(January 6, 2024) Let me confess. Back in my growing-up days, if a youngster had expressed a desire to pursue a career in the gaming industry to their parents, a stern lecture would likely have followed. However, it’s remarkable how much has changed in just the last five years. India has emerged as a global leader in the mobile gaming market, boasting the highest number of app downloads.
A couple of years ago, the nation proudly claimed 421 million online gamers, and this figure has witnessed an impressive eight percent growth in 2023. What’s intriguing is that the driving force behind this surge is not solely composed of multi-million-dollar companies, but rather young teenagers. These individuals are not just participating in the gaming scene; they are actively shaping the future of the industry.
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According to a recent survey, over 80 percent of Generation Z has engaged in computer gaming in the past year, surpassing Millennials by 50 percent. Their commitment is evident in the staggering statistic that they spend nearly 80 hours per week immersed in gaming. Some of these young Indian gamers have not only played and live-streamed their gaming sessions but have also garnered millions of viewers on YouTube, achieving both fame and considerable wealth.
Global Indian turns the spotlight on some of the industry’s top players, highlighting how they are not only changing the game but also influencing the trajectory of the entire gaming landscape.
Akarsh Chaudhary aka Vivone
The youngest of this e-gaming army, Vivone is a seven-year-old gamer from Mumbai, who has not just participated in but also won several tournaments. The young kid began his gaming journey at four, after watching his father playing popular games such as PubG on his mobile. Having a huge following of 108K followers on Instagram and more than four lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vivone has produced over 6000 live streams and videos. “I recently took part in the SkyEsports Streamers Showdown, where I played against several top gamers from across the country. I won the first prize of ₹15 lakh, even my opponents were impressed with the way I played in the tournament,” the gamer shared during an interview.
Earning an average of $6000-7000 per month through live-streaming games, Vivone is now gearing up to represent India in international tournaments. “When I started playing, I never thought I would have so many followers and subscribers. Now, my only goal is to dominate in international tournaments. Right now, I am looking for under-13 age group tournaments being organised mainly in the US, Europe, Korea, and China,” shared the young gamer.
- Follow Vivone on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to his YouTube channel
Ajay aka Total Gaming
A YouTube sensation boasting an impressive 38.2 million subscribers, initially ventured into gaming by playing smartphone titles like Clash of Clans in 2015. The gamer then transitioned to Garena Free Fire, influenced by the game’s growing popularity among his friends in India. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that Ajay officially launched his YouTube channel, focusing on playing and streaming computer games.
Balancing his gaming pursuits, Ajay also works as a freelance “growth hacker” in Surat. In an interview, he revealed that his initial motive for diving into gaming was simply to make friends. “I started with the intent of making friends and playing games, and I was thrilled to see three to four people joining me in watching and playing,” he shared. Ajay has achieved notable success, winning several tournaments both in India and internationally.
Beyond his gaming achievements, Ajay holds the distinction of being the first individual in India to provide Hindi dubbing for an English game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Reflecting on this accomplishment, he mentioned, “People widely accepted and engaged with that series, and I am working on more such content to stand out in the gaming market.”
- Follow Total Gaming on Instagram or subscribe to his YouTube channel
Ujjwal Chaurasia aka Techno Gamerz
Recognised as one of India’s premier gamers, Ujjwal has amassed a substantial following of 37.6 million on his YouTube channel. Originating from New Delhi, Ujjwal embarked on his gaming journey at a young age, fuelled by a childhood passion for video games. His inaugural gaming experience involved the classic Snow Bros, a game he first encountered at his brother’s residence. As he matured, Ujjwal’s interest shifted towards the immersive world of GTA: Vice City.
Reflecting on his introduction to the open-world genre, the gamer expressed, “I hadn’t played any open-world games before that, and it was a blast. The game lets you do everything from driving to fighting other people and stealing vehicles, and so much more.”
Ujjwal’s ascent to fame is credited to his captivating and dynamic storytelling style while playing games, a factor that continues to contribute to the consistent growth of his channel. Sharing his perspective, he stated, “My priority has always been to entertain the audience while playing games like GTA, and I strive to deliver unique and fresh content with each episode. Maintaining that level of creativity is the biggest challenge I face while making my videos.”
- Follow Techno Gamerz on Instagram, or subscribe to his YouTube channel
Shagufta Iqbal aka Xyaa
A former software engineer turned prominent gamer, Xyaa has not only represented the country in numerous tournaments but has also established partnerships with major brands such as Intel, Logitech, and Loco for various events. Specialising in Valorant, Xyaa has been streaming on YouTube since 2012 – making her the first female online gamer in the country – amassing an impressive 285K subscribers. When discussing her current gaming preferences, she shared, “I am currently engrossed in CS: GO, Dota 2, H1Z1, and the Dark Souls series. However, I also have a deep affection for titles like Skyrim, the Witcher series, Rust, and Dying Light. I particularly enjoy casual streaming.”
Despite her success, navigating the gaming landscape as a female hasn’t been without its challenges. While Xyaa’s streams enjoy significant popularity, she has encountered instances of cyberbullying. Addressing this aspect of her journey, she remarked, “There are a few haters. As a female gamer, some may feel that I do not deserve to be on this platform. Ups and downs are part of the journey, but the support from my fans far outweighs the negativity.”
- Follow Xyaa on Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube channel
