In a country where gaming is fast emerging as both a passion and a career choice, Acer has teamed up with Lets Game Now (LGN) to drive its ambitious RUDRA Program. RUDRA has already reached over 1 million students across 36+ cities, making it a prime platform for brands like Acer to engage with India’s next generation of gamers.
Through this collaboration, Acer is leveraging RUDRA’s vast community network to build a stronger presence in the collegiate gaming ecosystem. By partnering with LGN on events, IP collaborations, and contests, Acer is helping provide real-world experiences while positioning its products at the forefront of a growing gaming audience. This partnership allows Acer to deepen its engagement with students, empowering them with career insights while building a vibrant, community-driven environment.
Launched in August 2024, the RUDRA program is designed to build a thriving gaming ecosystem by bridging the gap between college students and the gaming industry. The program has hosted multiple online and offline events, preparing students for careers in the rapidly expanding gaming industry. Acer’s active involvement, alongside other major brands like Lenovo and Colorful, has included notable collaborations, such as a four-day event at IIT Chennai across 60+ colleges.
Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director of Marketing at Acer, emphasized the value of the collaboration, stating, "The Rudra ambassadors have been invaluable in amplifying Acer's presence within the collegiate ecosystem. By serving as on-ground influencers and advocates, they’ve significantly boosted our campaigns across campuses, bringing Acer's products closer to students. Their active participation in our tournaments has driven engagement, built excitement, and fostered healthy competition among young gamers. More than just ambassadors, they’ve become an essential part of our community, ensuring that we stay connected and relevant to the collegiate audience. As we look to the future, the Rudras are key partners in our growth journey, and we are excited to deepen this collaboration through upcoming initiatives."
Chandrahas Panigrahi, Co-founder and CEO, Lets Game Now, stated, "The RUDRA program stands out due to its community-first approach. We aim to give students hands-on experience and insights into gaming careers, from game design to esports management. Success is measured not just by how many students we reach, but by the depth of their engagement. Every student involved walks away with a clearer vision of the opportunities that await in the gaming industry. RUDRA is the voice of youth and the future of gaming in India."
RUDRA, named after the Sanskrit word for "roarer," symbolizes the collective energy of India’s youthful gaming population. Since its inception, in addition to presence in metro and Tier 1 cities the RUDRA program has gained traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Bhopal, Patna, Udupi, and Jaipur, Odisha, Mysore, Udupi, Patiala, and Chandigarh to name a few. The program's events range from collegiate esports leagues in games like Valorant and BGMI to offline tournaments in popular titles such as FIFA and Tekken, offering a rich, diverse gaming experience. As more colleges come on board, the program continues to evolve, with community feedback shaping the upcoming events.
Looking ahead, the RUDRA program is set to expand to 650 colleges by early next year, with new partnerships and brand collaborations on the horizon. Talks are already underway with endemic and non-endemic brands for long-term partnerships and nationwide gaming leagues, with more details to be revealed soon.
For brands, students, and gaming enthusiasts alike, the RUDRA program represents an unparalleled opportunity to be part of India’s gaming revolution. With its unique blend of community empowerment, career-building opportunities, and brand partnerships, the program is set to create lasting change in the country’s gaming ecosystem.