From Snake to eSports: A Personal Journey Through Gaming’s Evolution
By Vishal Dagur
Published July 29, 2024
Gaming has evolved from a niche hobby to a multi-billion-dollar industry, and my personal journey mirrors this transformation. Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the gaming industry has surged over the past few years, driven by technological advancements and cultural shifts.
A Humble Beginning: From Snake to Spider-Man
My gaming journey began in the early days of mobile technology. I vividly remember playing classic games like Snake and Tetris on basic mobile phones. The landscape changed dramatically when my elder brother gifted my father a Lenovo smartphone, which featured a pre-installed Spider-Man game. This moment was a revelation; the touch screen and the immersive gameplay were revolutionary for me.
The Restrictive Yet Familiar Gaming Culture
Growing up in India, the gaming culture was shaped by strict boundaries set by parents. Gaming was limited to short periods, a common practice that persists to some extent today. Despite these restrictions, my passion for gaming endured. As I transitioned into outdoor sports, like badminton, I discovered a new realm of competitive spirit and skill development.
From Badminton to Free Fire: A New Frontier
My journey took a significant turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional sports were off-limits, and boredom set in. My younger brother introduced me to Free Fire, a popular online battle royale game. At the time, our devices were less than ideal—my brother’s phone had 3GB RAM and lagged considerably, while my own was even less capable.
The Evolution of Gameplay: From Two Fingers to Mastery
Initially, playing with two fingers felt standard, but as I observed international gamers, I realized the potential of multi-finger setups. Transitioning to a three- or four-finger configuration required practice and adaptation, but it was essential for improving accuracy and reflexes. My gameplay evolved as I mastered timing, strategic placement of landmines, and the intricacies of headshots.
Rising Through the Ranks: Local Tournaments to National Recognition
With persistence and an upgraded device, I began participating in local and price-pool tournaments. Each competition was a learning experience, pushing me to refine my strategies and skills. The journey from struggling in local tournaments to winning national-level competitions was challenging but rewarding.
The Growing Importance of Gaming in India
The gaming industry in India has seen unprecedented growth, with increasing recognition and support from the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives have played a crucial role in this expansion:
- Promotion of AVGC Sector: The Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector has been acknowledged as a significant contributor to India’s creative economy. The formation of an AVGC task force aims to boost job creation and export potential.
- Encouragement of Local Development: The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative supports Indian developers in creating culturally relevant games. Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” has encouraged young developers to draw inspiration from Indian heritage.
- Digital Infrastructure: The Digital India campaign and BharatNet project have improved internet connectivity, facilitating the growth of online gaming across the country.
- Skill Development: The Skill India Mission and educational initiatives are focused on nurturing talent for the gaming industry.
- International Collaboration: The government’s efforts to partner with global gaming companies and participate in international events have attracted investment and technology.
- Recognition of Esports: The official recognition of esports as a legitimate sport has provided a structured framework for competitive gaming.
- Support for Startups: The Startup India initiative offers incentives for gaming startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural Integration: Encouraging games that reflect Indian culture promotes both national pride and global interest.
A Bright Future for Indian Gaming
As I reflect on my journey from playing Snake to competing in national gaming tournaments, I am excited about the future of the gaming industry in India. The support from government initiatives and the growing community of gamers signal a bright future for aspiring gamers and developers alike. The evolution of gaming, both personally and professionally, has been a testament to the industry’s remarkable growth and potential.
For those embarking on their own gaming journey, the key is persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change. The gaming world is vast and ever-evolving, offering endless opportunities for those ready to take on the challenge.