Gaming and eSports is one of the highest-paying industries currently in entertainment. Once viewed as little more than a hobby or a way to pass time, gaming is rapidly transforming into a global economic powerhouse. Currently, a top-grossing entertainment industry with a market value of $282 billion in 2024, it is expected to be around $363 billion by 2027. Globally, gaming has not only surpassed traditional entertainment forms in revenue but has also fostered a booming ecosystem of competitive eSports. This is gaining mainstream recognition; universities are now offering scholarships to eSports players, and it's spreading more and more with inclusion in events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and a potential entry into the Olympics.
Even traditionally conservative nations are investing heavily in this sector; recently, Saudi Arabia has committed $38 billion to the gaming industry, including $13 billion for acquiring a leading game publisher and hosting the Gamers8 festival with a $45 million prize pool.
This global shift is making its way to Bangladesh as well. Gaming; once considered a mere pastime, now offering opportunities to earn immense financial rewards and global recognition. Bangladesh's journey in eSports began modestly but has gained momentum rapidly in recent years. In 2022, the mobile game Arena of Valor had a prize pool of 2.5 million BDT, which had an offline LAN even in Jamuna Future Park. It was followed by another 7.5 million BDT tournament by the same game for the AIC South Asia qualifier. Last year, another major local tournament, D1 Cup powered by bKash, had a prize pool of 4.0 million BDT. This year, the same organisation is hosting a similar local tournament titled "Mobile Mania 2024," powered by Airtel, with an exquisite prize pool of 3.0 million BDT. These tournaments are now becoming a common trend in our country and have started to evolve beyond the monetary prize pool, offering opportunities for players to compete internationally and represent our country on the global scene.
The rise of Bangladeshi eSports isn't just about trophies and prize money; it's about changing perceptions and creating new opportunities. Bangladeshi gamers are proving their mettle in the international field and their success is reshaping our societal perceptions. The results speak for themselves. There is a bright future for eSports in Bangladesh. With the right support and infrastructure, we may become a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming.
Hamdan Bin Rashid
Undergraduate Student
Department of Accounting and Finance
North South University
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