Indian Esports experts notify top tech & gaming trends to watch out for in 2024

With the meteoric rise of the Indian Esports industry in 2023, the sector is poised for rapid growth in 2024, acquiring a substantial player base and generating significant revenue.

As Esports has been confirmed as a medal sport for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, India’s video gaming community will be beginning their preparations to seize the opportunity to represent their country on the global stage.

From active state involvement in the promotion of Esports to educational institutes introducing dedicated Esports degrees and scholarships in curriculum, the contribution of the Indian government will provide a structured pathway for aspiring gamers and foster a self-sufficient gaming ecosystem.

Moreover, technological trends such as the integration of AI and Metaverse gaming, alongside the rise of homegrown games, access to international resources, and strategic brand collaborations will empower a new generation of gaming creators.

In regards to what 2024 holds for Indian Esports, a cross-section of Indian Esports industry stakeholders share their insights on the top tech and trends that will shape the country’s video-gaming landscape in the year ahead:

Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives and Co-Founder of S8UL:

“As we enter 2024, strategic collaborations within the gaming industry are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the overall sector. We anticipate a significant surge in India-specific games, similar to Indus Battle Royale, which seamlessly integrates the rich and diverse culture of our nation into the gaming world. These titles will offer gamers additional tournaments to compete in and thrive within a homegrown title.

Furthermore, we will also witness the implementation of Esports programs, degrees, and scholarships by educational institutions to raise awareness about gaming in the country. This initiative aligns with the government's promotion of gaming in the country and will empower aspiring gamers at the grassroots level.”

Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President, Asian Esports Federation (AESF):

“One of the pivotal milestones on the horizon is the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in 2026, where Esports has been confirmed as an official medal sport. Building on the debut of Esports as a medal sport at the Asian Games in 2022, its continued inclusion in this prestigious tournament stands as a testament to the growing recognition of Esports as a mainstream sport on the international stage.

ESFI is committed to contributing to a thriving Esports ecosystem in the lead-up to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Over the next two years, our focus is to assemble the best possible Indian contingent starting right from meticulously organizing national qualifiers to ensure a fair qualification process for our athletes. We will leverage our partnerships with Hama and FITGMR to provide top-notch gaming gear and coaching to the contingent to make sure that they are well-prepared to not just compete, but bring laurels for the country.

Furthermore, the trend of increasing participation and support from various states that are embracing Esports as a legitimate sporting discipline is set to continue in the upcoming year. This positive momentum, marked by the establishment of dedicated academies, integration of Esports into educational curriculums, organization of tournaments, and forging partnerships for the overall development of video gaming, will be instrumental in expanding the footprint of Esports within the sporting landscape.”

Naman Mathur aka Mortal, Co-Founder of S8UL (a leading Esports organisation):

“More skin in the game by top brands – we see that brands who have been invested in gaming for a long time have now deepened their commitment, in the shape of more long-term and close to business collaborations. An example is MG’s Comet, a car launched for gamers earlier in the year, where I was personally involved in the launch. IQOO partnering with Team Soul is another example of a top mobile device brand deepening their immersion in the gaming world.

Additionally, artificial intelligence enhancements and Metaverse Gaming trends will open doors to a future where virtual worlds seamlessly blend with gaming narratives. Merging these technological trends with the surge of Esports tournaments with higher prize pools promises a year full of exciting opportunities for gamers and creators alike.”

Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus (the next-gen marketing agency specializing in the domains of gaming & lifestyle):

“The top tech trends to watch out for in 2024 for the gaming sector will be led by deeper integration of AI as a MUST supplementary tool for content creation ideas, SEO optimisation, etc. 

The way Indian Gaming is scaling up on a global stage, we will soon have more access to international experts, software, and resources in gaming. More content creation and monetisation tools from platforms like Meta, Google, Kick, Twitch, etc., will allow more forms of expression and give rise to a new generation of creators.”