We collaborated with the Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru to gain insights into the local gaming scene. While gaming has long been a popular hobby, competitive gaming as a viable income source has only recently gained traction in India. Bengaluru has emerged as a key hub for gamers worldwide, attracting enthusiasts to compete, network, and enhance their skills on both personal and professional levels. We connected with members of the SSB community in Bengaluru to learn more about their experiences.
Shreyas, a 16-year-old ranked as India's top Super Smash Bros player, shares his gaming journey, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how the global health crisis led him and his friend to explore gaming as a pastime, eventually delving into online tournaments and fostering a newfound passion for competitive gaming. This narrative resonates with many gamers who found solace and opportunity in gaming during the pandemic.
Bengaluru attracts players from around the world, including individuals from the UAE and Mumbai, who converge in the city to participate in various gaming events and competitions. Arjun Sivaram, India's fifth-ranked Super Smash Bros player, highlights the earning potential in competitive gaming, noting that he has generated significant income through tournaments. The allure of cash prizes ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 motivates players like Arjun and Shreyas to strive for podium finishes and secure lucrative rewards.
Additionally, Bengaluru's gaming community boasts a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming a high number of women gamers. Rahul Diwakar, a tech enthusiast within the community, emphasizes the active participation of women, adding to the vibrant and inclusive gaming culture in Bengaluru.The Super Smash Bros (SSB) community has a higher proportion of female competitors compared to other gaming communities. "Although we haven't conducted an official count, when you consider the broader gaming landscape, our community attracts a significant number of female gamers. We have a diverse and inclusive group of members overall. One of the reasons for this may be that Super Smash Bros maintains the challenge and intensity of professional gaming while steering clear of graphic violence. Additionally, the game offers a variety of characters to select from, like Kirby and Jigglypuff, which appeals to fans of different entertainment genres," elaborates Rahul.
Ipsita Thapa, a student at NIFT and a part-time cosplayer, attended the event dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda. She mentions, "It took me over a week to create this costume from scratch, with the materials costing around ₹5,000. I willingly invest over ₹50,000 annually in cosplay because I enjoy bringing characters to life. I also attend various conventions as people's favorite characters to spread happiness."
The professional gaming realm has been advancing steadily. Players now frequently compete with and outperform international competitors, a change from the past. Notably, there is a visible commitment to rigorous practice among players, indicating positive progress, as stated by Arjun Sivaram.
Nitin Rao, a graphic designer and member of the SSB community, highlights the thriving gaming scene in Bengaluru. He explains, "Bengaluru is a city with a sociable population, unlike other cities where individuals tend to game in solitude. The city's outgoing nature has fostered the growth of this community. Initially, we were merely online players, but after transitioning to offline meetups, we have evolved into a tight-knit group of friends – almost like a large family. Our friendships extend beyond the game."
