July 10, 2023
The journey of professional gamers has traditionally followed a well-defined path: hone their gaming skills, compete in tournaments, and fight for victory on the biggest stages. While this path has brought fame and recognition to many esports pros, it has many limitations. On average, esports pros start retiring at 30, and what after that?
For various reasons, pro players have started seeing content creation as a crucial pillar of their esports career, and age isn’t the sole reason.
What makes content creation a better option
As esports pros continue to grow and mature personally, their interests and passions naturally expand beyond the confines of competitive gaming. Many individuals have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share with their fans and the broader gaming community. That’s where content creation comes in. Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund, Tarik “tarik” CelikTarik, Turner “Tfue” Tenney, and more content creators are known for their unique playstyle that their viewers love to adapt. Their streams are more than just a few hours of entertainment, but are a learning lesson for striving pros.
Another crucial advantage of content creation is the potential for long-term sustainability. Unlike competitive gaming, where age can become a limiting factor, content creation allows esports pros to build careers beyond their prime competitive years. By cultivating their online presence and diversifying their content, they can establish a sustainable source of income and maintain a loyal following even as their gaming skills naturally decline.
Besides personal reasons, in 2023, even esports organizations prefer players with solid brands. Considering the “esports winter,” that’s been going on. In 2023, more than just prize money is needed to meet ends. Organizations need sponsors that are willing to provide constant support. And to attract sponsors, teams need players that can generate revenue throughout the year, not just during the tournaments. Brand content, VLOGS, boot camp reels, and live streams are just a few ways to build an audience and boost a following, which in turn ropes in new sponsors.
All of this has become a necessity or at least a bonus when organizations look to hire a new player. Take Michael “shroud” Grzesiek, for example. The former pro had retired long ago, but thanks to his regular stream and a massive following, Sentinels still picked him for its Valorant roster. The move didn’t pan out well, but it proves social media following through content creation adds tons of weightage to your resume, even when you hang the mouse.
Players can build a personal brand through content creation, leveraging their existing fan base and reputation to attract viewers and monetize their content effectively. Keep in mind that Shroud pursued full-time content creation and started streaming after he retired from professional CSGO, meaning he had the time and energy to put into his content creation career because juggling both jobs isn’t a walk in the park.
But is it healthy?
Playing a game professionally relies more on passion than money. Consequently, many pro players attempt to balance content creation and pro play, often resulting in burnout. However, it has become somewhat necessary, sparking a debate about the expectations placed on pro players and content creation. Lately, numerous prominent figures have argued that it’s unfair to expect both from an esports athlete, while others argue it’s crucial for the brand.
While content creation presents numerous advantages for esports pros, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and considerations of this transition. As esports pros venture into content creation, they must navigate various factors to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.
Content creation requires a significant investment of time and effort. As esports pros shift their focus towards content creation, there is a concern about maintaining a high level of skill in competitive gaming. The time and energy devoted to content creation may detract from their ability to consistently practice and stay at the top of their game.
Content creation brings its own set of challenges and pressures. Esports pros may face expectations from their fans and sponsors to consistently produce high-quality content, engage with their audience, and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This pressure can add to their workload and impact their overall well-being. While these challenges may seem daunting, they can be overcome with careful planning, effective time management, and a resilient mindset.
Esports pros who successfully navigate these challenges often find that the benefits and opportunities of content creation outweigh the difficulties. Considering the mental health issues in esports, burnout risks have become increasingly common. The esports winter is upon us, forcing pro players into an endless “hustling” culture.
By embracing content creation, esports pros can expand their revenue streams beyond competitive gaming, tapping into sponsorships, ads, and merchandise sales. The ability to diversify income sources provides financial stability and the potential for long-term success. Additionally, content creation allows esports pros to express their creativity, build a personal brand, and connect with their audience on a deeper level, fostering a solid and loyal fan base.