Online gaming has shape shifted over the years. While many connect their systems and consoles to binge game the night away, some don’t. Some tend to see the bigger picture. The emergence of the Esports industry has turned tides over many existing genres. Now many avid gamers don’t aimlessly play rather, the inclusion of Esports has built gaming into a profession.
In 2016 alone, the Esports industry earned a whopping $493 million in revenue. This number alone is enough motivation for a skilled gamer to pursue a career path in competitive gaming. But not every passionate gamer elevates up to becoming a pro. What are those attributes that only a professional, high-rank Elo player possesses? Keep reading to find out those traits and how you can become one of them.
Specialize in a Niche
As someone starting out in the Esports scene it’s alright to test out varied niches and genres. If you are a fan of the shooting game genre, FPS games such as Counter-Strike or Overwatch are ideal. But if your focus is on real-time strategizing then RTS or MOBA games such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and StarCraft are great choices.
The entire realm of Esports mostly comprises of competitive games. However, the gameplay mechanism and style of each genre varies. Some resort to single-player shooting while for some, teamwork plays an essential role in determining the victor. However, despite the galore of genres, ensure to choose a niche that resonates with your interests.
Practice Galore
It’s not a lie when it’s said practice makes perfect. To become the cream of the crop, it’s essential to ardently practice and dedicate a few hours of gaming to your routine. If you make it to the top, agencies could scout you. But this requires a lot of effort and from your end. And exerting efforts also doesn’t mean you would dedicate all your time to gaming and put your health at risk.
Practicing at the right time and in the right amount helps you hone your skills, learn gameplay mechanisms better and maintain your lifestyle. Competitive games tend to focus on real-time strategy building but not all games of the same genre have similar styles. So, to get a hang of it, resort to official gameplay guides, watch walkthroughs and tutorials to have full clarity of the game.
However, while practicing ensure you are connected to high-speed internet by ISPs such as
Charter Spectrum so no unduly connection drops, ping spikes or high jittering occurs.
Communication Is Key
Like a lone wolf, you cannot survive in the Esports scene. You would have to create a dedicated network of players belonging to the same niche as yours. Whenever you need sponsorship or need to climb up your Elo in a MOBA, you will always have a set of premades to rely on.
Stream Online for Notability
You can boost your efforts to climb the Esports ladder through online streaming. Streaming behemoths like Twitch and even YouTube are encouraging gamers to stream, monetize their content and acquire worldwide viewership.
That’s not the only bright side to it. Once you end up honing your skills and grow your viewer fanbase, you’re likely to be headhunted by coaches and Esports team recruiters. Who knows if you exert your utmost efforts, you might as well end up landing a sponsorship or a position in a notable Esports team?
Verdict
Something people enjoyed doing out of sheer pleasure is now a full-fledged profession. Worldwide Esports tournaments are held and some even bestow millions of dollars as prize money. Online competitive games are shaping the gaming industry to the point that Esports holds the potential to outgrow other existing genres in terms of both lucrativeness and global fandoms.
