The changing landscape of online gaming, it's government policies and esports regulations

When compared to other forms of entertainment, online gaming is a form of leisure that is extremely popular. With an estimated annual growth rate of 12.1%, the global gaming market is expected to reach 435 billion USD by 2028.

The changing landscape of online gaming

Considering the major players in this sector, including Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and Steam,  this industry has undergone constant change and development due to the regular release of new platforms and games, this can be both good and bad because it means there are always new and exciting games to play, but it can also make it difficult to stay up to date with the newest trends.

The addition of virtual reality to our gaming experience is one of the newest trends. The technology is now commercially viable after years of development, which encourages software developers to capitalize on this immersive gaming experience. Even so, the present is still not as real as what we imagined it would be back then. It's approaching steadily but slowly. Therefore, it's more of a gradual acclimatization to technology than a sudden revolution. Because of its many features, including improved immersion and ease of use, virtual reality is becoming more and more popular despite its high cost.

Artificial intelligence is another emerging trend (AI). Since the start of the previous decade, the use of AI in games has increased. but has grown more apparent recently. Online gaming has undergone a complete transformation thanks to AI, which is currently adapting to player preferences.

The advancement of AI in gaming has transformed Esports into a multibillion-dollar industry in the online gaming landscape.  In many countries around the world, eSports is already recognized as an official sport which clearly illustrates its dynamic. New capital circulation institutions are being created due to these developments, and they will only get bigger over time.. Esports has grown to be a popular trend among young people, and many are now thinking about it as a potential career or steady source of income. 

Rules and regulations around esports and online gaming 

In recent years, there have been numerous discussions about the necessity of regulating eSports. Given the industry's rapid growth, the laws and regulations regarding eSports have not yet reached the desired levels. It should be noted that the industry has managed to function quite effectively in spite of the lack of regulation and a formal global governance structure. However, due to concerns that the sector is being used for illegal activities, it is necessary to adopt laws and regulations to control how eSports are run. 

With the gaming and Electronic sport (esports) industry experiencing a boom and receiving recent attention, governing bodies have implemented a number of rules and regulations to guarantee that players can enjoy the game responsibly and safely.

One of these regulations is represented by a recent amendment in India. In a draft amendment to IT rules, the government proposes self-regulatory organizations for international gaming companies operating in India, but it will not permit betting.   Currently, the only requirement set forth by the law of the land is that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) be given the power to conduct this business in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

The Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, stated that self-regulatory organizations will create the filters and tests necessary to determine what gaming is acceptable, whether it be a game of chance,or anything else.

Different states in India have adopted various regulatory strategies for online gaming.

 However, because there are no centralized regulations governing online gaming, the Public Gambling Act has been adopted and modified by various State Government authorities, raising unresolved issues with online gaming taxes and the GST.

Also, in accordance with the proposed amendments, an online gaming intermediary must exercise the due diligence required by the rules when performing its obligations, including making an honest effort to discourage its users from hosting, displaying, uploading, publishing, transmitting, or sharing any online game that is in violation of Indian law, including any law pertaining to gambling or betting.

Generally , there are established rules governing video games, such as age-rating systems based on the level of violence, foul language, sexual content, and other illegal activities.

We at Shuru-Up think that with the formulation of new rules and regulations in the online gaming/esports sector, the industry will be more organized and have more opportunities to grow at a higher pace. A lot of people in India are choosing gaming as a career option but due to a lack of awareness and no specific body to govern or have regulation over this sector, the industry is not able to reach its peak. These changes in this sector can be the start of a new beginning and a way to organize the overall industry so that it can work at its full potential.