Joydeep Mukherjee on how growing inclusivity and diversity is shaping the gaming industry

The first half of the year 2023 has been a rollercoaster note, with an accelerated adoption of generative AI, AI chatbots, and digital innovations. This is bringing in new operational efficiencies, stronger strategies, a far greater emphasis on building deep bonds with various stakeholders and consumers. In keeping with the current market ecosystem, technology and a human approach are seen as going hand in hand.

Adgully’s TRENDING NOW series has been presenting important insights from key industry leaders, who highlight the major trends and developments that they see dominating the industry in the current times.

In conversation with Adgully, Joydeep Mukherjee, CMO, Deltatech Gaming, speaks about how the online gaming industry is shaping up in India this year, the steady growth of Esports, enhancing player engagement, establishing a thriving poker community in the country, and more.

Key trends dominating the gaming industry in 2023

In recent times, the online gaming industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth. According to a recent report by KPMG, the market is projected to reach $5 billion in revenue by 2025. Mobile gaming continues to be a dominant force in the industry. With the increasing availability of affordable smartphones and improving internet connectivity, mobile gaming has become more accessible than ever. This has propelled the development of sophisticated online platforms like Adda52 that allow players to compete against each other in real time.

Another important trend in the gaming industry is inclusivity and diversity. Women have actively gotten involved in online gaming and are fueling industry growth. Even on our platform, Adda52, we have witnessed a growing popularity of women poker players who have hit the ball out of the park, such as Maria Kirloskar and Pratibha Arya. Both have accomplished great feats at local and global levels.

Additionally, Esports has been on a steady rise, and it continues to gain mainstream recognition and popularity. The evolving nature of poker as an e-sport has also opened new avenues for players and enthusiasts alike. Professional poker players can now earn substantial incomes through sponsorships, endorsements, and streaming revenues, while aspiring players can generate income from poker coaching, content creation and event organisation. This has created a robust ecosystem that supports the growth and sustainability of the game. The World Series of Poker (WSOP), the most prestigious event in the poker calendar, offers multimillion-dollar prize pools and attracts top players from around the world. The emergence of e-sports-specific tournaments, such as the World Poker Tour (WPT) and the Global Poker League (GPL), further solidifies poker’s position within the competitive gaming realm.

Moreover, AR and VR technology have the potential to revolutionise the world of online poker, enhancing the player experience and transforming the way people engage with the game. AR and VR can create immersive environments, where players can feel like they are sitting at a real poker table, surrounded by other players and a virtual casino atmosphere. This level of immersion enhances the overall gaming experience and adds a new dimension of realism to online poker.

Overall, these key trends are shaping the gaming industry in 2023, presenting new opportunities, and Adda52 is committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, ensuring that our users have access to innovative gaming experiences while continuously adapting and evolving to meet their needs and preferences.

Major expectations from this year

We are optimistic about the future of the online gaming sector and believe it will continue to thrive, offering exciting and immersive experiences to millions of players in India. We anticipate the online gaming sector to experience further growth in terms of user base, revenue, and overall market size. The increasing accessibility of smartphones and the Internet, coupled with the growing interest in gaming, will contribute to this expansion. Additionally, online gaming platforms like ours (Adda52) will increasingly focus on enhancing player engagement and retention strategies. This includes personalised gaming experiences, loyalty programs, rewards, and social features that encourage community interaction and competition.

Also, the online gaming sector will have to continue to invest in building a safe and secure ecosystem for the online gaming community, not just in terms of financial transactions, but also in terms of interactions on the platform with other gamers. We believe this will further strengthen the wave of inclusivity and diversity in the community.

Key focus areas for Deltatech Gaming in 2023

Our players are in different stages of maturity in terms of their game play. While some are taking their first steps with the games, others have walked the path and have understood their own game play style and preferences. Our clear focus is to enhance platform experience for players across the spectrum, through innovative technologies. In addition, we will continue to introduce online and offline poker tournaments and formats such as ACL – Adda52 Champion Leaderboard, Fly to Vegas, Poker Night with Stars and others to offer players a chance to compete for prestigious titles and prizes. Our goal is to establish a thriving poker community, showcasing player skills and providing an immersive playing experience to our customers.