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Inside the Indian Esports industry – careers you need to know about
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Inside the Indian Esports industry – careers you need to know about

by
16/08/2021

Esports has always been driven by an intensely passionate gaming community that plays for the love of the game. In recent years, however, the sector has added on multiple layers owing to its increasing popularity among India’s youth, turning it from a passion-driven indulgence to a structured and lucrative industry that has been on a constant upswing for the past few years.

The last two years, more specifically, have pushed the sector onto the mainstream platform because of increasing mobile and internet penetration particularly in rural India as well as the move among people to digital platforms due to COVID-imposed restrictions. As esports tournaments and events get bigger, prize pools become larger and global behemoths invest in domestic gaming companies; career prospects in the sector are beginning to look up. According to a recent KPMG report titled “Indian online gaming market expected to touch revenues of Rs 29k crore in FY25”, the number of gamers in India increased from 25 million at the end of FY18 to 40 million by the middle of CY20. Technological infrastructure development such as the availability of high-speed internet, affordable 4G data prices, and a rapid increase in digital payments has made India the world’s second-largest base for online gamers after China.

Gamers, however, are not the only participants in this industry. What is interesting is the general perception of the sector in terms of the jobs it creates. Most people associate esports with only professional gamers, but what they don’t know is that there is a thriving ecosystem that generates several well-paying jobs. The growth in esports is already leading to an increasing interest among brands for sponsorships, media partners for media rights, publishers to promote local and global games as well as partners for merchandising collaborations. There is tremendous potential for new players across the value chain right from organizers to participating teams and everyone in between.

With esports expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, here are a few career prospects that are worth taking note of:

Professional players/gamers – Pro esports players need nothing but a fire in the belly and skills to match to make it big in esports. Their skill-set — passion, agility, communication, ability to make split-second decisions, nimbleness, concentration — is their degree for success. Anyone, anywhere in India can be a pro gamer if they possess these attributes and can earn a livelihood through prize pools, sponsorship deals, branded content, and brand endorsements.

Game casters – These are commentators who take viewers through an esports tournament or game in their own distinct style. They need to have the gift of the gab, vibrant personalities, presence of mind, and very sound knowledge of the game as well as the participants so as to be able to inform the viewers objectively while keeping them entertained. As the number of esports tournaments is increasing every year, there is a huge requirement for casters and analysts, who love esports, to present these events. We will also see more IPs coming into the Indian market in addition to the existing CS:GO, Valorant, Rocket League, Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM), Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), etc. These will, in turn, create several openings for casters and analysts, who can earn between INR 3-20 Lacs every year.

App developers – Esports verticals like streaming and tournaments are turning into dedicated sources of income, and entertainment. They require interesting applications for both players and viewers alike that enable them to access gaming content seamlessly and with ease. The sector needs creative and innovative app developers who can build an attractive, visually appealing, and easily navigable platform or interface where people can register for tournaments, watch matches, and stream games. Those with a background in computer science with software development skills are ideal for this profile. App developers can earn between INR 2-10 Lac per annum.

Writers – With an overflow of content being generated in the sector, there is an increasing demand for content writers who understand the nuances of the sector and are, in a way, specialists in the technical aspects of a game. These writers should be able to ideate with fresh, innovative concepts and script engaging, customized content for digital platforms like YouTube, OTT, and linear television. Writers can earn anywhere between INR 3-6 Lacs PA.  

IT Engineers – Technology is the backbone on which the entire esports industry rests. The IT department is therefore the most important pillar for esports companies with tournaments happening on the digital platforms even when physical events start happening as the bulk of tournaments and leagues take place online. A skilled IT Engineer is paramount to any organization to fulfill its networking requirements, configure PCs, maintain large scale systems, install and maintain security, etc. and can earn between INR 3-30 Lac PA.

Streamers – The meteoric rise of streaming and how it turned around from being a byproduct of esports in India’s case to being a standalone sector in the industry, is overwhelming. Brands are on the lookout for streamers as a first viable step towards entry into gaming & esports. Streamers are clocking unimaginable numbers with 2-3 hour live streaming. Mortal, Ajju Bhai, Jonathan, Mavi, and Scout are a few of the top streamers who are capable of pulling large crowds. It’s a place where personality sells. And currently, there is n number of brands that are eager to tap into the audience base of online gaming in India, and a streamer activation is one of the ways to do it. Apart from brand endorsements, publishers also take interest in activations with top streamers of their game. And it’s safe to say that, successful streamers do get paid handsomely.  

Team Coach – As the number of professional teams and players increases, there comes a need for a team coach who is well versed with the game and has a considerable amount of experience in the professional circuit. There is a fair amount of strategy building, practice sessions, and analysis going on before and after every match and a coach is one who can critically analyze and elevate the performances of each and every player. A number of organizations, established and upcoming, are on the lookout for seasoned coaches who can get big wins for their team. Aurum, coach GXR, is a fine example. His achievements at the national and international level during his time with Fnatic India are laudable. Even though there’s is no defined pay scale for the job as it may vary drastically with different game titles, the popularity of the org, investors, and sponsors of the organization, and eventually on the team winnings, it’s a position in demand nevertheless. 

Social Media and Marketing professionals – Social media in gaming and esports is where the sweet spot is. This is where the gamers keep a tab to stay up to date with everything happening in their world. Vlogs/stream links of their favorite players, tournament updates, memes, and a plethora of shoulder content are being consumed on a large scale through social media. A skilled social media professional is a boon for any esports organization or Tournament Organizer. Depending on the skill level, social media professionals can earn anywhere from 3 to 12 Lacs PA. And if we go a step higher, Marketing heads with a knack for esports and gaming will come in handy to elevate the business and bring good results when it comes to placing the brand out there in the market and bringing value to it. Marketing heads can earn anywhere between 12 to 18 Lacs PA. 

As the industry grows in number, the requirement for skilled professionals goes up. The need to enhance the quality of work also increases when investments pour in from big brands. There is a lot to learn in this evolving ecosystem given one is willing to find their niche and is accepting of challenges. 

Read Also : LET’S MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU: BEST GAMING KEYBOARDS UNDER RS 5000/-

About the author:

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming

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