The year 2024 has been monumental for India’s gaming and esports industry, marking its transformation into a cultural and economic powerhouse. With strong government backing, international triumphs, and private sector innovation, the sector has firmly positioned itself on the global stage.
According to the India Gaming Report, the gaming industry in India is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is set to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching an estimated INR 10,487 crore by 2026. Currently home to 13.85 crore gamers, the country’s gaming population is projected to grow at an annual rate of 11.82% over the next two years, showcasing its explosive momentum.
Indian esports shone brightly on the global stage in 2024:
- A silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship.
- A bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024.
The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 by the International Olympic Committee has further ignited hopes for Indian players’ success on a larger platform.
Adding to this, S8UL Esports co-founders Naman Mathur (Mortal) and Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug) continued to elevate Indian esports with global wins, including a third consecutive Esports Award. PayalGaming, a prominent female gamer, won Streamer of the Year at MOBIES 2024, emphasizing the growing role of Indian women in gaming.
Institutional support in 2024 significantly boosted esports:
- National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR was established in Mumbai by the Union Cabinet.
- States like Bihar and Meghalaya launched grassroots esports initiatives, including school-level tournaments and state-sponsored teams.
- The WAVES Esports Championships 2025, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, gathered national attention.
Furthermore, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities saw growing involvement, with Nagaland hosting its first-ever esports tournaments, expanding the ecosystem’s reach.
Leaders like NODWIN Gaming spearheaded key initiatives in 2024, such as broadcasting the BGMI Masters Series nationally and hosting DreamHack India. International acquisitions, including Freaks 4U Gaming and Ninja Global, expanded its global presence. Collaborations with JSW Sports and Comic Con India further strengthened its domestic footprint.
Meanwhile, CyberPowerPC debuted in India, offering premium gaming PCs tailored to local preferences. The company also gifted high-performance systems to aspiring gamers, enhancing community engagement.
Esports has transcended its niche status to become a mainstream cultural force in India. Influencers and brands like Garnier Men and Android have embraced esports sponsorships, amplifying its appeal to wider audiences. Animesh Agarwal of S8UL Esports highlighted how esports is now integrating with traditional sports and influencer-driven content, becoming an integral part of modern entertainment culture.
As 2024 concludes, India’s gaming and esports ecosystem is poised for sustained growth and global influence. With robust government support, international recognition, and innovation at its core, the industry is set to redefine entertainment in the coming years.
Credit: This article is based on information from India Gaming Report 2024.
Key Highlights:
- India’s gaming industry is valued at INR 6,715 crore, projected to grow to INR 10,487 crore by 2026.
- Indian esports gained international recognition, winning medals at BRICS and Asian Esports Games.
- Government initiatives and private sector innovations fueled rapid industry growth.
- Esports emerged as a cultural and economic force, attracting global and domestic sponsorships.