Not often would one see a Prime Minister indulging in video games but, during an interaction with some of the country’s top gamers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only addressed issues facing the e-sports and gaming industry but also played VR (virtual reality) and other mobile games.
He also remarked in jest “ Bhagwaan kare mujhe iski aadat na lage(I pray to god I do not get addicted to this)’ after a few rounds of gaming. Impressed by his humour, the gamers called him the “coolest PM” and “country’s biggest influencer.”
Incidentally, his comments on word ‘noob’ turned into a slug fest between political parties. During the interaction with the gamers, Prime Minister Modi burst out laughing and took a dig at the Opposition when one of the participants mentioned the word ‘noob.’ Noob is a slang word that refers to someone who is new to a game, concept, or idea, implying a lack of experience in that field.
In a video posted by the Prime Minister on X, the gamers are seen telling him some gaming terminologies like “grind” and “noob”.
Upon hearing the word “noob”, Modi is seen bursting into laughter. “If I use this word during elections, people will wonder who am I referring to. If I say it, you will assume it for a particular person,” Modi says without naming any leader.
The remark led to a sort of war of words between Congress and BJP. “These are just political tactics of the BJP around the elections. This will backfire,” veteran Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told a TV channel.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla took to X to slam Congress. “PM Modi did not name anybody, but why are Congress leaders reacting and confirming who the noob of politics is?” Poonawalla said. Kangana Ranaut also responded, asking, “Who is the noob?”
Meanwhile, in the free-wheeling interaction regarding the future as well as the challenges before the e-gaming industry, the prime minister posed curious questions to the gamers while also trying his hands at some of the games.
“People have offered different solutions. I have an alternative solution called Mission LIFE, which advocates for changing our daily lifestyle to benefit the environment. Now, envision a game aimed at addressing global climate issues, where the gamer must explore various methods and solutions to identify the most sustainable approach,” Modi told the gamers during the interaction.
“What are these steps? How do we navigate through it and choose the best approach for success? Take swachhata as an example, the game theme could revolve around cleanliness and every child should play this game. Youngsters should embrace Indian values and understand their true significance,” he said.
The gamers discussed new developments in the gaming industry with the prime minister, who stressed how the government has recognised the creativity of the gamers, promoting the gaming industry in India.They also engaged on issues concerning gambling versus gaming while discussing the participation of women in the gaming industry.
