As with most positions, the professional player has several advantages, including:
Opportunities for creativity.
Video games are inherently creative, and you often have to find creative ways to solve a problem or defeat an enemy. Being a gamer doesn’t always mean playing to make an income, as there may also be opportunities to write game guides, teach newcomers how to excel at the game, or judge your own tournaments. As a gamer, video game companies and developers may ask for your opinion or pay you to play a beta version of a game before the creators release it to the general public.
Job Prospects
Once you are successful as a player, you may find that your job prospects are favorable. With continued practice and the ability to meet promising competitors, you may be able to continue to succeed in your career and continue to earn income for your efforts. Also, consider how many games are released each year. You will always have the opportunity to learn a new game and use your acquired and honed skills to succeed.
Versatility
As a gamer, your hours, place of work, and teammates can vary, which means you can probably make your career as versatile as you want. You can participate in a tournament in a different location than your hometown, or meet new players who are rapidly improving their game and need to join a team. You can also practice your game according to your schedule, which can contribute to a positive work-life balance you can be happy with.
How to Start a Career in Games
If you want to become a professional player, consider the following steps:
- Decide what game you want to excel at
Most professional gamers focus on developing their skills in a particular game. Take the time to decide what game you like best, what you’re best at, and what you can build a career in. The more you can focus on a particular game, the more likely you are to succeed in competition. against other people who are also pursuing a career in the game. - Buy quality gaming accessories
One thing you can do to become a professional gamer is to have products and accessories that support your craft. For example, if you gamble on your computer, consider buying a desktop PC with plenty of free memory, fast performance, great game support, and everything you need to make it run efficiently and without lag. Explore different mouse options to make sure your computer’s movements are accurate, fast and support your games. - Practice your game
Once you’ve chosen a game and a gaming platform that you want to excel at, spend a lot of time practicing. You can play sports, but also consider joining local leagues, start competing with friends, or sign up for a national group of players who compete online. Through consistent play, you can develop your skills, discover techniques and learn more about how your competitors play. - Immerse yourself in gaming content.
There are already professional gamers who have had success with their chosen game, so study their content, such as blogs, podcasts, articles, interviews and more. Read their strategies and how they’ve built their careers. This can not only give you tips and proven methods, but also serve as motivation as you discover your own career path. - Join a network.
The right network will connect you with other players who are interested in building their careers in games so you can practice together, and probably against others who are close to your abilities and can present a real challenge. You can learn tips and tricks from your network, and get the added benefit of simply enjoying your time and confirming your interest in making games your career. - Join the team.
The next step to becoming a professional gamer is to join a team. Your team can support you in your career, and you can all play together against other teams with similar skills and abilities. Find out what leagues and competitions your team can join, and sign up for those that will either help you strengthen your skills or be a challenge from which you can learn.