Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently discussed the quickly developing esports business, which is booming because to the broad availability of affordable internet, at a meeting with some of India's leading gamers and content creators. The discussion highlighted the government's cautious approach to regulating and covered a variety of subjects, including common misconceptions about gaming and employment opportunities.

Creating a gaming industry regulatory framework was one of the primary subjects covered. Modi did, however, state that he preferred little government involvement. It would not be ideal to regulate it as it is not the nature of the government to intervene.

Gaming versus Gambling in the Indian Esports Sector

The discussion brought to light a crucial problem with the general public's image of gaming: its association with gambling. The co-owner of S8UL Esports, Animesh "Thug" Agarwal, said that esports ought to be recognized by the government as a respectable activity, stressing that it's skill-based gaming and not gambling. It will be extremely helpful once this is established and recognized by all governmental entities, including those engaged in financial activities."

Modi asked how they deal with the conflict between gambling and gaming, addressing the often blurry lines that separate the two. In response, bronze medallist Tirth Mehta from the 2018 Asian Games clarified the misconception regarding competitive gaming, saying, "The games we play are very different, however they assume it is similar to easy games like Ludo." However, that is untrue. We engage in mentally and physically taxing games like chess." 

Thug highlighted the need to distinguish between skill-based gaming and real money games (RMGs), underscoring the difference even further. He also emphasized how well-known esports competitors are throughout the world, saying, "Our athletes are competing in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games today."