2024: A landmark year for Indian esports with government support and global wins

The Indian gaming and esports industry experienced an explosive growth in 2024, cementing its place in the mainstream entertainment sector. The latest India Gaming Report reveals that the pure-play gaming industry is valued at Rs 6,715 crore and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%, reaching Rs 10,487 crore by 2026. With 13.85 crore gamers and an 11.82% annual growth rate expected through 2026, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.

This year was marked by significant milestones on both the national and international stages. India made its mark in esports, winning a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024. Additionally, the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 opened new doors for India to gain further recognition in global esports. “These victories highlight India’s growing influence on the global esports stage,” said NODWIN Gaming’s Co-founder and Managing Director Akshat Rathee.

Government support for the industry also surged. The Union Cabinet approved the creation of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting backed the inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025. States like Bihar introduced esports tournaments in schools, and Meghalaya became the first state to sponsor an esports team, with Nagaland hosting its first tournament, reflecting growing grassroots engagement. Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer of CyberPowerPC India, noted, “The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has unlocked new demographics, driving demand for high-performance gaming rigs.”

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in the esports and gaming sector, played a pivotal role in driving this transformation. The company’s BGMI Masters Series brought esports to national television for the third consecutive year and attracted high-profile brands like Garnier Men and Android. NODWIN also expanded its reach internationally by acquiring European and Turkish esports firms and collaborating with the Global Esports Federation.

2024 also saw the gaming industry receive unprecedented recognition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting prominent Indian gamers to discuss the sector's potential. "Gaming has become an integral part of India's cultural fabric," Modi said during the meeting. S8UL Esports, co-founded by Mortal and Animesh Agarwal, achieved major global milestones, including winning multiple Esports Awards and elevating India’s global esports standing.

Meanwhile, the Indian market witnessed the debut of CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming PCs, and 88 Pictures launched its game development division, 88 Games, aiming to bring Indian folklore to the global gaming audience. “The rapid growth of gaming has transformed it into a viable career path,” said Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games.

As 2024 ends, the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem has become a cultural and economic powerhouse, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the coming years. "Esports and gaming are no longer niche, they are mainstream," concluded Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder of S8UL Esports.