By Jaganathan Chelliah
Driven by a surge in mobile and PC gaming, the Indian gaming landscape is booming. At the same time, esports platforms are flourishing with a growing community of talented players. But what does it mean to truly empower this passionate group? There are many aspects such as infrastructure, access to the right tools and platforms and mentorship, among others that are critical for empowering gamers.
For example, picture yourself in an intense online match, where victory hangs on the edge of every millisecond. Then, without warning, your internet connection stutters. It is not just frustrating; it is potentially disastrous for any competitive gamer. Reliable internet connectivity with low latency is the very foundation of a thriving online gaming experience. There is a growing acknowledgment of this critical need.
Fortunately, India is upgrading its internet infrastructure, and today 4G is available in most parts of the country and 5G is also beginning to make an impact. A good internet infrastructure and increasing availability of streaming platforms provide gamers an operational space to build their own communities, interact with the audience, and monetize their skills. This has opened avenues for professional gamers to earn income through sponsorships, brand collaborations, and content creation.
Industry platforms and tournaments also help empower gamers in multiple ways. These offer attractive monetary prizes, running in lakhs of rupees, which enable gamers to pursue gaming as a profession. These platforms and tournaments help gamers learn from each other, network and form future teams. Western Digital ® organises the WD_BLACK ® Cup, an esports tournament in India, to help gamers hone their skills, turn pro, and earn monetary prizes. Such events also help unearth hidden talent, create a sense of community and shared passion among gamers.
Empowerment, however, transcends the competitive arena. It is about cultivating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, and every talent finds its spotlight. Platforms such as the WD_BLACK Cup include dedicated gamer tournaments for women, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable gaming landscape.
In the quest to empower gamers, it is also important to equip gamers with the right tools and equipment. For example, today there are mice, keyboards, and even chairs specially designed for gamers, to help them enjoy their gameplay. They also need cutting-edge technology solutions, such as advanced CPU, GPU, and storage to help them maintain consistent gameplay for a longer time. Storage solutions such as the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe TM SSD offer solid performance and reliability, delivering lightning-fast speeds and advanced responsiveness.
With this powerful SSD, gamers can elevate their experience to new heights, diving deeper into immersive worlds and conquering new challenges with ease. As we look to the future, the gaming industry in India will continue to grow and thrive, fuelled by the passion and dedication of gamers and gaming enthusiasts. It is a journey of endless possibilities, and it is vital to have stakeholders who are invested in creating the right environment for gamers. With a focus on strong infrastructure, inclusive platforms, and innovative technology, we can unlock the true potential of the Indian gaming industry.
My advice to gamers is to is to keep striving for excellence, and remember, there is a whole community out there cheering you on. With the right support, the sky’s the limit! So, let us game on!
The author is the senior director, marketing- India, Middle East, and TIA at Western Digital