- India has over 500 million gamers which represents significant growth in both viewership and revenue generation
- Prime minister Narendra Modi recently urged the country’s game developers to create more products rather than be consumers
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India currently has more than 117,000 startups, many of which come from the video games and esports sector, making it one of the world’s largest economies.
According to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the games industry has over 500 million gamers which has led to significant growth in both viewership and revenue generation.
This growth has made esports and gaming a viable career for both gamers and entrepreneurs. Recently, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi urged the country’s game developers to elevate global presence and create more products rather than be consumers.
Celebrating entrepreneurs
In celebration of World Entrepreneurs Day today, we’ve put together a list of gamers who have become founders including Akshat Rathee [centre] and Gautam Virk, co-founders of NODWIN Gaming which has a valuation of $349 million as of 2023.
Pune-based startup SuperGaming under CEO and co-founder Roby John [left] is also making a global impact with titles like MaskGun and Battle Stars, and is currently developing Indus Battle Royale, India’s most anticipated game that’s now in Open Beta.
Similarly, Max Level, a marketing and PR agency founded by gamers Siddharth Nayyar [right], Nishant Patel, and Rakesh Ramachandran has evolved from a small games forum into a media business that helps both national and international brands connect with the gaming audience.
Overcoming challenges
“Building NODWIN Gaming from the ground up wasn’t easy. Convincing people that esports was not just a viable career but an industry with immense potential, especially among the youth was a tough sell,” said co-founder Rathee.
“Today, watching esports evolve from a niche interest to a mainstream sensation, with our company playing a significant role in it, brings me immense joy. Every milestone, from our first small tournament to large-scale events with global viewers, has been a proud moment.”
SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John added: “From our first venture in 2004 to launching our most ambitious battle royale – Indus, the lessons learned are countless. The most important one? Build something people truly want. Everything else, from securing investments to navigating challenges, falls into place once you focus on that.”
Advice for young entrepreneurs
With new founders often lacking guidance and experience, Rathee advises that in order to “secure investment in India’s esports industry, you need to deeply understand how the industry functions. Entrepreneurs should ensure that their product or idea builds a strong community that is not just limited to the industry.”
“Present a clear plan for revenue generation, such as through ads, sponsorships, ticketing, merchandise among others. Investors seek businesses with solid revenue models and growth potential, so having a robust strategy is crucial.”
Max Level’s Nayyar added: “Don’t give away equity easily and remember that fundraising is just a stepping stone. Focus on building a profitable business and solving a problem you’re passionate about. Have a solid plan, but remain flexible and adapt as you go. Lastly, surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and is committed to overcoming challenges.”
