SonyLIV launches TV show-based OTT gaming destination
Details
Rebecca Hawkes
| 02 July 2019

Indian video-on-demand (VOD) platform SonyLIV is rolling out an over-the-top (OTT) gaming destination with over 100 TV show-based games.

The VOD platform, operated by Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India, hopes to reach 50 million new users through the move. The games are curated around some of SPN’s biggest IP’s, across channels such as KBC, CID, Crime Patrol, The Kapil Sharma Show, Patiala Babes, Baalveer, Kicko and Super Speedo.

In addition to the multiplayer video quiz and augmented reality-enabled formats, SonyLIV claims to be the first OTT player in India to launch show-based games.

“India houses 10% of the world’s gamers and this number is slated to rise exponentially. With the launch of our OTT gaming platform, we intend to trigger this target segment and capture the market to an extent of 50 million users,” said Uday Sodhi, business head, SPNI.

“This falls in line with India’s OTT market share predictions, which is expected to triple its size in the next four years. Our database of 100+ games will cater to every generation of gamers that we aim to engage with through a plethora of events to capture their attention.”

The gaming destination will offer everything from video quiz formats to uniquely designed board games to big-ticket tournaments, catering for users aged 7-35, said SPNI.

The Game Store will host a 24X7 tournament feature which offers consumers a chance to win between INR 1/- to INR 5000/- depending upon the size and duration of the tournament. In addition, through the Daily Rewards feature users also get a chance to meet-and-greet celebrities or attend famous shows like KBC, Indian Idol, The Kapil Sharma Show, Super Dancer and others.

SPNI head of content, partnerships & new initiatives Amogh Dusad said: “At SonyLIV, we always try to push the envelope in user engagement by diversifying our offerings. The launch of our OTT gaming destination with absolute in-house expertise is a leap ahead in content innovations and ushering in an experience unexplored before on OTT.

“The multiplayer video quiz and augmented reality format Games also give our audience a chance to reconnect with their favourite shows and characters in a completely different and engaging context.”

The Indian gaming industry is estimated at INR 43.8 billion in FY18 and is expected to grow further at 22.1% CAGR taking it to INR 118.8 billion by 2023, according to a recent KPMG-Indian Federation of Sports Gaming report.