Esports is a rapidly growing industry that offers endless opportunities, not just for professional gamers, but for all kinds of career paths. A common misconception is that video games are not sustainable and is not something that can provide for a living. But esports actually presents genuine opportunities with potential career growth and has a market that is highly sought after by entrepreneurs. Big time business owners that manage sport teams are now investing in esports franchises and recognize the potential of the gaming industry.
Since the pandemic, work from home jobs are highlighted and is being considered to be a long-term solution to promote healthier mental and physical well-being. (Scratch that hour-long commute, am I right?) In this article, we outline remote esports jobs. Essentially, careers that can potentially be done anywhere with an internet connection and access to gaming platforms.
We have written an article on successful esports organizations in Canada that clearly shows the potential of working and investing in esports.
Still not convinced that esports jobs are not real jobs? Watch this video by CBS News on the relentless training of esport athletes:
- Public Relations – Public relations officers and executives are in charge of managing the flow of information from an organization to the public. Public Relations Executives look to secure positive coverage with publications, influencers, and other publicity outlets in order to build and maintain the organization’s reputation. Public Relations Officers maintain the organizations’ image by ensuring that content from the organization is acceptable within the community and doing damage control should the organization encounter negative feedback . With the many facets of engaging content, Public Relations Officers have to navigate the waters of online media, managing the brand direction to steer clear from issues that can potentially damage the organization’s reputation.
- Marketing – Marketing is similar to public relations in terms of creating a positive image for the brand, but marketing managers focus on increasing sales and advertising the products and services of an organization. In esports, partnerships with streaming platforms, influencers, and other gaming brands help reach the target market for the products and services of the organization. Marketing covers extensive areas, from brand image to advertising, partnerships, social media and many more.
- Analyst – Analysts provide relevant statistics, information, and strategies for a team, coach, tournament providers, game developers, and even broadcasters. Esports Teams hire analysts in order to formulate strategies and to examine strengths and weaknesses of their own team and opposing teams. Analysts work hand in hand with coaches and teams. But unlike the coach, analysts do not necessarily have to be present in team meetings. Analysts can coach players on specific elements of a game as well, this is usually done in order for professional players to catch habitual mistakes and correct them.
- Community Manager – the esports community are passionate, outspoken, and can be vicious at times. This is why organizations need a community manager who knows the game, brand, product, and community demographic religiously. Community managers work with the PR and marketing team to influence how the world sees the organization, they engage with the community through social media platforms, streaming platforms, forums, etc. and identify how the audience reacts and feels about the organization, products, and players to help the team create strategies in improving the brand.
- Content Creator – Content creation has many aspects to it. There are bloggers, vloggers, streamers, youtube creators, and many more! Content creators are basically anyone who creates content in a certain media on a platform. (Literally me.) Esports and gaming content creation is a competitive industry that draws millions of viewers each day, and those views are up for grabs. While there are independent content creators who manage their own websites or pages, esports organizations recognize the importance of content creators and contract them to advertise their organizations. This is to create more awareness for their brand or to support content creators they genuinely believe in and would want to associate their image with.
- Developer – Developers, both frontend and backend, are the ones in charge of making the website or any platform seamless. Integrating APIs, databases, and design to enhance user experience while making data and statistics easier for everyone to understand. As more and more esports organizations have sprung, more value is being given to user interface and experience. After all, who likes navigating through a clunky website?
- Accounting – as Esports experience phenomenal growth in audience and revenue over the recent years. So does its tax obligations. There are several challenges in calculating taxes for esports accounting, such as international tournament earnings, several income streams, and other complex costing. Accountants are tasked in addressing and resolving these tax and accounting issues that players and organizations face in the industry. From tax planning, contract salary negotiations, to strategic cash flow management, these are all subjects that esports have to deal with. As your earnings grow as someone involved in esports, it would be best to get an esports accountant.
- Esports Lawyer – Those that operate within esports require an understanding of technology, media, and the complex framework of regulatory and commercial issues that will become progressively more important as the industry develops. Esports lawyers handle numerous facets of esports: player and staff contracts, media rights, sponsorship agreements, and complex sets of legal issues. Esports lawyers advocate for esports organizations to ensure that they are well-advised in esports’ evolving legal landscape. It is crucial for organizations, even ones that are just starting, to know when to get an esports lawyer.
- Sales – Sales in esports does not specifically entail products being sold, it can mean sponsors, partnerships, customer acquisition, cost negotiation, among others. Some esports companies sell merchandise of their brand. It can be team jerseys, hoodies, mouse pads, and other items that are designed to be marketed to the gaming community. One of the organizations that did this so well is 100 thieves. Essentially, sales mean a source of funds for an organization to continue and develop.
- Online Tournament Organizer – Esports players are always looking to prove themselves in the game that they are playing and online tournaments are the best way to showcase their skills in the community. Tournaments can be a platform for players who are serious about the game to get scouted by professional teams. It is the responsibility of online tournament organizers to get as much coverage for the tournament and for the players. Given that LAN tournaments are now being restricted due to the pandemic, online tournaments are getting more traction. Tournament organizers are connected to all the other jobs, and highlights the value of networking in esports.
Just like in any industry, working in esports is full of uncertainties and requires a lot of hard work. But if you are passionate enough and actually put in the time and effort to develop your skills and understanding, you may just be able to find a way in.
Esports has become so big that schools are now incorporating it into their curriculum and offering programs for young adults who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Here is an article on what to look for in an esports program: