Back in the day, card games used to keep a lot of people glued to the card table. We are not talking about the players. In living rooms and clubs, there would be onlookers in a poker game trying to second-guess who has better poker hands. This is prevalent even today, thanks to streaming platforms.
Popular streaming platforms like Twitch have attracted 2.5 million concurrent viewers on average in the last four years. Apart from the pioneers of streaming like Twitch and YouTube, there are numerous streaming platforms across the world. Popular gaming companies like Nvidia and Xbox also have their dedicated streaming platforms. And Indian gamers are becoming more and more engrossed in this form of entertainment.
Introducing Game Streaming Platforms
The global live-streaming market is estimated to be worth $194.7 million and garner an average per-user revenue of $1.89. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% in the next five years. At this rate, the market could grow to $234.6 million by 2029, with 124 million participants.
Gamers and game influencers broadcast their gaming sessions on these streaming platforms, which are watched by millions of viewers. They can also interact with the participants, which makes the sessions even more interesting. These platforms serve as a welcome change from playing in isolation and provide the playground that gamers need once in a while. Needless to say, it also breeds the competitive spirit among gamers.
Why Game Streaming Platforms are Becoming Popular
Game streaming platforms give you a first-hand opportunity to watch ace gamers in action. You can participate in the interactions and engage in gaming sessions yourself through live streams. All of these are available generally at no cost.
Most game streaming platforms are free, where you can sign up and start to stream or watch one instead. Like the vloggers of YouTube, there is a chance that a streaming channel can gain popularity and start monetising. For gamers, it provides the incentive to do what they love and even earn some ad revenue for the same. Besides, there are sponsored content and viewer donations to earn as well.
All the popular game streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming attract massive crowds. These platforms also get a large number of Indian gamers. However, Indian game streaming platforms are also contributing to the popularity of this segment.
How Game Streaming is Getting Localised
It has been a common observation that the earnings from platforms like YouTube can be rather unpredictable. The platform can pocket as much as 30% of the revenue earned by the streamer. Indian gamers are now turning their attention to desi alternatives.
Platforms like Jiogameswatch, Rooter and Loco are offering fixed contracts to streamers, making their income steady and transparent. Unlike foreign streaming platforms, these platforms are comparatively unstained from criticisms of pocketing streamers’ revenue. Popular Indian platforms are offering personalised features and financial incentives.
Bolstered by the positive response, Indian game streaming platforms are also spreading their wings beyond the country. Keen industry watchers would know that Loco was testing the beta version of its Arabic app for the Middle Eastern market and is also eyeing the Latin American market. Rooter also has several West Asian countries on its radar as potential markets. Domestically, both companies had signed agreements with dozens of gamers in India in a bid to enrich their streaming content.
Streaming and The Indian Gamer
Card game platforms like Pocket52 have been instrumental in popularising poker among Indian gamers. Its Poker Sports League has received a positive response from viewers who are keen to know more about poker hands and rules. There are dozens of such games that have strong live-stream demand. This popularity is reflected in the numbers too.
According to a survey released last year, 68% of hardcore gamers watch game live streams for more than one hour every day. 55% of casual gamers spend at least an hour on streaming platforms. On the higher side, 23% of hardcore gamers and 9% of casual gamers watch game live streams more than three hours a day.
This popular pastime has led celebrity gamers and gaming channels to garner a massive response from Indian gaming enthusiasts. Channels like Carry Minati have 38.5 million subscribers, Total Gaming has more than 35 million subscribers, Techno Gamerz has 34 million subscribers, and Gyan Gaming has more than 16 million subscribers. While these numbers keep changing every day, it is sufficient to gauge the popularity of game live streaming as a recreation.
Meanwhile, game streaming platforms continue to amass a strong subscriber base, with Loco alone exceeding 60 million registered users. Downloads among the 17 million Rooter subscribers were over 80 million earlier this year.
Stream On
The attractions of live game streaming are there for all to see. A front-row view of game sessions, a sense of community, and lively interactions will continue to make game live streaming the leading choice in gaming entertainment.
