BGMI's second innings: 130 million downloads before ban, experts predict greater success

In a long-awaited move, BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) has made a return to the gaming scene, setting off a wave of excitement and opportunity for collaboration among streamers and brands in the country.

Before its ban in July 2022, BGMI totaled 130 million downloads on the Google Play store. With its return, experts predict even greater success.

The Indian government imposed a ban on BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) last year, citing concerns over data security and its potential impact on the mental health of users.

The ban generated widespread controversy and disappointment among gaming enthusiasts.

“The comeback of BGMI is a significant boost for the entire streaming industry. It will not only revive the existing content creators but also foster the emergence of new streamers in the upcoming months. This game has been a key driver of India’s gaming revolution and will undoubtedly captivate the audiences once more,” says Piyush Kumar, founder and CEO, at game streaming platform, Rooter.

According to Kumar, among all the games in India, especially in the mid-core to hard-core segment, BGMI stood out in its ability to engage the audience and foster a vibrant community of well-known creators. It played a significant role in driving the growth of gaming and esports content, becoming a cornerstone for the industry. BGMI had considerable sway, with approximately 70 percent of the e-sports sector dominated by the game, while Riot's Valorant contributed the remaining 30 percent. The ban on BGMI caused a temporary setback for the entire esports industry in the country.

As per an EY report, the esports market in India had scaled to Rs 300 crore in FY21 and is expected to reach Rs 1,100 crore by FY25. However, the segment has a much larger economic impact. The expectation is that it would generate an economic value of around Rs 10,000 crore between now and FY25, with 1.5 million players, 85 million viewers, 20-plus broadcasters and several brands, organizers and publishers collectively defining the esports market in India by then.

For the BGMI brand, the lure is simply the reach that the game offers, with experts expecting a higher audience this time around.

“The excitement is running high within the community. For our creators, the mandate is simple: to take their love for the game and connect with an audience that has been waiting for this for so long. Given the loyal fan base that BGMI already enjoys, coupled with the fact that the game is interesting enough for new players to join, we expect downloads to be off the charts,” says Animesh Agarwal, founder and CEO at e-sports consulting and talent agency 8Bit Creatives that manages a lot of BGMI players.

Rohit Agarwal, founder, and director at Alpha Zegus, a marketing agency specializing in gaming and lifestyle, says the three-month probation is very important for the game’s long-term success in its second innings in the country.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has clearly clarified that the decision to permit BGMI to return to the country will be made after a rigorous three-month trial, during which the government will closely monitor concerns related to user harm, addiction, and other pertinent issues.

“BGMI's comeback is also expected to bring back a lot of stakeholders and brands, which will be highly positive for the industry's growth. All in all, we’ll be good in the long run as long as we carefully approach these three months of probation,” he says.

Presently, there is a lot of focus on player security. Lokesh Suji, director of the Esports Federation of India and vice president of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), says, "The government of India's initiatives to establish a safe and secure ecosystem for players of all ages will play a vital role in ensuring the sustained growth and prosperity of the game. The regulation of e-sports by the ministry is a significant milestone that acknowledges the industry's potential and provides a framework for its development. This recognition will pave the way for a thriving and responsible esports landscape in the country."

In a significant development, towards the end of last year, the government officially recognized e-sports as a part of multi-sports events. The category now falls under the Department of Sports, within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.