Top 5 Esports games in India

India's esports scene has seen explosive growth in recent years, driven by a surge in mobile and online gaming. Here, we explore the top five esports games that have captivated the Indian audience, detailing their user bases, unique features, and their impact on the esports landscape.

1. PUBG Mobile/BGMI

Overview: PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG Mobile) became a phenomenon in India shortly after its release. Despite facing a ban due to geopolitical tensions, it re-emerged as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), maintaining its massive popularity.

User Base:

• PUBG Mobile had over 50 million monthly active users in India before the ban.
• BGMI saw a resurgence with millions of downloads within weeks of its launch.

Key Features:

• Battle Royale Format: Up to 100 players fight to be the last person standing, with realistic graphics and immersive gameplay.
• Tournaments: Major tournaments like the PUBG Mobile India Series and PMPL South Asia, with substantial prize pools, foster competitive play.

Impact:

• Community Engagement: A strong community of streamers and professional players.
• Economic Impact: Significant contributions to the Indian esports economy through sponsorships and tournaments.

2. Valorant

Overview: Valorant, a tactical first-person shooter by Riot Games, has quickly become a favorite in India. Combining precise gunplay with unique character abilities, it offers a fresh experience in the FPS genre.

User Base:

• Estimated to have over 1.5 million active players in India.

Key Features:

• 5v5 Tactical Shooter: Teams of agents with unique abilities battle in strategic, high-stakes matches.
• Competitive Scene: Frequent local and international tournaments, such as the Valorant Conquerors Championship.

Impact:

• Professional Growth: Increasing number of professional teams and players.
• Community Engagement: Active participation in community events and streams.

3. Free Fire

Overview: Garena Free Fire is a battle royale game optimized for lower-end devices, making it extremely popular among Indian gamers, especially in regions with limited access to high-end smartphones.

User Base:

• Over 75 million daily active users globally, with a significant portion from India.

Key Features:

• Accessibility: Runs smoothly on low-end devices, expanding its reach.
• Tournaments: Events like the Free Fire India Championship and Free Fire World Series attract large viewership and participation.

Impact:

• Widespread Reach: Deep penetration in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Economic Opportunities: Emerging as a major platform for grassroots esports talent.

4. Call of Duty: Mobile

Overview: Call of Duty: Mobile offers a comprehensive multiplayer and battle royale experience, bringing the beloved franchise to mobile devices. Its high-quality graphics and diverse game modes have made it a hit in India.

User Base:

• Over 50 million downloads in India.

• Key Features:
• Diverse Modes: Includes classic Call of Duty multiplayer modes and a robust battle royale mode.
• Regular Updates: Frequent updates with new maps, weapons, and events.

Impact:

• Esports Scene: Growing number of tournaments, such as the Call of Duty Mobile World Championship.
• Community Building: Strong community presence with regular content from streamers and influencers.

5. FIFA

Overview: The FIFA series, particularly FIFA 21 and FIFA 22, continues to be a staple in the Indian esports scene. Its realistic football simulation appeals to both casual and competitive players.

User Base:

• Several million active players in India.

Key Features:

• Realistic Gameplay: Authentic football experience with licensed teams and players.
• Online Competitions: Numerous community and professional tournaments, including FIFA Global Series.

• Impact:
• Community Tournaments: Active participation in local and national level tournaments.
• Fan Engagement: Strong following among football fans and gamers alike.

Conclusion

The popularity of these esports games in India underscores the country’s growing engagement with competitive gaming. Each game has cultivated a dedicated community and significantly contributed to the evolution of the Indian esports industry. As the scene continues to expand, these games will likely remain at the forefront, driving further growth and development.