Competitive gaming as a means of earning has recently gained traction in India, particularly in Bengaluru, which has become a hub for gamers from around the world. The Super Smash Bros (SSB) community in Bengaluru has witnessed significant growth, with players like Shreyas, India's top-ranked SSB player at 16 years old, sharing that the COVID period sparked his gaming journey. During lockdown, he and his friend started playing SSB, participating in online tournaments, which eventually led to their involvement in competitive gaming. Players from various countries, including the UAE and Mumbai, come to Bengaluru for competitions, with Arjun Sivaram from Mumbai mentioning that he has earned over ₹1.5 lakhs through gaming, citing the potential to make money through tournament winnings. Additionally, the SSB community in Bengaluru boasts a notable presence of female gamers compared to other gaming communities.When considering the gaming landscape as a whole, our community has a significant number of female gamers. We embrace a diverse group of members, and Super Smash Bros stands out for maintaining the intricacy and challenge of professional gaming while avoiding graphic violence. The game features a wide range of characters like Kirby and Jigglypuff, catering to fans with varying entertainment preferences," explains Rahul.
Ipsita Thapa, a NIFT student and part-time cosplayer, attended the event dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda. Ipsita mentions, "It took me more than a week to create this outfit from scratch, with the raw materials costing around ₹5,000. I happily invest over ₹50,000 annually in cosplay because I enjoy bringing characters to life and spreading happiness by cosplaying at various conventions."
The professional gaming community has shown improvement over time, now successfully competing against overseas players, a feat previously uncommon. The increased dedication to practice among players is a positive development," notes Arjun Sivaram.
Nitin Rao, a graphic designer and SSB community member, highlights Bengaluru's social atmosphere as a key factor in fostering the gaming community's growth. In contrast to other cities where gaming tends to be solitary, Bengaluru's sociable environment has paved the way for a tight-knit group of friends who have evolved into a supportive gaming family.
