The Indian Government has been aware of the scope of Esports and the gaming industry in the country. Recently the Government has been looking at ways to boost the growth of this industry, keeping in mind the size and the economic potential. Yesterday, Rajya Sabha Member, Dr. Vinay Prabhakar Sahasrabuddhe from the state of Maharashtra, made a special mention for the house on ‘developing a prudent ecosystem for esports including legally permissible e-gaming‘. The lawmaker reminded the house that this topic has been in discussion for a long time and that the Government needs to act swiftly.
Why was the call for Esports recognition made in Rajya Sabha
With Asian Games now officially considering Esports, it is in every country’s interest to give their gaming industry and esports a much-needed and vital boost so that this future-oriented industry flourishes from grassroots levels. With a country like India filled with potential, this is the right time to set a standard for the esports community in the country with the upcoming Asian Games. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Vinay P said,
What is required is to have a more holistic outlook toward Esports and gaming, and in that regard, there have to be some efforts on the part of the Government to ensure that India’s flag is represented and players are selected for these tournaments fairly and transparently. I request that wider concentrations need to be held to develop a sensitive esports ecosystem in India to further economic growth and job creation.
Dr. Vinay P, Rajya sabha
He also further drew the attention of the house to the games that will be played in the Asian Games 2022, saying, “I would like to draw the attention of the house to the fact that among the eight games that are medal sports in the Asian Games 2022 two are banned in India by the Ministry of Electronics Information Technology, due to Data pilferage concerns.”
Dr. Vinay talked about PUBG and Arena of Valor, two games banned in India in the year 2020 on allegations of threats to data security. While Krafton launched an India-specific game called ‘Battlegrounds Mobile India,‘ there is no India-specific version for Arena of Valor which prevents Indian athletes from competing at the Asian Games.
Indian players have already started to participate in the National Gaming Championships to get a chance to represent India in DOTA2, Hearthstone, Wild Rift: League of Legends, Street Fighter V, FIFA Mobile 22 at the Asian Games 2022, but there has been no information about the qualification process for Arena of Valor and PUBG Mobile.
With Asian Games 2022 just around the corner, the Indian Government’s initiative to boost the industry could potentially give rise to many talented players and organizations that will create jobs and contribute to the country’s economy.
What are your thoughts about the recognition call made for Esports in Rajya Sabha? Let us know in the comments below!
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