Real money gaming, eSports have become increasingly popular in India over the past few years, thanks in part to the availability of cheap mobile internet and penetration of smartphones.
With the rise of fantasy sports, and other real money gaming products, the industry has become a significant contributor to the Indian economy, generating employment to thousands of people while also receiving billions of investment capital.
But what does the future hold for real money gaming and eSports in India? In this article, we try to explore the same for our readers:
Mobile gaming to be crucial
One of the most significant trends in the Indian gaming market is the growth of mobile gaming and esports. India is the second-largest smartphone market in the world, and this has led to a surge in demand for mobile gaming products. According to a report by the Mobile Marketing Association, mobile gaming revenues in India are expected to reach $3 billion by 2023.
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has also been on the rise in India, with the country hosting several major esports events each year. As eSports continue to gain mainstream acceptance, it is likely that we will see an increasing number of real money gaming products centered around esports competitions.
New regulations will be framed to regulate eSports and real money gaming
As the real money gaming industry has grown in India, so too has the attention of the government and regulatory bodies. In recent years, there have been several high-profile legal battles over the legality of certain real money gaming formats, such as online rummy and fantasy sports.
As a result, there is likely to be increased government regulation of the industry in the coming years. To this effect, the government has recently notified Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as nodal ministries for online gaming and eSports respective. The regulatory regime could include implementation of a licensing requirements, more comprehensive consumer protections, and increased taxes and fees for gaming companies. The draft rules governing online gaming are already in final stages and can be notified soon.
Augmented reality, blockchain to shape gaming sector
The rapid pace of technological innovation is likely to have a significant impact on the future of real money gaming in India. From virtual reality to blockchain technology, new developments are emerging all the time that could change the way we play and gamble online.
One example of this is the use of artificial intelligence in gaming. AI-powered algorithms could be used to personalize gaming experiences, recommend new games to users, and detect problem gambling behavior. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they could have a significant impact on the safety and security of real money gaming products.
Social gaming to become significant sector
Another trend that is likely to shape the future of real money gaming in India is the rise of social gaming. Social gaming refers to games that are designed to be played with friends or other players online, and often involve virtual goods or currencies that can be bought and sold.
Social gaming has already become a major force in other markets, such as China and the United States. As social media and messaging apps continue to gain popularity in India, it is likely that we will see a growing number of real money social gaming products emerge in the coming years.
Conclusion:
The future of real money gaming in India is bright, but it is also uncertain. While there are many opportunities for growth and innovation, there are also significant challenges facing the industry.
From increased government regulation to new technologies and changing consumer preferences, gaming companies will need to be adaptable and forward-thinking in order to succeed in this rapidly evolving market.
Nonetheless, the potential rewards are substantial, and those companies that are able to stay ahead of the curve are likely to reap significant benefits in the years to come in this sunrise sector.
The mobile gaming market in India is projected to hit a $5 billion opportunity by 2025 from the current $1.5 billion, according to a recent Sequoia India and Boston Consulting Group report released last December.