In today's world, e-gaming has emerged as one of the most popular and profitable entertainment industries, with approximately 1.1 billion active e-gamers globally1. As e-gaming continues to challenge traditional entertainment sectors like film and music, many countries are trying to capitalize on this rapidly expanding market. Similarly, Bangladesh has demonstrated considerable potential in this field with a strong focus on digital innovation.

The e-gaming sector in Bangladesh has come a long way from its beginnings in the early 2000s when the idea of local game development seemed almost unimaginable. It all started when Apple Soft IT launched its first product, Red Cloud 71. The early 2000s saw the creation of Dhaka Racing, the country’s first 3D racing game. This innovation sparked a wave of interest among young developers, leading to the release of Chittagong Racing. In 2012, a group of students developed Aerial Multi-Player Dogfight, a game they claimed was the world’s first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game to respond to body movements and voice commands. That same year, "Team 71" was established with their ambitious project Liberation 71, based on the events of the Bangladesh Liberation War. In 2014, MassiveStar Studio broke new ground by launching Hatirjheel: Dream Begins, the first commercially published video game in Bangladesh. The gaming industry continued to evolve with notable successes like 360 Degree by The Mascoteers, which topped charts with over a million downloads on both the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store in 2015. Prominent development teams such as Rise Up Labs, known for their popular game Tap Tap Ants, and other dynamic companies like Dream World Studio, 143Play.com, Ulka Games, Hamba Games are contributing to the sector’s rapid growth2,3. Bangladesh's mobile gaming industry is swiftly progressing by creating innovative games for Apple Watch, TV, and VR platforms. Their efforts are elevating the country's e-gaming industry to new heights.

As the sector grows, Bangladeshi gamers are engaging with a wide variety of gaming genres. Popular genres include casual games like Candy Crush and Teen Patti, action and adventure games such as Call of Duty and PUBG, sports and racing games like FIFA Mobile and Asphalt 9. Strategy and simulation games like Clash of Clans and Township are also widely played, alongside Dota 2 and League of Legends4. In 2023, The Daily Star reported, Bangladeshi esports players have collectively earned $216,681.51 USD from participating in 99 different tournaments5. This achievement highlights both the potential and the rising skill level of Bangladeshi players on the international esports stage. At the same time, the online casino gaming industry is rapidly gaining popularity. Players are attracted by the convenience of playing from home, with 24/7 access via mobile apps, interactive features such as Random Number Generators (RNGs) and live dealers, promotions that mimic the thrill of real-life casinos6.

According to a 2017 report by Newzoo, Bangladesh was ranked as the third-largest video game market in South Asia, following India and Pakistan, and was placed 61st among 100 countries globally7. Moreover, projections from Statista indicate that the market could reach USD 1.619 billion by 2024, with a user base of 50.8 million by 20298. A report by 6Wresearch also indicates that between 2021 and 2027, the market is set to experience significant growth. This expansion is driven by several factors, including the widespread adoption of smartphones and the introduction of 5G technology with faster connections and more immersive gaming experiences. Additionally, the rise of multiplayer games and increased subscription prices reflect the market's growing sophistication and monetization. Gaming companies are enhancing graphics and creating captivating storylines to attract a broader audience9. This emphasis on innovation and user experience is likely to maintain the market's demand. The markets also expanded due to more consumers embracing online gaming as a primary form of entertainment in the post-pandemic period.

The e-gaming sector is becoming a key contributor to the national economy in multiple ways. It brings in substantial revenue through game sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising opportunities. This flow of income not only boosts the profits of local gaming companies but also attracts foreign investments and partnership. For example, the Swedish mobile game developer Stillfront Group recently acquired a 100 percent stake in Moonfrog Labs of India and its Bangladeshi affiliate, Ulka Games Limited, for approximately Tk. 750 crores. Moreover, companies can directly contribute to the national economy through tax payments. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, Ulka Games paid a total of Tk. 4.98 crore to the Government of Bangladesh as VAT3. Additionally, the e-gaming sector has emerged as a significant source of employment opportunities across various roles. Game development companies employ software developers, graphic designers, animators, data analysts, marketing professionals etc. This growing sector not only fosters high-skilled tech jobs but also supports employment in areas such as digital marketing, customer support, and content creation. This expansion of the job market is helping to retain skilled talent within the country, reducing brain drain, and providing meaningful career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry.

As the global gaming and esports industry continues to attract substantial investment, it's clear that the sector's potential is being recognized and capitalized upon by investors worldwide. In 2023, the e-gaming global market was worth approximately $1.98 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion mark in 2024. Despite a growing interest in e-gaming, Bangladesh continues to lag significantly behind many other countries, including its neighbor, India. Over the past decade, the number of game development companies in India skyrocketed from 25 to 250, whereas there is no comprehensive data available on the exact number of game developers in Bangladesh. This lack of interest manifests in limited access to funding, inadequate training facilities, and a lack of awareness about the potential of gaming as a viable industry. Consequently, talented developers often leave for countries with more established gaming sectors which further weakens the local industry.

One of the steps the Bangladeshi government took was launching a project in 2016 titled, "Skill Development for Mobile Game and Application," of approximately Taka 282 crore. It provided basic training to over 16,100 individuals and advanced training to 624 people across various fields such as Android, iOS, game development, UI/UX design, and app monetization. According to ICT department, they have trained 28,000 youths in game development and many of them have become entrepreneurs.  Despite some challenges, Bangladesh holds several comparative advantages in e-gaming sector. One of the most significant strengths is its cost-effective talent pool. With a large, young population, Bangladesh offers a lower-cost workforce compared to many developed countries. This can be a compelling factor for both local and international companies looking to invest in game development, software engineering, and related fields. At the same time, government can implement targeted policies that can facilitate easier access to funding for startups, provide trainings or grants for advanced training in game development, AI, digital content creation etc. Creating partnerships with international gaming companies for collaboration could also enhance local capabilities and integrate Bangladesh into the global gaming industry. 

To attract more investment and development, Bangladesh needs to create a more supportive ecosystem. This could involve streamlining regulatory processes, ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights, and developing a clear legal framework that distinguishes between legitimate gaming activities and online gambling. Online betting in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly problematic, particularly during major sports events, where vast sums of money are funnelled out of the country daily through foreign-operated betting sites. Despite efforts to reduce these practices by blocking sites and freezing accounts, gamblers bypass restrictions using VPNs. To address this, Bangladesh should implement stricter penalties for illegal betting activities, enhanced digital monitoring to prevent unauthorized transactions, and cooperation with international agencies to track cross-border financial flows. As Bangladesh's e-gaming sector continues to grow, it's clear that moving forward will require strategic action, thoughtful policymaking, and a collective commitment to innovation. With promising prospects ahead, now is the time for all involved to take meaningful action. 

References

1. https://www.statista.com/topics/1551/online-gaming/

2. https://www.academia.edu/35970741/Gaming_Final_Paper_docx

3. https://www.thedailystar.net/toggle/news/meet-the-indie-studios-fuelling-the-mobile-games-industry-bangladesh-2919501

4. https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/online-gaming-types-in-bangladesh/

5. https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/made-bangladesh-how-the-local-video-games-industry-levels-3411656

6. https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/its-high-time-we-regulate-online-gaming-gambling-and-betting-711242

7. https://www.tbsnews.net/feature/panorama/unexplored-potential-game-development-bangladesh-167773

8. https://www.statista.com/statistics/490522/global-esports-market-revenue/

9. https://www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/bangladesh-online-gaming-market-2021-2027

10. https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/studies/online-gaming-statistics/

11. https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/gaming-industry-begins-bud-2017909

12. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/governments-attention-towards-bangladesh-game-industry-ershadul-hoque

13. https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/bangladesh-gaming-sectors-potential-still-untapped

14. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/cricket-fever-sparks-online-betting-frenzy-3452021