Understanding the world of professional gaming can be tricky. The path to becoming a pro gamer involves a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It also requires a certain level of commitment to the game and its community.
Many gamers choose to immerse themselves in the scene of their preferred esport by joining a community. These communities offer a support system and a network of like-minded gamers.
eSports
What started as a leisure activity practised around a console in the living room has become an organised industry, with eSports leagues, world events and millions of spectators. Those who compete as professional gamers devote their entire lives to preparing and competing, being paid salaries and often supported by teams of coaches, psychologists and physical trainers.
Despite the stigma associated with gamers being unsociable, these players are incredibly devoted to their games and spend huge amounts of time online with their communities and streaming their events on websites like Twitch. Generally, they specialise in one game genre and hop between titles rarely.
The popularity of eSports means that players can earn huge sums in prize money and sponsorship, much as other athletes do. But it’s not without its challenges as this four-part series will explore.
Meta-games
As eSports evolves, it’s important for players to stay on top of the current meta. This involves learning from high level players and experimenting with different strategies. It’s also helpful to watch online gaming content creators, YouTubers, and streamers who talk about the game. These experts can provide valuable insights on how to play a particular hero or weapon.
Game developers are also important in maintaining the meta. They frequently tweak characters and items to keep the balance of a game. These changes can have a major impact on the game’s overall strategy.
However, it’s important to remember that the meta isn’t always the best way to play a game. Some players prefer to take an “off-meta” approach, which involves using characters or weapons that aren’t popular in the current meta.
Leagues and tournaments
The world of eSports is a multi-billion dollar industry, with millions of fans tuning in to watch competitors compete in popular video games like CS:GO, League of Legends, Call of Duty and PUBG. A career in professional gaming requires dedication, talent and a whole lot of luck. It isn’t for everyone, and it’s important for anyone considering the path to becoming a pro gamer to be aware of the barriers they’ll face.
These include sexism and discrimination against female players, which can discourage them from pursuing their dream, as well as the legal and ethical exploitation of their likeness through dubious product endorsements and appendages to their in-game names. There are also many psychological and physical obstacles, which a player must overcome in order to succeed.
Sponsorships
As the eSports market grows, sponsorship opportunities will increase. It is important for brands to understand that these opportunities are based on the consumers’ experience and that a brand can enter this world without spending an outrageous amount of money.
For this reason, it’s worth considering adding a dedicated eSports expert to your brand-management or sponsorship team. This person can ensure that you’re aware of new developments and can apply these insights to your campaigns.
Even non-endemic brands can access this sector thanks to eSports, explains Timmermann. This is because eSports teams speak the language of your target group and offer you access to young people who are growing day by day in interest in this industry. That makes it worthwhile to invest in a pilot project.
Getting started
If you want to become a pro gamer, start by playing a lot of your favorite games. This will allow you to get a feel for the rhythm of each one and how long it takes to complete a level. You should also practice your reflexes. Professional gamers spend up to eight hours a day practicing.
Choose a game that has an established Esports scene, as this will make it easier to break into the scene. Then, begin climbing the ladder by playing in public games and matchmaking. This will give you a chance to make a name for yourself and gain attention from sponsors.
You can also join gaming networks and hang out with other gamers to improve your skills. This will not only give you real life experience but it will also help you learn tips and tricks from other players.