Gaming
Tapping the Untapped: How the Indian Esports Industry is Reaching Out to a New Market for Brands
Mumbai: The esports industry in India has been on rapid growth over the past few years, with a growing number of gamers, esports enthusiasts and game developers across the nation. Esports, which refers to competitive gaming, has emerged as a mainstream form of entertainment, attracting millions of viewers, and generating significant revenue globally. In India, the esports industry is estimated to be worth over $2.5 billion by 2025, and brands are increasingly recognizing the potential of this untapped market to reach out to a diverse and engaged audience.
Although esports and online gaming have been around for some time, there has been a recent surge in interest from investors, developers, and gamers alike. Contrary to popular belief, the last decade has seen a significant increase in the popularity of esports, particularly among millennials and GenZ in India. As a result, brands are taking notice and showing more interest in the industry. Investors and developers are leveraging the growing popularity of esports and online gaming to potentially reap lucrative returns. This trend reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and its increasing appeal to both players and investors in India.
One of the key reasons why the Indian esports industry is attracting attention from brands is its massive and diverse audience base. Esports appeals to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and it has a particularly strong following among the youth population. According to reports, around 90% of esports enthusiasts in India are aged between 15 and 26 years, and this demographic presents a lucrative market for brands looking to engage with the younger generation.
Brands are leveraging the immense popularity of esports among the 15 to 26-year-old age group by utilizing various marketing channels to connect with this audience. One highly effective approach is through sponsorships and partnerships with esports tournaments, teams, and players. Tournaments like the Indian Gaming League (IGL), ESL India Premiership, and Challenger League South Asia draw in millions of viewers, providing a prime opportunity for brands to showcase their products and services to an actively engaged audience. Brands can opt to sponsor entire tournaments, teams, or individual players, gaining visibility through logos on jerseys, banners, and social media promotions. This allows brands to raise brand awareness, expand their reach, and establish meaningful connections with potential customers.
Most of the brands are working with influencers and content creators in the esports industry, apart from sponsorships, to establish connections with their desired audience. Esports influencers and content creators have a substantial following on platforms like YouTube and Instagram and wield significant influence over their fans’ purchasing choices. Brands are partnering with esports influencers to produce sponsored content, such as gameplay videos, reviews, and tutorials, which enable them to showcase their products or services in a genuine and captivating manner. This approach helps brands access the esports community and foster brand loyalty among gamers.
Another avenue that brands are exploring in the Indian esports industry is product placement and in-game advertising. Esports tournaments and games provide opportunities for brands to feature their products or services in the virtual world, reaching a captive audience. For example, a brand could have its logo displayed on virtual billboards within the game or have its products integrated into the gameplay itself. This form of advertising allows brands to seamlessly integrate their offerings into the esports experience and create memorable brand associations with gamers.
Furthermore, brands in the Indian esports industry are also exploring product placement and in-game advertising as marketing avenues. Esports tournaments and games offer opportunities for brands to showcase their products or services within the virtual world, reaching a captive audience. For instance, brands can have their logos displayed on virtual billboards in the game or integrate their products into the gameplay. This type of advertising enables brands to seamlessly integrate their offerings into the esports experience, creating lasting brand associations with players.
In conclusion, brands are recognizing the growth potential of esports as a spectator sport and are capitalizing on it. Esports tournaments draw millions of viewers online and offline, with esports gaining mainstream popularity as a form of entertainment. Brands are leveraging this trend by sponsoring esports broadcasts, creating branded content, and running advertisements during live streams or on social media platforms. In India, the viewership of esports is projected to grow significantly, offering brands a vast opportunity for reach and engagement.
The author of this article is Orangutan co-founder Jai Shah
Gaming
Skyesports, GodLike Esports sign MoU with Maharashtra Cyber
Partnership promotes esports growth and cyber hygiene across the state.
MUMBAI: Skyesports and Godlike Esports just teamed up with Maharashtra Cyber because when you’re levelling up gaming in India, even the police want to join the squad. Skyesports, India’s leading esports and gaming IP builder, and premier organisation Godlike Esports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the state’s nodal cyber security office, to foster esports development while embedding cyber hygiene and online safety practices across Maharashtra.
The agreement, formalised during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai, aligns with the state’s push to grow the orange economy and positions Maharashtra as a rising hub for digital gaming and esports. It emphasises responsible participation, cyber awareness and safe digital conduct among gamers and youth.
Under the MoU, Skyesports will organise and promote tournaments and community initiatives infused with cyber hygiene messaging. GodLike Esports will contribute through professional player mentorship, community engagement and awareness programmes encouraging positive behaviour. Maharashtra Cyber will support safety campaigns and promote responsible online practices within the ecosystem.
Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement.”
Maharashtra Cyber additional director general of police Yashasvi Yadav added, “As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem.”
Godlike Esports, founder Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude noted, “The true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. This collaboration will support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem.”
Eyrie Entertainment will cover and amplify Maharashtra Cyber’s cyber awareness activities across events and campaigns.
The partnership reflects a forward-looking effort to nurture Maharashtra’s esports talent pipeline while ensuring rapid growth is matched by strong digital safety guardrails. Further initiatives, tournaments and outreach programmes are expected to be announced soon.
In a state where gaming is levelling up faster than broadband speeds, this MoU isn’t just paperwork, it’s a power-up that turns players into safer, smarter pros, one secure headshot at a time.
