Gamerji, an Indian esports platform, is expanding its gaming-as-a-service model, partnering with telecom firms in India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The platform has over 65 million users competing for virtual rewards. Despite growth challenges related to localization and cultural differences, it aims to enhance its footprint in India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, targeting major esports tournaments.
Gamerji, an esports platform based in Ahmedabad, India, along with Canadian Swamio and Belgian Strive Cloud, is advancing its gaming-as-a-service model. It has successfully integrated popular games like FIFA, Valorant, and Call of Duty with 34 telecom partners globally, enhancing user engagement through cross-border tournaments.
According to Sohan Thacker, the founder of Gamerji, their partnerships span notable telecom companies such as Vodafone Idea in India and Du in the UAE. The platform has amassed 65-70 million users, with gamers competing for virtual currency rewarded by telecom providers through incentives like free data and bill discounts.
Gamerji employs AI technology to match players based on skill levels, thereby improving gameplay experiences. Thacker mentioned a significant revenue shift, with 37% of Gamerji’s revenue now sourced from the B2B telecom segment, despite initial skepticism about user engagement on telecom apps beyond recharging services.
The MyVI app sees several thousand daily users, whereas foreign telecoms attract 20,000-30,000 active users, who generally exhibit a higher spending capacity. However, Thacker acknowledged challenges, such as data localization regulations, cultural differences, language barriers, and varying game preferences that complicate the setup of cross-country tournaments.
Looking ahead, Gamerji plans to concentrate its efforts in regions including India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while also seeking collaborations for major esports events like the Esports Olympics and Southeast Sports World Cup.
Gamerji is poised to expand its influence in the gaming-as-a-service sector, with a strong focus on telecom partnerships and a diverse gaming portfolio. The company’s strategic approach emphasizes user engagement through virtual incentives and AI-driven matchmaking, while navigating challenges posed by localization and cultural preferences. Future initiatives include significant regional expansions and collaborations with esports federations, marking a promising trajectory for growth and innovation in the industry.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
