By Rohit Bansal, Founder of Super4
The gaming sector in India has expanded dramatically during the last two years. The IMARC group estimates that the size of the global gaming market will be $202.7 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, IMARC Group projects that the market will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.08% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $343.6 billion. These numbers make it clear how advantageous the last two years have been for the gaming industry in India. In this trend gaming business, a large section of our sizable populace has turned to esports and fantasy games.
A Growing Trend in eSports and Fantasy Gaming
Sports like fantasy games let players assemble fictional teams of actual players from a particular sport. The player’s team then engages in fantasy sports, and the success of the players there is based on their performance in real life. Another option is fantasy esports. These are comparable to fantasy sports, with the exception that the team is made up of professional esports players rather than fantasy teams for games that simulate professional sports. According to Statista, the market for interactive video games in India, which was estimated to be worth over 20 billion Indian rupees in 2021, is projected to grow significantly and surpass 50 billion rupees by 2025.
One of the main causes is that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many college students and young people stuck at home. They can meet new people while having exciting and engaging hobbies like fantasy gaming, which keeps them engaged and entertained. According to a survey by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports, although gaming has remained a passion for working people since their undergraduate years, it also serves as a getaway, a way for them to relax, and a way to relieve stress from their daily routines. With a user base of roughly 90 million in 2019, the fantasy sports market is already producing revenues that no one could have expected during the Super Selector era. The market for fantasy sports will increase from $22.31 billion in 2021 to $26.02 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 16.7%.
The Relationship Between e-sports and Fantasy Games
A fascinating phenomenon that strengthens the bond between fans of competitive gaming and e-sports is the intersection of fantasy gaming and competitive gaming. Fantasy e-sports leagues have developed as special spaces for fans to delve further into the e-sport’s realm. In this game, participants build their fantasy teams by selecting real e-sports players, simulating the thrill of conventional fantasy sports. This integration has created a dynamic environment where gamers can combine their passion for competition with their love of gaming, increasing total spectator engagement. Fans now have an interest in individual player performances as well as specific games, which has increased viewership and ignited enthusiasm for e-sports competitions. The relationship between competitive gaming and its fervent fan base is strengthened by this mutual reinforcement.
Future prospects of Fantasy and e-sports
Future possibilities for fantasy gaming and e-sports are incredibly bright. These sectors are positioned for long-term growth owing to the ongoing development of streaming services. Corporate investments are flooding in, showing how their potential is becoming increasingly recognized. E-sports and fantasy gaming have become more than simply fads because of the devoted and fervent fan base, which is still growing across the globe. Furthermore, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) integration into these simulated environments promises to revolutionize the viewing experience and produce immersive spectacles that will further attract audiences as technology improves. These industries will continue to be essential to modern entertainment because of the high competitive spirit, the rush of competition, and the sense of community.
All Things Considered!
The gaming industry has changed due to e-sports and fantasy gaming, which have turned passionate players into professional sportsmen and fans into team managers. The growth of competitive virtual worlds demonstrates the power of technology, community, and human connection. One thing is certain as the industry evolves: the thrill of victory, the anguish of failing, and the spirit of competitiveness will continue to capture fans in the digital era, making e-sports and fantasy gaming a vital part of our entertainment environment.