Esports in 2023 – eSports Industry shareholders give INSIGHTS on their Objectives of 2023: eSports in India had a perfect end to 2022, getting deserving recognition from the Government of India as part of multi-sports events. It has certainly witnessed massive growth, creating a separate fan base in the country. From getting a prime slot in TV Networks to recording achievements, 2022 gave it all. Taking all these positives, eSports can only grow and improve in the coming years.
In a candid chat with InsideSport, eSports individuals from different sections have shared insights regarding their short-term and also long-term objectives in the coming months and years. Here are the excerpts.
Mr. Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, 8bit Creatives
The inclusion of Esports in international multi-sport events is something I, along with the entire Esports community, eagerly anticipate. The recent declaration by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the Olympic Esports Week in 2023 has the potential to revolutionize competitive gaming worldwide. This is a positive development in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics in 2024, and it’s surely the IOC’s attempt to push Esports in the right direction. In addition to this, we have witnessed an increase in large sponsorships from non-endemic brands seeking to capitalize on the Esports industry.
In order to interact with their key demographic – GenZ & Millennials, gaming influencers have become their go-to source. Gamers have a target demographic that is very digitally savvy and fiercely loyal. Combining this highly engaged fanbase with their capacity to curate intriguing material and not just conduct brand plugs will make gamers the most sought-after influencers in the coming year. Last but not least, in-game trade, monetization, and transactions via blockchain and play-to-earn games, which have captured the attention of Indian gamers across all demographics, will also play a major role in the industry’s rapid expansion next year.
View this post on Instagram
Rohit N Jagasia, Founder and CEO of Revenant Esports
2023 is going to be a good year for esports in general with the Pokémon Unite Asia Championship followed by a potential World Championship again and Brawl Stars seeing a solid esports plan for the year will be great considering both the titles are non-violent games. Valorant Challengers League 2023 will also be a big IP in 2023 along with the CS:GO IP by Sky Esports which is still under wraps, I think 2023 will be exceptional for India with the diversification and growth we have seen in India this year.
Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF)
The metaverse, Web 3.0, and 5G are going to be revolutionary for the industry in the upcoming year and we are eagerly waiting to witness their potential and impact on gaming. We will also be seeing a lot more physical LAN tournaments in 2023 being conducted on a large scale across various Esports titles. Last but not least we have the Asian Games to look forward to where India is going to compete in five Esports titles for an official medal.
Since clarity is now slowly being established regarding the differences between Esports (which is a sport) and iGaming (fantasy, fantasy, teen patti, rummy, poker, online gaming, gambling, betting etc), we can hopefully expect official recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports next year and see Esports finally be considered as a real sport. It’s time that our esports community presents a unified voice to make India the next esports hub.
Indian Esports community DELIGHTED after Government of India gives recognition to esports as the part of multi-sports events#esports #indianesports #sports #teamindia #india@ianuragthakur @KirenRijiju @PTUshaOfficial @WeAreTeamIndia @IndiaSports https://t.co/KPqaOgwfPy pic.twitter.com/tmKM9vjEKa
— Esports Federation of India (@esfindia) December 28, 2022
Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus, the next-gen marketing agency specializing in the domains of gaming & lifestyle
What would be the three key defining trends that you are looking forward to for the Esports industry in 2023?
– More SEA & MEA scale tournaments & events, where teams & audiences from all over SEA / MEA get to participate and enjoy esports together
– More Web3 / Metaverse-related innovations in the gaming ecosystem, which enable a newer form of gaming experience and competitive gaming
– Adoption of 5G and how it would accelerate the mobile gaming industry.
