Tamil Nadu Gamers Demand Removal of Online Gaming Curfew

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The Tamil Nadu government’s recent decision to impose time restrictions on online gaming has sparked protests from professional gamers and e-sports associations.

According to a report by DTNext, the E-Sports Players Welfare Association (EPWA) has urged the state government to remove the midnight-to-5 am curfew on online gaming. The association argues that these restrictions hinder the careers of professional gamers and conflict with global tournament schedules.

The EPWA has filed a petition against the Real Money Gaming Regulations 2025, citing constitutional concerns. The association claims that the regulations violate fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. The petition also argues that skill-based games fall under the jurisdiction of the Union government, as per the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The curfew has raised concerns among professional gamers who participate in international competitions. Many global tournaments are scheduled during late-night hours, making it difficult for Indian players to compete.

Esports athlete Vikram Kumar Lungi, a winner of the 2017 Asian Poker Tour Hyperturbo Championship, said, “Gaming is my career, and I should not have to sacrifice my livelihood due to outdated policies.”

Online chess player P.S. Rathnavel emphasized that training flexibility is essential for global competition. He stated, “Restricting night-time gaming is akin to telling an athlete they cannot train during peak competition hours—it simply does not make sense.”

Professional gamer Shivani highlighted the need for a balanced approach to regulations. She remarked, “We understand the concerns about addiction, but a blanket restriction affects those of us who make a living from gaming.”

The gaming industry in India has seen rapid growth. The State of India Gaming Report 2022 by Lumikai and Amazon Web Services (AWS) revealed that India’s e-sports player base expanded from 150,000 in 2021 to 600,000 in 2022, with projections of reaching 1.5 million by 2027.

The EPWA and affected gamers are urging the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the curfew, aligning regulations with global standards. They argue that lifting these restrictions will support the growing professional gaming community and strengthen India’s presence in international e-sports.

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