Seeking a career in professional gaming might have seemed like a pipe dream some years ago, but the situation has changed since then.
These days, esports is a mainstream phenomenon that continues to increase in popularity. Some of the most established titles include League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and DOTA 2, but there are more video games with millions of fans around the globe.
If you are someone who thought about seeking a professional career in gaming but decided to abandon the idea, why not reconsider your decision?
Sure, the industry itself is quite competitive, and breaking into it is challenging, but if other players make it, what is stopping you?
So long as you are putting effort and time into pursuing your dream, the odds are in your favor. And to increase those odds, here are 5 things that you should emphasize on your journey.
Willingness to Improve
Let’s start with what should be pretty obvious—your willingness to improve. Video games require progress as a player, especially if we are talking about competitive gameplay.
You need to have the will to learn on a regular basis. Even simple things, such as studying your replays, are mandatory.
If you have a coach or someone else willing to help you, you can share videos or screenshots that present a situation in a video game players need to solve and improve.
Because sharing information is so easy these days, you do not have to meet in person to discuss strategies. Figuring how to screenshot full page on mac or another computer and share it with another person takes little effort.
It might be a bit tricky with replays, however. If a game does not have a built-in replay system, then you will have to record your screen.
Of course, studying the gameplay is just one way to improve. You also need to be gaming constantly, and it is hard to accomplish this consistency without a regular schedule.
Consistent Schedule
A schedule of a professional gamer varies, but for most, the majority of the time spent not sleeping usually consists of gaming.
Of course, it is crucial to establish good sleeping patterns because you do not want to end up with a scuffed routine, like going to bed super late and waking up in the middle of the afternoon.
It is no secret that gamers are not the best when it comes to routines, but if you are aiming to become a professional, you need to treat the whole thing as a job, which includes a consistent schedule.
Early on, it might be difficult to get into the routine, but if you persist, you should be fine in the long run.
Proper Gaming Equipment
It is hard to imagine being a professional player without proper gaming equipment. For most players, the choice is a custom-built PC, though there are some exceptions, of course.
If you look at video games like Tekken or FIFA, you will notice that professionals play on gaming consoles, which is understandable given the nature of these titles.
However, for shooters, brawlers, Battle Royale, RTS, and other common video game genres, PCs are the way to go.
Besides the main platform, you also need accessories. Gaming mice, keyboards, headphones, and other equipment can be pretty expensive, but the investment is worth it if you want to perform optimally.
Gaming accessories are manufactured so that they are durable. As a professional, you will click a lot, and the wear on a keyboard or mouse is not something you want.
A gaming chair deserves its own mention as well. Sitting in front of a screen for hours every day is not ideal for your back, and you want to make sure that you have good posture. Gaming chairs help with that, not to mention that they are comfortable to sit on.
Participation in Tournaments
A competitive environment is another crucial aspect for those who plan to make money playing video games.
The first time you enter a tournament can be nerve-racking because the experience is different from the games you play from the comfort of your home. And the whole thing induces even more anxiety if it is a LAN party rather than an online tournament.
You need to get used to the feel of what it is like to play against in competitions. And the more experience like this you get, the more you can expect to improve.
Tournaments are also great because you get to meet other players, and networking is one of the underrated aspects of such events. Who knows, you might stumble upon your new teammates in a tournament.
Healthy Habits
There is this idea of how gamers are not the healthiest bunch, and it is understandable where such sentiments are coming from.
When you spend most of your time in front of a computer, there is no time for socializing, sleeping enough, working out, or eating healthy. Your focus is entirely on video games.
The problem is that if you do not build healthy habits, you will not be at your best, which affects your performance. Try your best to stay in shape and eat as little junk food as you can.
