In a groundbreaking move that further solidifies the booming esports scene in India, JioCinema has joined hands with Krafton India to livestream the highly anticipated Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2023. The collaboration is set to elevate the esports experience, and with a staggering prize pool of INR 2 Crore up for grabs, the tournament has already captured the attention of over 2,000 teams. The BGIS event, split into “The Grind” phase from August 17th to 20th and the finals scheduled from October 12th to 14th, promises high-octane action and fierce competition.
The resurgence of Battlegrounds Mobile India, often referred to as BGMI, in the Indian gaming sphere is nothing short of remarkable. After a nine-month ban that left fans and players disheartened, the game’s triumphant return was made possible by Krafton’s commitment and a substantial $150 million investment, showcasing the company’s dedication to the Indian gaming community.
JioCinema, the renowned streaming platform owned by Viacom18, is expanding its horizons beyond the realm of OTT streaming by embracing esports. Partnering with Krafton India, the game development powerhouse, JioCinema will livestream every thrilling moment of the BGIS 2023. The culmination of this esports extravaganza, aptly named “The Grind,” will unfold from August 17th to 20th, followed by the BGIS 2023 streaming sessions kicking off on August 31st. The heart-pounding grand finale will be available for viewers on JioCinema from October 12th to 14th, ensuring that esports enthusiasts across the nation can savor the exhilaration of the event.
The enthusiasm for the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series is palpable, as over 2,000 teams gear up to compete for the esteemed title and a share of the impressive INR 2 Crore prize pool. The championship-winning team will walk away with a handsome reward of INR 75 Lakhs, a testament to the growing recognition of esports as a legitimate and lucrative avenue for competitive gaming.
One of the most exciting features of the BGIS livestream is the bilingual commentary that will cater to both Hindi and English-speaking audiences. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that fans from all corners of the country can engage with and enjoy the electrifying matches and thrilling moments that the tournament promises to deliver.
Hursh Shrivastava’s views on JioCinema collaboration
Hursh Shrivastava, Head of Strategy, Partnerships, and Acquisitions at Viacom18 Sports, expressed his excitement about this landmark collaboration, stating, “Esports has transcended its niche origins and has evolved into a full-fledged experience, garnering immense popularity. We are thrilled to bring forth an exhilarating experience to audiences nationwide through BGIS 2023.”
Battlegrounds Mobile India initially stormed into the Indian gaming scene in 2017, amassing an astounding 100 million registered users within its first year of launch. Despite the temporary setback caused by the ban in 2022, Krafton’s dedication to the Indian market remained unwavering. Their pledge to invest $150 million over the span of two to three years in gaming and entertainment startups signals their commitment to further fuel the country’s gaming ecosystem.
As for JioCinema, their foray into esports marks a strategic move to diversify their offerings. Known for livestreaming major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), JioCinema has already established its foothold in India’s vibrant over-the-top (OTT) ecosystem. By expanding into the esports realm, JioCinema is poised to capture the hearts of a new generation of viewers who are deeply passionate about competitive gaming.
In conclusion, the collaboration between JioCinema and Krafton India to livestream the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2023 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of esports in India. With its massive prize pool, widespread appeal, and the support of renowned industry players, the BGIS 2023 promises to be a watershed moment in the Indian esports landscape, further solidifying the country’s position on the global gaming stage.
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