Other authors have criticized the reuse of the term "Great Game". According to strategic analyst Ajay Patnaik, the "New Great Game" is a misnomer, because rather than two empires focused on the region as in the past, there are now many global and regional powers active with the rise of China and India as major economic powers. Central Asian states have diversified their political, economic, and security relationships.
The term "Great Game" is criticized by some authors as being outdated and inaccurate to describe the current geopolitical landscape.  Ajay Patnaik argues that the "New Great Game" misrepresents the situation by suggesting a rivalry between two empires like in the past, when in reality there are numerous global and regional powers vying for influence, particularly with China and India's growing economic power. Central Asian states have also become more diversified in their political, economic, and security alliances.