Gamers are getting more opportunities to monetise, turning professional

Over the previous decade, the global gaming sector has experienced remarkable expansion. According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry and TechSci Research firm, the Indian Gaming Industry is slated to reach $801 million by 2022, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.61%. The gaming industry is growing exponentially around the globe; even in India it crossed $506 million in 2016. But can gaming be a serious career option?

According to a media report, the gaming industry in India is anticipated to be worth Rs 71 billion by 2021. The industry is on its way to become a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. People have begun to pursue gaming as a career, with many people turning to gaming as a source of income.

The panel discussion on ‘Gaming: A Serious Career Yet or Not?’ during the GAMEXX 2021 Summit & Awards, held on last week, saw professional gamers, YouTube streamers and gaming creators discuss this topic. Moderated by Pranav Panpalia, Founder, OpraFx, the panellists included:

Aditya Sawant, professional Esports player, streamer, gaming creator, and social media influencer

Shivam Rao, gamer and co-founder Trinity Gaming

Ujjwal Chaurasia, GTA v gamer Youtuber (Techno Gamerz)

Shagufta Iqbal (Xyaa), Youtuber and gaming creator 

Gaming as a career option

Shagufta Iqbal: The gaming future is looking pretty good because back when I started 2-3 years ago, there were very few streamers, but now the number has increased drastically. I think more and more people are looking at getting into streaming, they are beginning to realise that gaming can become a career. So, we are on the right path, we just need some support from the brands and community.

Aditya Sawant: If you have completed your college, then you can go gaming full-time, but if you’re a student then you should give 50-50% to both studies and YouTube streaming. That’s the subtle and equal thing you can do for your career. 

Can gamers sustain and depend upon gaming completely for their livelihood?

Ujjwal Chaurasia: We can’t choose one, we have to balance both gaming and studies. The gaming industry has seen a significant rise because of the tournaments and availability of easy Internet, mainly when Jio took over the telecom market. The rise in Internet use has given a huge boost to the gaming industry. Keeping this in mind, I think we can choose gaming as a career option, but we should consistently focus on studies as well.

Shivam Rao: Looking basically from the business point of view, we see a number of opportunities available for these creators and gamers. We are at a very good stage for the past 3 years, and the gamers and creators are getting brand sponsorships from top brands. Their content is definitely being recognised and recognition means more opportunities. Since there have been a lot of gaming platforms coming in, so gamers’ content has got value like other platforms and this is a great way to monetise. Thus, when there are opportunities to monetise, then the ecosystem in itself starts to grow. 

Click here to watch the complete discussion.