Just this evening, MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) met with prominent figures in India’s esports and online gaming industry for the ministry to take steps to regulate said industries. This is the first meeting held by the central ministry with esports and gambling entrepreneurs and an important first step towards regulation.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Ministry to better understand the esports and gaming space and take the first step towards regulating the industry. MeitY recognizes the gaming industry as “an important pillar of the economy.”
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology met with over 25 stakeholders in the gaming and esports industry.
The video game and esports industry in the country is on the rise, especially in the last couple of years, but this growth is also mired in controversy and debate related to online gambling and services.
MeitY met with 25 entrepreneurs from the esports and gaming industries
#Gaming industry is expected to be worth over Rs 150 Bn with great opportunities for entrepreneurship & employment. Here’s a look into what this industry can shape into — yet another sector which will give a fillip to India’s economy. #AatmaNirbharBharat @Rajeev_GoI pic.twitter.com/QCIUvKzjQT
The reaction from gamers and esports enthusiasts has been mostly positive, but there has also been palpable concern about the mixing of gambling with the gaming industry.
The industry is expected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next few years and therefore regulation has always been inevitable. It will be interesting to see what rules eventually emerge and whether they have a positive effect on the gaming industry.
The esports industry in India has seen tremendous growth over the past couple of years and tournaments on games like BGMI have shown the industry’s huge potential. The development of mobile gaming has played a major role in the growth of the industry, and studios/publishers have responded with many innovations in this area through quality games and services.