Around 190 million Americans play video games, according to a 2024 study, while about 3,500 people play esports—competitive electronic gaming in which individuals often form in teams or leagues. The esports industry is worth over $1.38 billion.
While the United States leads with the largest number of players, it also hosts major international tournaments. The International is the world’s largest esports event with over $25 million in prize money and was held in Seattle from 2012 to 2017.
While many consider playing video games to be just a hobby, esports is growing among colleges, high schools and international programs. The sport holds an opportunity for economic growth, which House Bill 1608 aims to study.
Rep. Kyle Miller, D- Fort Wayne, is the author of HB 1608 along with co-authors Rep. Robert Morris, R-Fort Wayne, and Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, D-Jeffersonville, and it is sponsored by Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce and Technology on March 3.
HB 1608 would promote the Indiana Economic Committee to do a study on the growth of esports to determine whether or not Indiana can become a hotspot hosting center for tournaments and leagues.
“It’s a growing industry worth billions of dollars, and Indiana is at a prime position to lead in this booming industry,” Miller told the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee last month.
“Studies have shown that esports can foster social interaction, sense of belonging, even for those who struggle to connect in a traditional sense.”
Franklin College built its esports gaming arena in 2021, partially funded by the Lilly Endowment with a grant of $1 million. Joshua Sanders is a senior at Franklin College and a member of the esports and football teams.
“A lot of people think it’s a joke, but it’s as serious as me being a football player,” he said. “If there was an after-school league and I could possibly make some money, I’d definitely join.”
Jake Middleton, the head coach for Indiana Tech’s esports team, wrote a letter to the committee that Miller read for the representatives.
“I have over a decade of experience working in esports, and used to compete as a player, starting back in 2005. Esports has positively impacted my life and I’m privileged to be able to have a career in esports and be a leader in the space,” Middleton wrote.
Indianapolis was home to the NBA 2K, a basketball simulation gameplay tournament, in 2022, hosted by the Indiana Sports Corp at the Pavilion at Pan Am. The tournament also held a panel where speakers discussed how they had seen creativity, innovation and success within the esports community.
Jyllian Antle is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students.
