More gamers than ever are considering going pro, and it’s no surprise when you consider how much the esports industry has exploded over the last few years. The number of competitions and the amount of prize money have continued to increase, and even games from other countries are starting to flock to the U.S. to get in on the action. However, the influx in talent has also made it more difficult to find consistent income. Keeping your skills fresh and finding other sources of income is essential for anyone hoping to stick around in the esports world for a long period of time. If you’re considering a career as a professional gamer, keep reading for some basic esports gaming tips to help you succeed.
Invest the time to improve your skills.
You should always practice the way you intend to play in competition. Putting in hours of time isn’t enough if you aren’t practicing in a smart way. Some esports are played solo, but oftentimes you’ll have teammates to work with, so group practice sessions are also a must. Team play can be even more challenging, due to the difficulty of ideal team composition. It can take lots of time to get good enough, but it’s worth the effort.
Learning everything about the games you specialize in is essential. For example, even if he isn’t your main character, you should still know how to play Revenant in Apex. Revenant is a new character that was introduced earlier in 2020, and his strengths make him an ideal hitman assassin for players who have a quick and aggressive style and prefer offensive legends. With games like Apex, knowing the play style, assets, and weaknesses of each legend are essential if you want to understand and beat enemy squads.
Learn how to make money outside competitions.
While esports competitions are an essential part of a career as a gamer, your prize money is unlikely to be enough to sustain a career if you aren’t sponsored or working with a professional team. Streaming is one of the most common ways for players to supplement their income, in addition to building an audience of fans. Coaching for new players is also one option for skilled esports pros looking to monetize their skills.
Many professional gamers also find other work in the digital space or within the esports industry. You could even consider something like a web to print business that can create business cards, print products, and digital or physical artwork for esports competitions, streaming events, or even to create merchandise to sell to buyers in your online store. While there is competition within the web2print space, using the right software solutions to help you with your print business can give you an edge.
Plan for the future.
Careers in esports are often not lengthy, which means saving money and diversifying your income streams should be some of your top priorities. It’s a good idea to start saving money early and to consider starting a Roth IRA or another type of retirement savings account. Given that many opportunities within the gaming industry don’t offer traditional benefits, you’ll need to be responsible to ensure that you have what you need to take care of yourself.
There’s no replacement to “getting good” and developing your skills if you want to be a professional gamer, but achieving longevity in the industry takes more than just natural talent. Finding additional revenue streams within the gaming world is the best way to ensure that you can make money outside competition. Most esports careers are relatively short, so other platforms like Twitch and YouTube are important for any gamer who doesn’t want to rely on a day job. Streaming is only one route. There are a number of other types of web businesses that make sense for gamers who want to earn a steady income. The most successful players are the ones who are able to win big tournaments and who stay busy with profitable side projects when they aren’t competing.
