Challenges in esports: interview study of professional gamers in India

Abstract

The growth of esports into a worldwide phenomenon is astounding. With more and more young people trying to make a living as gamers, there has never been a better time to dive into the subject. Despite having the world’s largest youth population and the fifth largest ­economy (both promising grounds for esports), India’s esports industry is still underdeveloped. Forty-one Indian professional gamers were interviewed to determine what factors are holding back the growth of esports in the country. Our research illuminates the complex realities of professional gamers in India and the obstacles they confront on their path to the top. Findings from a thematic analysis of the data show that the difficulties of pursuing a career in esports in India are rooted in techno-economic, sociocultural-political, and psychological challenges. The best way for India to establish itself in the esports industry would be to learn from other nations’ successes and implement a localized approach uniquely suited to India’s demographic and cultural makeup.

Keywords:

• Esports
• professional gaming
• Indian esports
• esports challenges
• gaming career

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.