Today, professional gamers are engaged in a world of
electronic sports (eSports) where gaming is not only a hobby or an addiction, but also a profession.
Although this industry is still fairly young, competitive gaming is rapidly
growing, generating income with unlimited potential. This is especially present
in Korea, where many official gaming events are broadcasted on national
television and on Internet streams.
Have you ever wondered how professional gamers are making a substantial income today? Have you ever considered making a career from playing your favorite video games?
Below is a list of ideas on how competitive gamers are generating income:
Join an Accredited
Gaming Organization:
Whether you are good or bad, it is all about whom you
know and when the opportunity is right. Joining tournaments and creating
relationships with the gamers there are great starters!
Sponsors:
Of
course, being a winning gamer will better increase your chances of earning
sponsorships in the competitive gaming industry. Many new online games now include a
national and/or global ranking system. Working your way up the ladder wouldn’t
be a bad idea right?
Another opportunity is to win at any tournament event where
professional gaming organizations and talent scouts are present. Look for a gaming tournament near you. Gaining recognition among the gaming community is important!
Online Streaming
Revenue:
Something that is becoming
increasingly popular is streaming video games and professional events online for the world to view. A popular source for streaming video games is
Twitch, which provides a system where you can interact with your audience and generate cash through advertisements. Although it is unlikely to
generate enough income to make a living, it is still extra money in your
pockets and it is easy to build a fan base!
Create an Event:
Maybe you feel like you are an
excellent gamer, but are unable to travel long distances to participate in an
event elsewhere. Why not create a tournament event where the entrance fee is affordable
for participants and spectators? This money can be used for expenses and prizes. The only struggle is to win at your own tournament. This is
easier said than done, but these little efforts can go a long way!
Donations:
Maybe this is a last resort, but
if you feel like you are providing your fans great entertainment for your efforts,
it wouldn’t hurt to ask them to donate a couple dollars for support. Include your
background information along with a donation link on your stream channel. You
never know how generous people can be!
(More information can be found here)
The Future of Gaming
Today, we are seeing more high school and college students participating in such events. Just like anything else in life, gaming as a profession is not for everyone, but the potential to make millions is already there for the business. Before our eyes, professional gamers are becoming
worldwide celebrities among the gaming community. Surprisingly enough, some gamers are even earning a 6-digit income!
21 year
old Jang Min Chul, known as “MC,” has earned over $347,938 from competing in
Starcraft 2 within the last 3 years; this does not include his income from his
sponsors and the salary earned from his team SK Gaming. Unsuccessful gamers are
earning as low as $34,000 through tournament winnings along with additional
income from their sponsors and from their team salary.
I was luckily able to get a bit of insight from an anonymous person who is heavily involved in the competitive gaming industry. My question to this person was about a pro gamer who was kicked off of his team because of his inappropriate attitude within the competitive gaming community. Here is this person’s response:
“Competitive gaming is at a point where it is making a lot of money and is about to make a lot more money. This is a big deal. People are finally realizing the potential of this industry, as it is now a business. As for (anonymous), a team cannot afford to have someone that is bad mannered. People are watching. So are young kids. We do not want to create an atmosphere where unsportsmanlike conduct is accepted in a professional atmosphere.”
~~Anonymous
Do you feel like you have what it takes to move further with your
life? The competitive gaming industry may be something you may want to consider!
