports arena is undeniable. But to have a win over India’s esports market, companies need to understand the unique characteristics of the Indian esports Fanbase. So, Let’s get into the data and insights that will help you unlock deeper engagement with Indian Fans.
India’s Esports Fanbase: Awakening of sleeping beauty
The Indian esports market is on Fire. According to a recent report by KPMG and Google India, the Indian market for Esports is expanding at a rocket speed and is expected to reach an incredible amount of 170 million USD by 2025, which was an outcome of the surge in digitalization and penetration of smartphones (projected 870 million users by 2025, Statista) and mobile internet (currently at an astounding 820 million users according to IAMAI, June 2024). This results in a possible fanbase for esports teams and brands to comprehend. Imagine a jam-packed stadium cheering for a game winning play in a PUBG Mobile tournament, instead of a cricket six!
The mobile esports scene in India is exploding.With such a passionate and engaged fanbase, India has the potential to become a dominant force in the global esports landscape.- NOtail, Captain of OG Dota 2 Team and TI Champion
Who are these Indian Esports Fans?
Let’s get to know the faces behind the clicks and cheers:
- Mobile Gamers: Indian Esport Gamers are different compared to other Regions, where PC gaming dominates, Indian Gamers prefer Mobile esports. Main reasons for this could be convenience, easy access, abundance of smartphone availability, rapid growth of mobile games like PUBG (still boasting over 55 million monthly active users in India, Sensor Tower, 2024), Free fire, call of duty etc.
- The Young and Restive: A major portion of the esports fans in India are young people, with a majority falling in the age range of below 25. In addition, this tech savvy audience demonstrates a strong affection towards social media and online communities.
- Beyond Screen time: 2021 Global Esports observer India report says that over 70% of Indian Esports viewers are proactive in engaging with the live tournaments, actively following the team and players, and participation in mobile esports tournaments. (Viewership is expected to hit 85 million by 2025, Newzoo). Participation in mobile esports tournaments by Indian Fans has grown by an overwhelming 120% year on year in 2023 according to the Local Indian Esports Federation.
Cricket + Esports = Digital Paradise
Cricket is a national obsession in India, surprisingly this could be a key to unlock the esports fans engagement, as both celebrate teamwork and reflexes. Leveraging the existing passion towards cricket, esports team and brands can develop bridges across and establish relatable account for the esports scene, like incorporation of cricket inspired ingredients. Esports organizations can nurture a sense of national pride by support and promotion for Indian esports players on an international level. Team Vitality’s Shiva “Marz” Nandy or Velocity Gamings Raghav “DeathZz” Panwar can become a role model for a generation, like India cheers for its cricket heroes.
A data driven insight into Indian Esports Fanbase
Understanding the Indian esports fanbase, through a data driven approach supercharging the engagement strategy.
- Integrate Mobile: Prioritizing mobile content and experiences since mobile gaming reigns supreme. Developing mobile friendly esports platforms for watching tournaments, meeting with esports communities, and participating in esports activities.
- Influencers and their power: partnering with popular Indian gaming influencers and streamers could amplify the reach and enable them to connect with more young fans through their preferred platforms like Kick, Loco etc.
- Localization: Reaching to the Indian market with culturally relevant contents and narratives, incorporating elements like cricket, cinema into the esports marketing strategies without damaging the authenticity and engagement.
- Creating Communities: Nurturing a sense of community through online forums, social media groups towards the Indian esports arena, and offline events thereby boosting the interaction between fans and players.
Conclusion: A wonderful opportunity awaits
The Indian market for esports is a gigantic goldfield that hasn’t been fully tapped into yet. Comprehending the characteristics of the Indian esports fanbase and implementing data driven approach, esports teams and brands can crack the potential of this massive market. From mobile first experiences to partnering with local influencers creating a strong community and engagement, can revolutionize the Indian esports scene. It's time to explore the hidden gem!
“The passion for esports in India is undeniable. With its large and dedicated fanbase, India is poised to become a major force in the global esports scene.” - Lee “Faker” Sang-hook , South Korean professional league of legends player for T1.
References & Credits
KPMG & Google India Report: Insights on the rapid expansion of the Indian esports market.
2. Statista: Projections on smartphone users in India by 2025.
3. IAMAI (June 2024): Data on mobile internet users in India.
4. Sensor Tower (2024): Monthly active users for PUBG Mobile in India.
5. Global Esports Observer India Report (2021): Data on Indian esports viewer engagement.
6. Newzoo: Expected viewership statistics for Indian esports by 2025.
7. Local Indian Esports Federation (2023): Growth statistics on participation in mobile esports tournaments.
8. Quotations:
• NOtail, Captain of OG Dota 2 Team and TI Champion.
• Lee “Faker” Sang-hook, South Korean professional League of Legends player for T1.
Special thanks to all the esports enthusiasts, influencers, and organizations contributing to the vibrant esports culture in India.