Shrutika Patil, Pune
During the ongoing Valorant Champions 2023 event in Los Angeles, California, Jake Sin, the Head of Valorant Esports APAC at Riot Games, shed light on India’s growing prominence in the esports arena and the pivotal role Asia-Pacific plays in the industry, in an interview with Indian Express.
As the finale of Valorant Champions 2023 captivates audiences, Sin emphasized the uniqueness of the Indian gaming market.
He acknowledged the mobile-centric nature of gaming in India but stressed the company’s commitment to catering to a substantial segment of passionate players.
With millions engaging in competitive video gaming, Sin noted that India’s participation is on the rise and translating into increased esports viewership and fervor.
While acknowledging India’s relatively nascent state in the competitive gaming sphere compared to established powerhouses like China and South Korea, Sin expressed confidence in India’s potential to produce top-tier gaming talents in the near future.
Sin highlighted the Asia-Pacific region’s pivotal role in the esports ecosystem due to its significant player base, stating that the region accounts for about a third of their player base. The rich diversity of languages and cultures in the region contributes to strong local fandom, as exemplified by languages such as Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, and Hindi driving viewership.
Recognizing India’s immense gaming potential, companies like Riot Games have been drawn to the country. The thriving gaming income and player populations in India, Thailand, and the Philippines have positioned Asia to hit the billion-gamer mark by 2026.
India’s strategic importance was underscored by the recent introduction of Valorant’s first Indian agent, ‘Harbor,’ and a new Indian-themed map called ‘Lotus.’
However, India’s path to embracing esports faces challenges stemming from cultural perceptions of gaming as a career. Yet, as broadband access and smartphones become ubiquitous, brands are increasingly hosting mobile esports tournaments, aligning with the rise of gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment.
Sin revealed Riot Games’ ambition to collaborate with other esports publishers to enhance the appeal of professional gaming in India. He stressed the crucial role of the government in developing the esports industry, citing examples from South Korea and China.
Infrastructural development, including suitable venues, connectivity, logistics, security, and safety, is vital for successful esports events.