It’s been over 70 days since the conflict between the United States and Iran began, with fighting in the Middle East resulting in sharp increases in oil prices, damage to infrastructure, and the inability to access the internet.
Before the conflict, Iran’s government focused on controlling its citizens’ internet activity, restricting access to social media and gaming platforms. Despite adversity, members of the country’s gaming and esports community continue to defy the odds as they seek to raise awareness of its fledgling scenes, which are struggling to amplify voices globally.
The Restriction Of Infrastructure
In many countries, access to the internet via a traditional Wi-Fi connection or mobile data is the norm. For residents of Iran, however, difficulties in accessing esports platforms, game servers, and communication channels remain.
According to a source who wishes to remain anonymous, Iran’s government has implemented a tiered structure providing varying levels of access. The “white SIM card” offers unlimited access, the “pro SIM card” comes with limitations and platform restrictions, and the “National Network” requires citizens to pay for limited access.
For esports players and gamers, there’s no access to international networks unless they’ve got access to a white or pro SIM card, or if they’re willing to pay the high cost of a VPN service.
“The monthly income of an average worker in Iran is less than $100,” the source told Esports Insider. “Streamers, online sellers, gaming media outlets, and gaming centers are all facing serious challenges. Everyone is now in survival mode, trying to stay hopeful while operating with the lowest possible costs.”
With sanctions preventing access to platforms ranging from YouTube to Steam, Iran’s gaming and esports media sectors are heavily impacted when producing content. Described as “small and independent, lacking stable income, and operated with limited professional teams,” any kind of investigative journalism and in-depth analysis isn’t possible.
Instead, outlets producing content have become increasingly difficult. He explained: “Coverage has become mostly superficial or based on translations. There is demand for esports content and an audience still exists, but models such as the National Network and smart disconnection systems act as a barrier between audiences and media.”
Assistance From Wider Industry
The esports industry is no stranger to uniting to support important causes, such as those affected by conflict. In 2022, tournament organizer ESL made donations to the UN Refugee Agency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and blocked Russian teams from competing in its tournaments.
As a result of numerous international sanctions, legal risks for stakeholders, and internet restrictions, it has become difficult for the wider esports scene to provide any support to those affected. Combined with the inability to access professional gaming platforms, Iran has struggled to establish a stable infrastructure to develop talent.
“The lack of a formal and domestic esports structure is the main reason for the absence of representation at the global level,” the source said.
Defying The Odds
Despite the lack of domestic infrastructure and support from international stakeholders, members of Iran’s fledgling esports community are breaking out onto the international stage.
eFootball player Hassan Pajani has cemented his place at the top of Konami’s sports simulation title. In February, he won the Arsenal FC Club Finals to secure a place at the season-ending World Finals in July. By winning the Club Finals, Pajani will represent Arsenal FC in the console tournament, competing against representatives from Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and FC Barcelona.
Elsewhere, Kasra “Mikey” Mesbah continues to fly the flag in Dota 2. Since embarking on a playing career in 2019, he’s competed at several Tier 1 tournaments, notably achieving a third-place finish at DreamLeague Season 19 while representing Shopify Rebellion.
It’s not just players who are looking outside of Iran and the Middle East to further their esports careers. The source told ESI: “At present, emigration has become a priority across many sectors, and there is a noticeable trend of migration among streamers and even journalists.”
Earlier this year, Counter-Strike team OxinGame moved to an Arab country to compete on the international stage under the flag of another country rather than its native nation. With players moving away to seek opportunities, Iran’s esports industry is at risk of falling by the wayside.
The Next Steps For Iran’s Esports Scene
As conflict continues to engulf Iran, the country’s gaming and esports ecosystem hopes that the small signs of growth can blossom into a sector with greater global presence.
In the meantime, the country’s industry is stagnating to the point that recovery may not be possible.
“The situation for esports in Iran is not good at all. We were previously stagnating, and now we are actually moving backward,” the source admitted.
Esports in some Middle Eastern countries is experiencing significant growth, thanks to heavy government investment, demonstrating the potential of professional gaming in the region. As the conflict in Iran continues, it remains to be seen if the country’s ecosystem is capable of recovering and reaching a level where Iranian esports holds a presence alongside other countries in the region.
