Esports feature: Mainstream media's attention to eSports likely to boost the sector

The only people who currently appreciate the sport are either young or tech-savvy. The sport hasn't reached every house the way other sports like Tennis, Cricket, Football, etc. have. 

One of the reasons for the unpopularity is that these tournaments don't take place in stadiums or are not covered by famous media platforms and sports channels. The recent interest that media has started showing in the sport is expected to take it to new heights and make it more prevalent among people who haven't even heard of it yet. 

Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series, one of the most significant eSports events in India, will be showcased by Star Sports as the channel has joined hands with Nodwin Gaming. While these eSports events are only broadcasted on online platforms like Hotstar, Sony LIV, or YouTube, this sport's entry into mainstream media is likely to increase its popularity and make it reach the mainstream audience expanding the prize pool of the eSports tournaments.

The eSports Federation of India (ESFI) had also partnered with INOX in February this year to show the qualifier rounds organised by India to shortlist the team that shall be representing India in the upcoming Asian Games. The event was called Road to Asian Games and aimed to finalise the Indian eSports team to play at Asian Games 2022. 

Nodwin Gaming had also joined with PVR last year to showcase the eSports events in Indore, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Hyderabad cities. The strategy chief at PVR, Mr Kamal Gianchandani, was highly excited about the step and said he was happy to be part of an initiative that may take eSports to the same level as the IPL. He said, "Think of this like the IPL of eSports in India. Think of theatres as the venues, akin to stadiums, for games to be played."

The sport still has a long way to go; however, the recent developments discussed above will surely attract more audiences from the small towns and cities, whose population is utterly oblivious of the sport. Because the OTT platforms are more prevalent in the cities and not in small towns, the people of small towns still solely depend on the TV for their entertainment. With the mainstream media houses showing interest in covering the sport, it is likely to show tremendous growth in the field.