PM Modi Engages in dialogue with India's leading Gamers to Foster Development of Country's Esports Industry

In a pivotal move to propel the growth of India's burgeoning Esports sector, the nation's prominent gaming personalities gathered for a landmark discussion with Honourable Prime Minister Modi, focusing on advancing the country's video gaming domain.

The roundtable conversation brought together notable figures such as Animesh Agarwal (8Bit_Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) from 8BitCreatives, India's premier gaming influencer management agency, alongside Ganesh Gangadhar (SKRossi), Anshu Bisht (GamerFleet), Mithilesh Patankar (MythPat), and Tirth Mehta.

Esports in India has evolved from a recreational activity to a modern-day 'multi-sport' phenomenon, officially acknowledged by the government. According to the latest FICCI-EY report titled '#Reinvent: India's media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future', Esports tournament participation surged to 1.8 million in 2023, spanning various prominent titles and competitive tiers, with an anticipated rise to 2.5 million in 2024. Furthermore, game streamers experienced a substantial uptick in viewership, particularly in Tier-II cities, with a growth rate of 20% to 25%.

Mr Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), said: "Meeting the Honorable Prime Minister Modi ji is a dream come true for our gamers and Esports athletes. Last year, our government recognized Esports as a sport and differentiated it from the umbrella term of online gaming. It is also encouraging that Modi ji realizes the difference between gambling, online gaming, video gaming, and Esports.

"I am pretty sure that with the support of our government under the leadership of Modi ji, we will be able to create enough opportunities where our Indian Esports athletes will be able to win medals, not only within India but internationally. We also look forward to Modi ji and his government's consistent support to grow the Indian Esports ecosystem."

Reflecting on the significant discussion on the exponential growth of Esports in India with the Honorable Prime Minister, Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives and Co-Founder of S8UL, expressed, "It was truly an honour to discuss the rapid rise of Esports in India with our honourable Prime Minister Modi and share our vision about revolutionizing the future.

"I was personally awed at the PM's understanding of the nuances of the industry, especially when he mentioned that the industry right now needs to grow with support, and not regulation from the government. We also discussed ease of business around gaming and literally voiced our aspirations at the highest possible forum. Gaming is now a mainstream sport and with the government's support we will be able to take it to the next level."

Naman 'Mortal' Mathur, Co-founder & CMO of 8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL, described the experience as surreal, stating, "Being in the presence of the PM, discussing the topic closest to my heart, was indeed surreal. Who thought I would be playing with the PM & personally walking him through the nuances of one of the games around the theme of Indian mythology? I hope this moment is an inflexion point for gaming & esports in India."

Reflecting on the interaction, Payal Dhare expressed her gratitude, stating, "Discussing prospects for female gamers in India with the PM made my journey so much more worthwhile. I realized that he is a great listener, and perfectly paraphrased the difference between esports & gaming content creation, something we now hope everyone will be able to understand.

"His vision for game development in India around Indian culture, environmental issues, etc is something I felt very strongly about, and I hope it helps take Indian games to the global stage. Thanks to sir for gifting us a lifetime memory."

Lokesh 'Goldy' Jain, Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, conveyed his pride, stating, "This is bound to have outcomes for the industry which I look forward to, but as of now I am focussing on the happiness I am feeling. Having three of my own sit with the PM and discuss gaming & esports, reminds me of why I do what I do. I am completely aligned with the PM's vision, and hope to work towards it with my team, to the extent we can."