With the rise of e-sports and the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, gaming has become a viable profession in many countries, including India. eSports is also a medal event in multi-national sports events like Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Recognising the importance, the Central Government recently notified Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a nodal ministry for eSports. Professional gaming also turned out to be a lucrative career with millions in prize pools up for grabs across the world.
So, if you are considering gaming as a profession, here are some key points to keep in mind:
1) Practice, Practice, Practice
To become a professional gamer, you need to practice consistently and develop your skills. Dedicate time every day to playing and improving your game. Gamers are expected to have strong reflex actions which can be developed through rigorous practice sessions. You will also have to patient for turn to come.
2) Participate in Tournaments
Participating in tournaments is a great way to showcase your skills and gain exposure. Look for local tournaments to start with and then national tournaments and so on. Try to participate in as many as possible. Ultimately you may get a chance to represent your country.
3) Build a Following
Social media is a powerful tool for building a following and gaining exposure. Create a social media presence and engage with your audience regularly to build a community of fans and followers. Having a dedicated YouTube and other streaming channels can help you.
4) Choose Your Game Wisely
Not all games are suitable for professional gaming. Research the most popular games in the e-sports industry and choose one that you enjoy and can excel at. This also depends on if you are a team player or prefers to go solo.
5) Keep Up with the Latest Trends and Technology
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technology. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changes in the industry.
6) Ensure financial stability and have a backup plan
While professional gaming can be a lucrative career, it is important to have financial stability and a backup plan in case of unexpected events such as injuries or changes in the industry. Consider pursuing education or training in another field to fall back on.
7) Focus on health
There can be potential health issues associated with professional gaming. As with any profession that involves extended periods of time sitting in front of a screen, professional gamers are at risk of developing health issues such as eye strain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Professional gamers often have irregular sleep patterns due to their long hours of practice and tournaments in different time zones. This can lead to insomnia and other sleep disorders. Few famous eSports players have retired at an early age due to health issues including anxiety.
In conclusion, gaming as a profession can be a rewarding and lucrative career, but it requires a high level of skill, dedication, and hard work. It is important to keep these key points in mind when considering a career in professional gaming.