Help your kids turn their gaming obsession into a lucrative and enjoyable career
With coaching, production, admin and refereeing roles on offer, the gaming industry has lots to offer
KIDS hooked on Xbox? It could help them launch a gaming career.
Esports — competitive video gaming — is booming and pro players can earn upwards of £1,000 a month. And like sports in the real world, its stars can earn MILLIONS.
The industry offers a host of support roles, including broadcast and match production, coaching and management, refereeing and admin.
PRs and journalists work to promote events, too. The UK is the world’s fifth-biggest gaming market but is relatively untapped for esports compared to the US, China and Korea. That means hundreds of new jobs should be created each year.
Breaking into the industry isn’t easy, as gaming is so popular. But you don’t need specific qualifications or experience.
Hopefuls should try to find relevant work experience, apply for an apprenticeship or join local leagues to start helping in a role they would like to work in.
Success stories
CHRIS HAYDON is the chief operating officer of gaming events firm HYPD.
It runs GameFX at Thorpe Park, the country’s first gaming arena to offer a live-streaming area, retro gaming lounge and the latest virtual reality tech.
Chris, 29, from Canterbury in Kent, says: “Video gaming is the fastest-growing digital medium in the world.
“It provides plentiful opportunities for you to be creative and innovative. In the next ten years, I can foresee a seismic growth in esports job roles.
“In China, competitive gaming is officially considered a profession and they are already provided fully funded scholarships for young prospects to train in the same manner as professional football academies.
“Lots of young people want to pursue a career in the industry, such as becoming a Twitch streamer or a YouTube content creator.
“It isn’t the easiest thing to do and takes a lot of commitment before revenue potential arises.
“But there are umpteen success stories that prove it is possible.”
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