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Discover how gaming is evolving from entertainment to a viable job. Learn about the opportunities, challenges, and tips for success in the booming esports and gaming industry.
Per the HP India Gaming Landscape Study, one in three gamers is pursuing gaming as a career for financial reasons or recognition.
This shift is attributed significantly to the rise of tournaments, the popularity of games, and users who consume gaming-related content. Yet, the question remains: is gaming a widely accepted and revered path?
The 2023 HP India Gaming Landscape Study shows how people are starting to see gaming as a real job.#MarketingMind #WhatsBuzzing #Study pic.twitter.com/ZcSpb4b9I8
— Marketing Mind (@MarketingMind_) November 25, 2023
Gaming as Job: General Perception
The perception of gaming as a legitimate and viable profession has evolved significantly over the years, with individuals navigating skepticism and concerns from their families and society. While gaming is still nascent as a profession, many players feel that the perception is rapidly changing.
Jayesh Laljibhai Kotadiya, an esports athlete who participated in the first season of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), believes that gaming has undergone significant transformations, leading to a shift in people’s reactions to gaming as a viable profession option.
“This evolution is particularly noticeable when it comes to the attitudes of peers and family members towards the prospect of pursuing gaming professionally.”
Lokmanyu Chaturvedi, an FC Esports athlete, reflects on his journey into gaming. Starting as a college enthusiast, he faced various hurdles from his family. While reflecting on the same, Chaturvedi says:
“I encountered challenges, particularly from my skeptical parents who doubted esports as a viable career, expressing concern about the extensive hours I spent gaming”.
As per Akshat Koundal, an EA Sports athlete who participated in the first season of GEPL, the perception of gaming as an occupation has evolved positively. He says:
“Initially seen as a hobby, gaming is now recognized as a legitimate career path with opportunities in Esports, content creation, and game development. Peers and families increasingly understand the gaming industry’s potential for success and growth.”
The perception of gaming is constantly changing. Once met with skepticism and societal judgment, gaming as a career becomes increasingly viable and financially rewarding.
Gaming Job Challenges
Players who wish to embark on a journey from gaming casually to actively pursuing the same as a career may need to face a slew of unique challenges, both for themselves and their families.
Himanshu Chaturvedi, Lokmanyu Chaturvedi’s father, admits to initial concerns when their children are interested in gaming as their line of work. He believes the challenge lies in balancing their child’s passion with traditional career expectations:
“The biggest challenge as a parent is a social introduction at any function or platform and making people understand that even Esports can have an Athlete and it has a career and a future in terms of financial stability.”
It is vital not only to focus on enhancing the critical skills essential for stepping up but also to balance gaming with other aspects of life. Koundal adds:
“Balancing gaming with other aspects of life requires effective time management and a disciplined approach.”
He emphasizes that gamers must strike a balance and spend a designated amount of time each day gaming. This requires gamers to master the art of time management to fully savor the gaming experience without sacrificing other essential facets of life.
Tips for Success in Gaming Career
Gamers today believe crafting a well-structured schedule is essential for maximizing gaming sessions while juggling other aspects of life, such as work, studies, and personal commitments.
Setting precise gaming and personal goals is the key to staying on track and finding that sweet spot of balance in life. While there’s no fixed formula for success, here are a few recommendations from experienced gamers:
• Create a well-structured schedule to balance gaming with work, studies, and personal commitments.
• Set clear gaming and personal goals to stay on track and achieve a balanced life.
• Combine talent with hard work to maximize success in gaming.
• Practice consistently; aim for 3 to 4 hours of gaming daily to improve skills and performance.
• Don’t rely solely on gaming for financial stability; balance work and practice.
• Understand there is no one-size-fits-all formula; genuine skills and hard work are key to success.
• Prioritize effective communication for collaboration in game development, esports teams, and content creation.
Consistency and balance are pivotal for success. Kotadiya, a seasoned gamer, believes that to become a successful gamer, one needs to master the craft through relentless practice. He further adds:
“Committing 3 to 4 hours daily to gaming significantly boosts skills and performance within just one month.”
Chaturvedi urges aspiring gamers not to depend solely on gaming for financial stability. Maintaining a balance between work and practice is crucial, much like any other profession.
While speaking about the blueprint an aspiring gamer should follow, Chaturvedi emphasizes that no one-shoe-fits-all formula exists and genuine skills pave the path to success. He signifies the importance of hard work, stating:
“Consistency and balance are pivotal for success. It’s crucial to stay committed to the craft.”
Koundal points out the importance of effective communication for collaboration in game development, forming esports teams, and content creation.
Gaming Career Opportunities
Gaming offers aspiring participants a plethora of opportunities, including partaking in tournaments, live-streaming, sponsorships, and content creation. Gaming organizations boast dedicated social media and digital marketing teams, providing various options for individuals interested in content creation within the larger gaming landscape.
Participating in local and international gaming events, building a strong online presence, and acquiring game design or streaming skills can open doors to opportunities in this growing industry. As per Chaturvedi,
“Exploring avenues such as streaming, sponsorships, and content creation can prove lucrative. The gaming and sports industries offer many job prospects, ranging from operational roles like operations managers, team managers, and coaches.”
Akshat emphasizes the need for building a strong online presence and acquiring skills in relevant areas to unlock doors in the industry. He notes:
“Participating in local and international gaming events, building a strong online presence, and acquiring game design or streaming skills can open doors to opportunities in this growing industry.”
