Taboola script Diabled on 7th April on request Adpushup head code Diabled on 7th April on request
In an exclusive interaction with Muhammed Aqib TP, CEO of WAFA, a voice-centric socio gaming platform tells Reshmi AR talks about the growth of online gaming in India and how WAFA is changing the gaming landscape.
Laid my foot into image and video content creation way before the Fast-unfolding revolution of social media panned out in India. From curating status posts to sending free live SMS updates that focused mainly on Entertainment and the Undying love of Indians for cricket, that which started off as a leisure activity had later realized it’s future revenue potential. Along with a few like-minded friends who shared their mutual love for the same, The BACK Benchers was set up in 2012. With almost 20 sub-pages of its own and access to over a 100 pages across different verticals, Initially generated revenue by Diverting traffic from the page to the website. We were one of the first to undertake media campaigns with PayTM and Flipkart for their Big Billion Days, and to start video amplification for brands. We have also worked with LG, Pringles, Dream11, Oppo, Adidas, Zee5 and many more, for the same. With more than 100+ pages involved, doing 5 rounds each, we executed one of the biggest campaigns for OnePlus and took meme marketing to a whole new level. Ever since the era of influencer marketing befell, and with media trends exploding every now and again, there has been no looking back.
Initially started off as a means to kill time, we focused more on content and posts that were based on and around a student’s life. Further with time, we adhered to the likes and wants of the audience, thereby branching out to general news, facts and entertainment.
Back in 2017-2018 when influencer marketing wasn’t a trend and meme marketing was in its initial stage, consumers of the content would not understand the subtle integration of brand in memes. It influenced the feelings of the consumers and could influence the consumer’s attitude towards the brands, creating high recall value among the consumers and thereby consequently increasing sales.
Mobiles and their increased usage becoming an integral part of our lives have given an outlet to brands; an opportunity like never before. Yes, eventually they would need to adapt to social media to connect with their consumers or risk having their competitors snatch away their customers with great stories chaperoned by creative and performance marketing. Digital consumers using social networks to discover new brands and products, exposes them to a substantial threat of losing out. Social media advertising is certainly a worthy investment as brands see and have seen a huge positive impact from ROI to awareness and conversions.
Contrary to the time when gaming was merely just about playing games, gamers then have realised their want to talk to their gaming friends even when they weren't in a game, and to talk about things other than games. To bring this thought into reality and to bring out the maximum potential in the socio-gaming economy, a call for crossover was made. With the advancement in technology, integrating gaming with voice sailed smooth.
With 5G providing necessary thrust in making socio-gaming accessible to all and owing to the surge in young population, soaring use of smartphones, easy availability and accessibility of technology and internet, and rising investment by capitalists, gaming today is considered the most lucrative business sector in India, comprising an ecosystem of engaged and enthusiastic gamers.