An overview of the earnings and sources of income of the best players
When asked about the earning potential of successful streamers and gamers in India, 8bit Thug highlighted the harsh reality of industry dynamics. While top gamers and streamers can comfortably earn millions of dollars a year through branding and content creation, there is a significant discrepancy as many gamers struggle to make ends meet.
He said: “The top gamers and streamers make a lot of money, but there are people at the bottom who make no money at all.”
8bit Thug mentioned popular names in the Indian gaming scene such as Mortal, Scout and Mythpat, which boast millions of subscribers on platforms such as YouTube. These top creators are not only influencers, but also skilled players who successfully monetize their content.
Earnings of professional players
Discussing the professional gaming scene, 8bit Thug mentioned that “gamers competing at the highest level of esports for registered teams can earn around ₹30-35 lakh per year.” But he stressed that this level of earnings is restricted to a tiny fraction of elite players, not the thousands often imagined. The conversation turned to the rapid growth of the Indian gaming industry, especially since 2019, with a significant acceleration during the Covid-19 pandemic. pandemic. India has skyrocketed in terms of mobile game downloads, boasting a staggering 568 million online gamers. Despite this growth, 8bit Thug has identified a significant gap in defining career paths beyond being a gamer or content creator, highlighting the need for diverse roles within the industry.
Advice for aspiring players
Addressing the challenges faced by aspiring gamers, 8bit Thug presented a tough truth: Gaming itself cannot be a mainstream activity in India, given the uncertainty and competition. He advised newborn enthusiasts to maintain a backup plan, whether in education or another career, while pursuing the game as a passion until the right opportunities arise.
Luck and timing have proven to be key factors in the game’s success, and 8bit Thug admitted that being in the right place at the right time played a significant role in his own journey. “There could be hundreds of thousands of more skilled gamers and better content creators sitting at home… Luck plays a significant role in gaming success; timing is of the utmost importance.”
He emphasized the importance of understanding game strategy and developing unique skills to excel in competitive gaming environments.
The future of electronic gaming in India
Looking ahead, 8bit Thug expressed optimism about the gaming potential in India, citing emerging studios and promising titles, saying: “India will produce great games in the coming years, but it needs time and support… India’s gaming talent is promising and with the right opportunities, we can create games that will be successful around the world.”
He stressed the need for time and support in developing Indian gaming talent and creating games that were successful around the world, comparing them with success stories from other countries such as Turkey.
8bit Thug’s insights shed lithe on the multi-faceted nature of the Indian gaming industry, from the lucrative opportunities for top developers to the challenges and aspirations of aspiring gamers. As the industry continues to evolve, balancing talent, strategy and persistence remains the key to unlocking success in the energetic Indian gaming landscape.
