Asia
Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024
The Indian video gaming and esports industry witnessed exponential growth in 2024, breaking into the mainstream. According to the recently published ‘India Gaming Report,’ the Indian pure-play gaming industry is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is on track to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026. With a staggering 13.85 crore gamers and an annual growth rate of 11.82% projected until 2026, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.
This year was marked by several historic milestones. India showcased its esports prowess on the global stage by securing a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024. Adding to the excitement, the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 has opened new doors for India to achieve further international acclaim in esports.
Government and state support for the industry also saw remarkable growth. The Union Cabinet announced the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is backing the inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025. States like Bihar introduced esports tournaments in schools, and Meghalaya became the first Indian state to sponsor an esports team. Nagaland also joined the momentum by hosting its first esports tournament, reflecting the growing grassroots movement across the country.
In addition to government initiatives, one of the industry leaders driving this transformation was NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports whose initiatives elevated Indian gaming to new heights. The company’s flagship esports IP, the BGMI Masters Series, not only brought esports to national television for the third consecutive year but also facilitated the entry of high-profile brands like Garnier Men and Android into the Indian esports ecosystem.
NODWIN Gaming also created one of the nation’s biggest youth entertainment events of the year by hosting DreamHack India alongside Hyderabad Comic Con. Internationally, the company acquired leading European esports company Freaks 4U Gaming and Turkey-based esports firm Ninja Global, while also partnering with the Global Esports Federation. Domestically, NODWIN Gaming expanded its footprint by acquiring Trinity Gaming and Comic Con India and collaborating with JSW Sports, reinforcing its position at the heart of youth entertainment.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming believes that in 2024, games became an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist, with creators and influencers amplifying their appeal among youth. The year witnessed significant strides in institutional support, with government recognition playing a pivotal role in legitimising esports as a sport.
“This rapid growth of gaming and esports has allowed NODWIN Gaming to evolve into a holistic youth-focused entertainment company. By focusing on curating entertainment platforms that go beyond esports, we have managed to build a comprehensive ecosystem that includes content production, event management, and community engagement, enabling us to connect with youth across multiple touchpoints. We believe that our philosophy of timeshare of mindshare has driven our strategy to reach audiences where they live, play, and engage, ensuring sustained growth and relevance,” he explains.
A significant highlight this year was the acknowledgment of the gaming industry by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time ever, the PM met with leading Indian gamers like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) to discuss the sector’s various aspects and its potential.
Creating even more history, S8UL Esports, India’s leading esports and gaming content organization, co-founded by Mortal and Animesh, completed a hat-trick of awards at the global Esports Awards, with Mortal also winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year.’ S8UL secured back-to-back victories at MOBIES 2024, with PayalGaming becoming the first Indian female to win ‘Streamer of the Year,’ further elevating India’s global esports reputation.
“2024 was a landmark year for S8UL, filled with milestones that cemented our position as leaders in global esports. In the past year, esports has solidified its position as a mainstream cultural phenomenon. The distinction between competitive esports and gaming became clearer, helping audiences and stakeholders better understand the ecosystem. At the same time, esports, traditional sports, and influencer-driven content began working more cohesively, creating synergies that enhanced fan experiences and industry growth. Brands now view esports not just as a sponsorship opportunity but as a platform for deep, authentic engagement with Gen Z and Millennials. This evolution underscores the industry’s maturity, making esports a dynamic and indispensable part of modern culture,” states Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder, S8UL Esports.
While India has long been a mobile-first gaming market, 2024 saw developments aimed at diversifying the landscape, with CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming computers, making its debut in the Indian market. Along with its groundbreaking configurator tool, the company introduced the EZPC module, allowing gamers to build PCs tailored to their favorite titles.
CyberPowerPC recently demonstrated its commitment to expanding the PC gaming community by awarding two premium gaming PCs, each valued at over INR 1 lakh, to two gamers at one of India’s largest gaming festivals in Mumbai. The initiative aimed to showcase the potential of custom gaming PCs while fulfilling the dreams of these gamers for an unparalleled gaming experience.
Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India, notes “2024 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem. Gaming has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, fueled by India’s expanding digital economy and government initiatives like ‘Digital India,’ which have provided fertile ground for the industry’s growth. The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has unlocked new demographics, driving demand for high-performance gaming rigs. At CyberPowerPC India, we have strengthened our engagement with the gaming community through partnerships with esports organizations, and our focus remains on delivering systems that combine high performance with affordability.”
Another notable development in the Indian gaming sector was 88 Pictures, the Indian animation and VFX studio behind Emmy-winning shows launching its game development division called 88 Games. With three premium titles in development, the studio aims to showcase India’s rich folklore and history to a global audience. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day call for Indian developers to make their mark internationally, positioning 88 Games as a leader in India’s growing presence in the global gaming landscape.
“In 2024, we witnessed a surge of homegrown studios and games, including our own, highlighting the immense potential for the industry’s growth. The rapid growth of gaming and esports has transformed them into viable career paths. Awareness has increased, not just about being a gamer or creator but also about the wide array of roles in the industry. While the industry is currently mobile-centric, there’s a massive opportunity in PC and console gaming. At 88 Games, we aim to fill this gap by focusing on premium titles for these platforms, contributing to a more balanced and diverse gaming ecosystem,” says Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games.
As the year closes, it is evident that Indian esports and gaming have not only grown but transformed into a cultural and economic powerhouse. Given the rapid pace of growth, the industry is all set to shape the future of entertainment both at home and on the global stage.
The post Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet
Amusnet Strengthens Asian Expansion Strategy with Strong Presence at SiGMA Asia Manila 2026
Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Asia Manila 2026. This year’s participation marks a special milestone as Amusnet celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Against the vibrant backdrop of Manila, one of Asia’s fastest-growing gaming hubs, Amusnet will present a portfolio designed to reflect both its international expertise and its strong commitment to localised player experiences. The company’s presence at SiGMA Asia is about unveiling games and products for online casino, live casino and land-based, while building long-term partnerships and deepening its strategic footprint across the Philippines and the wider Asian market.
“SiGMA Asia represents an important strategic opportunity for Amusnet as we continue to strengthen our footprint across the Philippines and the wider Asian region. The market demonstrates exceptional growth potential, and our focus remains on delivering localised gaming experiences, building strong partnerships, and expanding sustainably in one of the industry’s most dynamic regions. Celebrating our 10th anniversary makes this year’s participation even more special for us,” said Desieriel Agdeppa, Director Philippines at Amusnet.
At the heart of the showcase will be Golden Tiger 1000, one of the standout titles leading Amusnet’s Online Casino presentation. Inspired by themes and mechanics that resonate strongly with Asian audiences, the game embodies the company’s ongoing focus on combining engaging storytelling, dynamic gameplay, and entertainment-driven features. Set against a vibrant Asian-inspired backdrop, every spin is a joyful chase for rewards. Stacked symbols, cheerful Wild Tigers and the Respin Feature keep the reels full of surprises, while multipliers can boost wins up to 25,000x the bet.
Alongside it, visitors will discover a diverse lineup that includes Coin Gobbler, 20 Golden Coins: Reel Fishing, Wenshi Lion, Hot Deco Super Pot, Roman Coins, Asian Palace, 40 Extra Crown Triple Boost Golden Coins Link, Crazy Red, Clover Super Pot and Gorgon’s Luck.
The experience extends beyond individual titles. Amusnet will also demonstrate how its broader engagement ecosystem supports operators through tools such as Golden Coins Link, Tournaments and the Bonus Platform, solutions created to enhance retention, increase engagement and deliver more personalised player journeys.
The company’s Live Casino offer will bring another layer of excitement to the exhibition floor. Designed to blend immersive entertainment with high-energy gameplay, the showcase will unveil new products like Golden Goal Roulette, Eye of Ra Roulette 2000x, Candy Wheel and Vegas Gobbler LIVE, highlighting the company’s ambition to continuously evolve the live gaming experience for players and operators alike. The portfolio will also feature existing titles such as Virtual Monaco 72x, Space 120x, Vegas Roulette 500x, Showtime Roulette 500x, Football Thrill, Dynamic Roulette 120x, Live European Roulette and Speed Baccarat.
Amusnet will also highlight selected solutions from its Land-based portfolio, further demonstrating the company’s comprehensive multi-channel strategy. Among the products on display will be the Type S 55J cabinet with a striking 55-inch J-curved monitor and Jackpot Signage, designed to deliver enhanced visual impact and elevated player engagement on the casino floor.
Type S55J slot cabinets will be powered by the Amusebox 3.0.0 software. The showcase will highlight the Golden Coins Link jackpot and the renowned Jackpot Cards Plus systems. One of Amusebox’s 3.0.0 key advantages is its ability to run Jackpot Cards Plus and Golden Coins Link simultaneously on a single machine, providing operators with greater flexibility and players with enhanced jackpot opportunities.
The presentation will also include specially developed Golden Coins Link titles and popular Triple Boost games, such as 40 Power Hot Triple Boost, 40 Vampire Beast Triple Boost, 40 Extra Crown Triple Boost and Trophy Rush Triple Boost Golden Coins Link, all designed to deliver engaging bonus features and dynamic gameplay.
Completing the land-based showcase, Amusnet will present an advanced roulette centre with four terminals, combining modern design, seamless functionality and interactive multiplayer gameplay, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative casino entertainment solutions.
For Amusnet, SiGMA Asia Manila 2026 comes at a particularly important moment in the company’s regional journey. Asia continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets in the gaming industry, offering significant opportunities for innovation, expansion and long-term collaboration.
As the company celebrates ten years in the industry, its presence in Manila reflects not only how far Amusnet has come, but also where it is heading next. With a strategy centered on localised content, scalable gaming solutions and strong regional partnerships, Amusnet continues to position itself as a trusted and forward-looking provider for the evolving Asian gaming landscape.
The post Amusnet Strengthens Asian Expansion Strategy with Strong Presence at SiGMA Asia Manila 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
Playson Secures Approval from PAGCOR for Game Distribution in Philippines
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, has secured approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the distribution of its games in the regulated Philippine market.
The approval was achieved through close cooperation between Playson and its aggregation partner, Light & Wonder, enabling Playson’s portfolio to be made available to licensed operators in the Philippines.
The project was delivered in a matter of days through a coordinated effort across Playson’s and Light & Wonder sales, integration, architecture and compliance teams. From a technical perspective, the process was completed with no major market-entry or infrastructure changes needed, as Playson’s platform was already prepared to meet the relevant specifications.
The milestone marks a new regulated market entry for Playson, which already operates in 27 regulated markets worldwide. PAGCOR approval further reinforces the company’s position as a recognised entertainment supplier with a strong and expanding compliant markets’ presence, and for delivering high-quality gaming content to operators and players around the world.
Ben Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at Playson, said: “Securing PAGCOR approval is an important step in Playson’s continued regulated-market growth. The Philippines represents an exciting opportunity for the business, and we are delighted to have achieved this milestone in cooperation with our valued aggregation partner, Light & Wonder.
“This approval reflects the strength of our platform, the readiness of our technology and the expertise of the teams involved. We are proud to bring Playson’s product suite to a new audience and to further strengthen our international presence.”
The post Playson Secures Approval from PAGCOR for Game Distribution in Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
S8UL streamer Payal Dhare and OWND! launch gamer-curated fashion capsule
S8UL gaming creator and streamer Payal Dhare has partnered with OWND!, the Gen Z-focused fashion brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, to launch a gaming-inspired fashion capsule called ‘Gamer Drop’. The companies describe it as India’s first female gamer-curated capsule. The collection will be available on OWND!’s website and in the brand’s stores across India.
According to the press release, ‘Gamer Drop’ includes menswear and womenswear pieces built around gaming culture and streetwear, positioned as a creator-led collection rather than conventional creator merchandise. The campaign leans on the growing overlap between gaming culture, creator communities, and youth fashion.
Marco Agnolin, Chief Executive Officer, OWND!. said, “We see gaming today as a powerful cultural force that is shaping how young consumers express themselves, communicate, and engage with fashion. As one of India’s biggest gamers, Payal Dhare represents this new generation perfectly through her authenticity, confidence, and deep connection with the gaming community. Her influence extends far beyond gaming content, making her an ideal face for our gaming collection. Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate individuality and connect with India’s digitally native youth in a way that feels relevant, inclusive, and culture-driven.”
Payal Dhare aka Payal Gaming said, “Gaming today has become a culture and a form of self-expression for millions of young people across the country. That’s what makes this collaboration with OWND! so exciting for me. With this curation, I wanted to create something that genuinely reflects my vibe and the energy of my community. It’s stylish, comfortable, expressive – and made for people who want to own who they are.”
The release also points to India’s expanding creator economy. Citing a Boston Consulting Group report, it says India has nearly 2 to 2.5 million creators, with more than 60% of consumers exposed to creator-led content and over 30% of shoppers influenced by creators in purchase decisions.
The post S8UL streamer Payal Dhare and OWND! launch gamer-curated fashion capsule appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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