eSports or “electronic sports” is a simply a modernised version of sports played using video games. It involves two or more players in a team arrangement, competing against each other in a multiplayer video game.
Currently, India represents just 1% of the esports market globally and is still lagging far behind the United States and China. But rapid growth within the sector is shifting the balance. Globally, the market for eSports is increasing at a rapid pace – with projections that the global market will have revenues of over $1 billion revenue by 2020 and rising at a rate of 16% per annum. Gaming in India alone currently draws revenues of $1.5 billion and the market is expected to hit the $5 billion mark by 2025.
The concept of having video game competitions is old but a decade ago the development of online video games dedicated for multiplayer action took the market by a sway. In terms of the most popular eSports played globally ranked by prize money, the biggest games are Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, League of Legends and Starcraft II.
Esports as a Choice of Career
With the increasing popularity among the GenZ, esports is becoming a viable choice of career for the younger generations. With one of the largest economies in the world and a fast growing service sector, the eSports market in India is constantly growing at an estimated 120 million online gamers.
As per the estimates from FICCI-EY “the number of online gamers in India touched 65 million in 2019 that is expected to reach 440 million by 2022.”
Making a career in esports has recently become a trend among the youth in India. Though the industry is quite young and maturing, the potential in terms of popularity, reach and earning cannot be denied. GenZ is looking forward to esports not only as a hobby but also as a growing career.
This growth can be attributed to a lot of factors like increased access to mobiles and affordable internet, introduction of 5G, and the heavy investments in the esports industry. All these factors have together contributed to a serious growth in the gaming industry.
The opportunities and valour have increased even further as Esports will now also make a debut in the Asian Games 2022. This announcement from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) along with the disclosure that esports can be considered as a demonstration event in the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024 has just acted as cherry on the cake. Also, there is news that esports are being considered for inclusion in the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. However, there is a long way to go and esports will evolve much more by that time.
The Indian gaming industry currently employs around 40,000 people which could jump to two lakhs by the year 2024. The career choices extend from being a professional gamer to video game developers, host, coach, admin or referee, marketing & social media manager and much more.
The best part is that developing a career in esports opens you to wider horizons. For example, a gamer designer could also seek employment in graphic design, special effects, or animation firms.
Some Career Options in Esports That Might Attract You
1. Professional Gamer
You can take up Esports professionally to become a pro-gamer which is one of the most direct, lucrative and exciting job profiles in the esports industry.
2. Game Developer
If you’re good at coding, join the Esports industry as a game developer and be involved in the programming that goes into development of a video game.
3. Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for managing professionals that design social media strategies, monitor PR marketing campaigns, and manage Esports events.
4. QA Tester
Fond of finding bugs,think you are a tech geek and want to try things first hand, go for the career as a game tester.
5. Team Coach
Obviously since now we are talking of entering in the Asian Games and the olympics the esports sector can definitely make use of some expertise and advice from a professional coach. A coach will not only motivate the players but also help them perform better.
The Future of Esports as a Career
The scope of growth, advancement in infrastructure, interest from individuals all are pointing towards a promising future for esports.
Many different platforms like talent management, betting sites and representation agencies have already realised the potential of this platform. Competitive video game communities have evolved with e-sports also becoming a spectator sport, and wagering on the outcome of competitions and tournaments is growing. Many betting bonus sites provide an option to live stream esports, avail the betting offers and also bet on these competitions.
Every milestone just indicates that there are numerous fresh opportunities to explore in this sector. Whether you are part of esports as a professional or are just looking for some fun and entertainment you will get it all here!
Be the first to comment