Gaming
Esports levels up as Indian gamers eye long term careers
MUMBAI: Game on, and game serious. A first-of-its-kind national survey suggests Indian esports players are no longer just playing for passion, but planning for pay cheques too. A new study by Yougov, commissioned by Jetsynthesys, reveals a sharp shift in how Indian esports athletes view the ecosystem, increasingly seeing it as a structured, long-term career rather than a side hustle. The findings arrive months after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 came into force, lending regulatory clarity to the sector.
According to the survey, 83 per cent of Indian esports players believe esports is financially viable as a career, with nearly half describing it as extremely viable. That confidence is translating into intent, as three out of four respondents said they have actively considered pursuing esports professionally.
Importantly, ambition now stretches well beyond the main stage. While 81 per cent expressed interest in becoming full-time competitive players or streamers, 56 per cent are keen on off-stage roles such as coaches, analysts, team managers and event organisers, underlining esports’ evolution into a multi-layered career ecosystem.
Streaming and monetisation currently offer the clearest pathways. As many as 77 per cent of respondents said they see real opportunities in content creation and monetisation, making it the most established support system outside prize money.
Yet, the report also flags friction points. Social acceptance remains a hurdle, with 82 per cent citing family support, stigma and societal perceptions as key concerns. Players are looking beyond quick fixes, calling instead for long-term enablers such as government backing, better infrastructure, mentorship and career counselling. Nearly 90 per cent rated these as critical, while 93 per cent want esports included in college and university sports events.
Perceptions of esports itself are also evolving. Almost 60 per cent of daily players now consider esports as valid a sport as physical games or mental disciplines like chess. While 69 per cent are comfortable calling professional gamers “athletes”, 40 per cent already identify as athletes themselves.
Viewership patterns mirror this shift. Four in five respondents watch esports tournaments at least once or twice a month, with high awareness of events such as the BGMI Mobile India Series, the Esports Asian Games and the Global eCricket Premier League.
Commenting on the findings,Jetsynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani said the survey marks a turning point. “Indian esports players are thinking seriously about longevity and legitimacy. The next phase must focus on durable pathways and credible institutions so India can move from participation to leadership in global esports,” he said.
The message from players is clear, the skill, ambition and audience are already in play. What India’s esports ecosystem now needs is structure that can help talent stay in the game for the long run.
Gaming
Konami concludes successful eFootball India campaign
Campaign featuring Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and other stars boosts engagement ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets football in the virtual world, even the biggest fans can’t help but score and Konami’s latest eFootball campaign in India has clearly hit the back of the net. Konami Digital Entertainment has successfully wrapped up its India campaign for eFootball, which brought together cricketers Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, actors Naslen Gafoor and Chandu Salim Kumar, and footballers Sahal Abdul Samad and Shubhasish Bose. The multi-star campaign generated strong excitement across gaming, football, and creator communities through social content, fan participation, and in-game engagement.
Building on the initial launch that featured a limited-time Lionel Messi card, the campaign united fan communities, lifestyle creators, football creators, and competitive eFootball influencers. It significantly expanded the game’s visibility and deepened engagement with fans across the country.
The campaign also saw thousands of entries submitted as part of its social media engagement challenge, reflecting high levels of community enthusiasm and active creator involvement.
Looking ahead, Konami plans to build on this momentum with more eFootball experiences for Indian fans as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. With global attention on the tournament set to rise, India will remain a key market for deepening community engagement and bringing fans closer to the action.
In a country that lives and breathes sport, Konami has shown that mixing real-world stars with virtual thrills is a winning formula leaving fans eagerly waiting for the next goal.
