In Mumbai, 17-year-old Arjun Patel dreams of esports stardom in BGMI, only to see his aspirations crushed by sudden government regulations that render his gaming prowess obsolete. This scenario reflects a turbulent landscape for India’s burgeoning esports sector, where regulatory uncertainty threatens the potential of a ₹56,000 crore industry by 2028. Ex-tournament organizer Sneha Gupta highlights the irony of gambling ads thriving alongside gaming bans, while thousands of developers and companies contend with a precarious future.
Despite the setbacks, innovative responses are emerging. Entrepreneurs like Riya Kapoor are pivoting to homegrown game development in response to bans, structuring what they call ‘ban-proof’ games. Communities around gaming have also created jobs and provided education for the youth, showcasing the economic impact of the industry.
The rise of groups like the “Gaming Guerrillas” exemplifies adaptation, as former players consult on regulatory compliance. Industry veterans advocate for strategies like transparent policies and community resilience to weather future disruptions. As gaming evolves in India, its survivors are not merely playing games; they are navigating a complex regulatory environment, illustrating a unique gameplay that blends resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
