eSports was featured as a medal sport at the Asian Games 2023, with China winning four golds. The Indian eSports scene is growing, with female gamers making significant strides.
Every month, many young gamers are becoming millionaires thanks to eSports. Over the preceding five years, there has been notable growth in the Indian internet gaming business. Many Indian eSports players have made millions of dollars via their lucrative streaming efforts and sizable subscriber bases.
But for these video games and their players, eSports’ introduction into the mainstream of sports is unique. Seven eSports divisions competed at the Asian Games 2023, held in Hangzhou, China, and offered many gold, silver, and bronze medals. eSports is one of the 41 medal sports of the Asian Games 2026, which are scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Esports Has Become A Medal Sports In Asian Games – DailyExcelsior – https://t.co/CErZ9UwXL4 #GoogleAlerts
— STEMNASTICS LLC. (@stem_nastics) February 12, 2024
eSports in the Asian Games
eSports’ increasing global appeal is confirmed by its inclusion in the Asian Games. This demonstrates that it is a legitimate competitive sport. Since debuting as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, eSports have come a long way.
Esports Given a Boost by Asian Games Debut https://t.co/KHoBe45Fwk pic.twitter.com/eDuv7GVqwB
— The Jakarta Globe (@thejakartaglobe) August 31, 2018
Seven competitive games, including Arena of Valour Asian Games Version, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, were released in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, building on the success of the debut in the Asian Games 2018.
Of the seven gold medals granted across various categories, including online football and multiplayer combat arena games, China won four, South Korea won two, and Thailand won one.
China in eSports games
In 2023, China won its first-ever esports gold medal at the Asian Games, marking a significant milestone in the esports community’s pursuit of Olympic recognition. Their esports team comprised five talented gamers who emerged victorious in the “Arena of Valor” competition. They triumphed over Malaysia in a closely watched playoff.
Andy Vermaut shares:Games-China storm to first ever Asian Games esports gold Thank you. https://t.co/5a167bT5uc pic.twitter.com/VYBecYb2n7
— Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) September 26, 2023
However, Thailand secured the game’s first eSports medal before China’s win. Thailand did this by defeating Vietnam in the bronze playoff. India, a rising force in eSports, entered a 15-person squad for the Asian Games in 2023. The eSports team participated in League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA Online 4, and Street Fighter V competitions. India remains a significant market for game developers and eSports players despite not winning a medal at the last Asian Games.
Female gamers in eSports
Despite the long-held belief that men dominate eSports, female players and developers are shattering preconceptions and impacting the video game business.
A Niko Partners analysis indicates that the market for Asian female gamers is growing. 37% of all gamers are female, and their numbers are increasing by 11% a year. This rate is almost twice as fast as the rate at which new male players are joining the industry.
In addition to being participants, female gamers make up a significant portion of the gaming industry’s earnings—roughly 23.5% of all revenues made in the Asian market. Forecasts indicate that this market might grow almost twice in the following years, bringing the gaming community one step closer to gender parity.
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