A groundbreaking collaboration has emerged in the Indian esports landscape as RISE Worldwide Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, joins forces with BLAST Esports Limited, part of BLAST ApS. This strategic partnership aims to establish a joint venture focused on enhancing esports activities across India, promising to transform the gaming scene significantly.
A New Era for Esports in India
The newly formed joint venture will leverage the strengths of both companies: BLAST’s expertise in esports media production and established publisher relationships, combined with Jio’s technological capabilities and extensive distribution networks. This collaboration is set to host exciting esports events on the JioGames platform, fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the industry.
- BLAST’s Global Reach: Bringing internationally recognized esports properties to India.
- Local Expertise: Jio’s local relationships will enhance event management.
- Innovative IP Creation: Co-developing new tournament intellectual properties tailored for the burgeoning Indian gaming market.
India’s Gaming Market on the Rise
India is currently witnessing an explosion in its gaming sector, boasting over 600 million gamers, which accounts for 18% of the global gaming population. The Indian gaming market is projected to soar from $3.8 billion in 2024 to an impressive $9.2 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 19%. On a global scale, the esports market is anticipated to leap from $2.8 billion in 2024 to $16.7 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of approximately 22%.
Leadership Insights
Robbie Douek, the CEO of BLAST, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Teaming up with Reliance, a leader in the Indian market, presents a remarkable opportunity to elevate the local esports scene. Our track record in delivering world-class tournaments positions us to bring exceptional experiences to Indian audiences. This joint venture will not only advance the Indian esports environment but also create avenues for local talents to shine on a global stage.”
Devang Bhimjyani, Head of Reliance Sports, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are confident that this collaboration will unlock the full potential of esports in India. This joint venture allows Reliance to expand its sports portfolio into the esports realm while utilizing RISE’s marketing capabilities and Jio’s distribution strengths.”
Collaborations with Leading Game Publishers
BLAST has established partnerships with major game publishers like Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, KRAFTON, and Ubisoft. Together, they produce and deliver esports for popular titles such as Rocket League, Fortnite, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2. These games collectively attract an active player base of over 350 million monthly users.
This joint venture is poised to redefine the esports landscape in India, promising thrilling competitions and innovative experiences for gamers across the nation. With the combined expertise of BLAST and Reliance, the future of esports in India looks incredibly bright.
