Ampverse DMI Eyes Collegiate Esports Growth After Gaming Bill

The introduction of India’s Online Gaming Bill has been hailed as a transformative moment for the country’s gaming and esports ecosystem. While the law focused heavily on distinguishing real money gaming from esports and casual play, the ripple effects extend far beyond compliance. For industry leaders like Ampverse DMI, the bill is a “watershed moment” that could redefine how brands, institutions, and players engage with competitive gaming in India.

Sumedha Mahajan, Head of Marketing and Operations at Ampverse DMI, views this as a long-awaited recognition. “For the longest time, the industry has been championing esports to get the same recognition as traditional sports. I truly believe this is a landmark judgment, and I would like to see that statement age well,” she said.

Ampverse has made collegiate esports its cornerstone in India, hosting some of the largest inter-university tournaments in the country. Mahajan believes the bill’s clarity will significantly sharpen brand appetite for long-term investments.

“There is a direct impact on how brands would be looking to invest in esports. The bill future-proofs their investments by giving esports the legitimacy it deserves. This recognition creates confidence for marketers and encourages them to plan partnerships with long-term goals in mind,” she explained.

At the grassroots level, the law could transform budding esports communities within colleges. Institutions are already home to clubs and students inspired by global competitions, but Mahajan stresses that recognition at a national policy level could amplify their aspirations. “Students are eager to know where to start, they want mentorship, and many already compete at international levels. They need structured support to turn that passion into sustainable careers,” she said.

Mahajan is confident that India’s esports industry now stands at a crucial inflection point on the global map. She said, “India has the potential not only to meet the benchmarks set by global esports markets, but also to set new ones. We have the population, we have the community backing, and we now have government recognition.”

In her view, the next decade will decide whether Indian esports can rise to the same level as established markets in Asia and North America. “If regulation is done right, we can see Indian teams perform and win at the highest level,” Mahajan said.

For Ampverse, the bill is less about shifting strategies than about validation. “Our direction remains unchanged. We already host India’s largest collegiate events and plan to expand. The law reinforces what we have been building and accelerates our drive to establish ourselves as the leading voice of collegiate esports, not just in India but globally.”

As the bill sets the stage for a regulatory authority, Mahajan emphasizes what the next steps should focus on. “We need clear guidelines for tournaments and esports competitions. Beyond that, coaching and infrastructure are critical if we want to elevate collegiate esports as a stepping stone to global competitions.”

She highlights the importance of educational institutions taking active roles in the process. “Participating in traditional sports gives students academic credits and esports needs something similar. Colleges should provide esports infrastructure, mentorship, and exposure to professionals who have represented India internationally. Students need both recognition and guidance at the grassroots level.”

Ampverse envisions the next major esports champion emerging from India’s collegiate system within the next five years. With the Online Gaming Bill in place, Mahajan believes India’s esports ambitions can now align with global opportunity. “This change has validated our efforts. What’s next is about building pathways that not only fuel careers but also put India firmly on the global esports map.”