Professional Gaming is Serious Business
Professional Gaming is a real profession. Kids everywhere that dream of becoming a professional gamer may one day be able to see their dreams come true. There is more to gaming though than just sitting around their parent’s basement and playing their favorite game from beginning to end. Making this their profession may not be all that they think it is.
Repetitive Gaming
Pro Gaming isn’t just playing a favorite game from beginning to end without taking a break. It’s about playing the same level for hours, even days on end until the level is mastered and the reflexes to complete the level are second nature. If playing the same level or scene over and over again seems frustrating, it can be. However if someone wants to make it in the Pro Gaming world, that is what needs to be done to get noticed by sponsors and start earning a paycheck.
The average person that plays video games, casual players, tends to play the game to blow off steam. The day was stressful and all they want to do is go home, kick back on the sofa and turn on their game. Pro gamers don’t have that option. Although they enjoy the game (hopefully!) playing the game is a job. It is not entertainment nor is it an avenue to let off some steam.
Generally speaking, Pro Gamers play 10 to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. (gaminggizmo.com) It sounds like a dream come true, but the amount of concentration, dedication, replay analysis, competitor reviewing and team practicing it takes to get to the level of expertise that is necessary to earn the title of Pro Gamer is mentally exhausting.
Not all games are considered an eSport. An eSport is a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators. Generally speaking, eSports fall into a specific genre such as first person shooters, fighting games, and real time strategy games. Single player games, sports simulating games, racing and many others are not the genres for Pro Gamers. They may enjoy playing them in their “free” time, but professionally speaking, they will not be playing these video games.
Although these Pro Gamers spend a lot of time playing the game, much of their day is also dedicated to studying the game. They read up on strategies. They study their competitors. Once they have caught the eye of a sponsor, they will probably be moved into a team home where they will live with individuals that are as dedicated to the game as they are. Friendships are forged, routines are created, and schedules are mandatory.
The life of a Pro Gamer may not be one where they leave the house much more than to grab some groceries at the store. Outings are going to typically be team outings that include competitions and challenges. Their housing and travel expenses are typically paid for by the sponsors. All they need to do is become an expert at the game. And not lose.
The best advice given to anyone that is interested in becoming a Pro Gamer is to first choose a platform, for example PC, Xbox, PlayStation, etc. Then play all genres of games to determine which genre is the one a Pro Gamer hopeful enjoys most. There are different forms of Pro Gaming. There is the competitive Pro Gamer that lives in the previously mentioned team homes, and then there is the entertainer. The entertainer live streams while they play. They won’t make the hundreds of thousands of dollars a competitive player will make, but they still have the ability to earn money. Finally, learn and live the game. Learn techniques, and strategies. Talk to other gamers to find out how they play. (wikihow.tech) Most of all, try to enjoy it. If someone is going to choose Pro Gaming as their profession, the least they can do is enjoy it.
There Is No Social Life
A Pro Gamer gives up a true social life. So much of their time is dedicated to the game; they do not have time to go out with friends. Their friends are now their teammates or other people in the game. Choosing the life of a Pro Gamer means dedicating up to 12 hours a day to that game, whether that means playing the game or studying the game. Repetitive gaming, going over the same level for hours and honing their skills is what their job is. Building amazing hand eye coordination and reflexes to become the best at what they do.
Sources:
https://www.wikihow.tech/Become-a-Professional-Gamer