𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐁𝐌𝐆𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

…𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉

By Kezang Choden

In recent years, online gaming has transformed from a casual hobby into a promising path for Bhutanese youth, offering both financial opportunities and personal growth. Spearheading this transformation is the Bhutan Mobile Gaming Association (BMGA), a dedicated organization helping young players turn their passion for gaming into a viable pursuit. As interest in gaming continues to rise, the BMGA is laying down the groundwork for a structured environment where young gamers can thrive.

The BMGA is addressing key aspects to make gaming a productive endeavour for Bhutan’s youth. Starting with education and essential resources, the association aims to establish gaming as a pathway for personal and professional development. Among BMGA’s ambitious plans is the establishment of an esports and robotics hub—an inclusive space for both casual and competitive players. This hub will serve as a center for learning, camaraderie, and competition, catering to a diverse range of gaming skills and fostering a vibrant community where young people can explore gaming in a structured environment.

Central to BMGA’s approach is guiding gamers in building their digital presence. Social media has proven to be a powerful platform for gamers, enabling them to attract a following and generate income through advertisements and brand endorsements. By actively engaging on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, gamers can showcase their skills, interact with fans, and, over time, secure sponsorships that help turn their hobbies into sustainable careers. The association views this as a crucial step in building public recognition for Bhutanese gamers, helping them establish a name in the global online gaming community.

The BMGA recognizes that a large number of its members are students. With this in mind, the organization promotes a balanced approach to gaming and academics. Gamers are encouraged to establish schedules that allow them to manage both school responsibilities and gaming. This structured approach ensures that student players can participate in tournaments and improve their skills without compromising their education. By teaching young gamers time management, the BMGA is providing them with skills that are valuable not only in gaming but also in life.

To help gamers make informed choices, BMGA also offers educational programs focused on career-building within the gaming industry. These programs emphasize sustainable earning methods and introduce young players to various revenue streams, from participating in tournaments to content creation. The BMGA’s vision is to build a supportive, close-knit gaming community around its upcoming facility, where young gamers can find mentorship, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

The progress of the BMGA has led to a steady rise in Bhutanese participation in gaming, with players like Sherab Lhaden, BMGA President, noticing the expanding opportunities in esports. According to Sherab Lhaden, many Bhutanese gamers are now earning income through national and international tournaments, joining professional teams, and gaining exposure. She explained, “Global esports platforms are highly inclusive, welcoming players from all countries. The Bhutan Olympic Committee’s (BOC) support has opened doors for Bhutanese gamers to participate in global tournaments.”

The recognition from the BOC has legitimized esports in Bhutan, helping competitive players gain access to international events. Furthermore, the BMGA’s involvement in international esports competitions has enabled Bhutanese players to form valuable connections with international esports organizations, enhancing the local gaming scene. Despite these advancements, Sherab Lhaden highlighted the need for sponsors and brand partnerships to ensure financial stability, which remains a challenge for the BMGA.

Among those benefiting from BMGA’s efforts is Gelley Jamtsho, a recent graduate and National Topper from Ugyen Academy, who has balanced academics with competitive gaming. Introduced to PUBG Mobile in 2020, Gelley Jamtsho initially saw it as a leisure activity. However, as he honed his skills, he became captivated by the game’s competitive aspects. Reflecting on the demands of managing both gaming and academics, he shared, “Balancing studies with gaming required careful time management, especially in my final year of high school.”

Now part of a respected PUBG Mobile team called RushB, Gelly Jamtsho recently achieved a top-five finish in a major tournament, marking a milestone in his gaming journey. With aspirations to continue gaming professionally, he emphasized the importance of parental support, acknowledging that his parents’ encouragement has been instrumental. “Success doesn’t always mean excelling academically. Gaming can lead to growth and fulfilling careers,” he noted, expressing his hope that Bhutanese society will become more open to alternative career paths like gaming.

Another standout in the Bhutanese gaming community is Tshering Penjor, a student at Royal Thimphu College, who has transformed his interest in online gaming into a profitable pursuit. Initially, Tshering started playing PUBG Mobile as a pastime during the COVID-19 lockdown, but his interest soon evolved into a serious commitment. Today, he leads AREA51 ESPORTS, a prominent Bhutanese gaming team. Under his leadership, the team has built a strong online presence with over 2.5 million followers, showcasing the growing appeal of esports in Bhutan.

However, Tshering’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Network issues during international tournaments often affect his team’s performance, highlighting the need for improved connectivity to support Bhutan’s budding esports scene. Tshering remains optimistic about the future, believing that gaming offers young people valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. “Esports has the potential to transform lives, and I hope that the gaming community in Bhutan will continue to grow,” he shared.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of young gamers in Bhutan is parental support. Sonam Tashi, father of Gelley Jamtsho, believes in the importance of encouraging children to pursue their interests, whether academic or otherwise. Sonam has consistently backed Gelley’s gaming aspirations, recognizing the value of fostering diverse skills. “I support his academic pursuits and encourage his passion for gaming. It’s crucial for young people to feel supported in their interests, and as parents, we should motivate them toward their dreams,” Sonam shared.

Sonam’s approach reflects a growing openness among Bhutanese parents to support their children’s unique aspirations. By allowing his son the freedom to explore gaming, he believes that Gelley has become more responsible and self-reliant. “I’ve never objected to his gaming. This freedom allows him to pursue his interests while maintaining academic responsibilities,” Sonam said, hoping that other parents in Bhutan will adopt a similar outlook.

The rapid growth of the Bhutanese gaming community is also due to the dedication of pioneering gamers like Jordan Sherab, known as “FREYA,” Togonpon Zhiel, also known as “Empress,” and Rohan Rai, popularly called “GOAT.” Their initiatives in organizing major tournaments have helped legitimize gaming as a serious pursuit in Bhutan. Through their efforts, they have built a thriving community of teams and players, proving that esports can be a viable career path.
The Bhutanese gaming scene owes these pioneers immense gratitude, as they have inspired a new generation of players to view gaming as more than just a pastime. Their work has set the foundation for esports in Bhutan, making it a respected pursuit with the potential to shape the future of Bhutanese youth.

While the BMGA’s initiatives have brought gaming closer to mainstream acceptance, challenges remain. Financial support for esports organizations is limited, and the lack of reliable internet connectivity presents hurdles, particularly during international tournaments. Despite these challenges, the BMGA remains committed to growing esports in Bhutan. They continue to work toward securing sponsorships and partnerships that will help sustain the development of esports in the country.

Through its various programs, the BMGA is instilling values such as fair play, teamwork, and critical thinking in young gamers. By encouraging players to adopt structured approaches, the association not only enhances their gaming skills but also contributes to their personal growth. With its emphasis on balanced gaming and academics, BMGA is shaping a new generation of disciplined and ambitious youth.

The Bhutan Mobile Gaming Association is pioneering efforts to create a sustainable, productive gaming culture in Bhutan. Through its initiatives, the BMGA is turning gaming into a respected pursuit, fostering an environment where young people can explore their interests while developing essential life skills. As the association continues to grow, it is poised to make gaming a meaningful avenue for engagement and economic opportunity for Bhutan’s youth.
With support from organizations like the BMGA, the gaming industry in Bhutan is set to reach new heights, inspiring a generation of young people to pursue their passions.