May 1, 2023
As a lifelong gamer, I have witnessed the incredible rise of esports in recent years. Esports has become a massive industry with millions of fans and professional players competing in tournaments for huge prizes. In this article, I want to explore the role of game analysts in esports and why they are so important to the industry’s success.
What is a Game Analyst?
Game analysts are professionals who use data to help players and teams improve their performance in esports. They are responsible for analyzing game data, identifying patterns, and making recommendations based on their findings.
There are different types of game analysts in esports, including data analysts, performance analysts, and strategy analysts. Data analysts collect and analyze data from game matches to identify trends and patterns. Performance analysts analyze player performance data to identify areas for improvement. Strategy analysts use data analysis to develop winning strategies and game plans for teams. Most times, it’s common for a team of game analysts to have experience in all of these areas.
The Importance of Game Analysts in Esports
Game analysts play a critical role in the success of esports. Their work helps players and teams improve their performance, which in turn improves the overall quality of esports matches. Game analysts are also often essential for esports organizations, as they help teams make informed decisions about player recruitment, strategy, and investment.
Game analysts use data analysis to identify weaknesses in players and teams and to help them improve their performance. They can also provide valuable insights into opponent strategies, helping teams prepare for upcoming matches and helping teams identify new tactics and strategies that can give them a competitive advantage.
Skillset of a Game Analyst
Game analysts often have some background in statistics and data analysis and experience with data visualization tools and techniques. They should also be familiar with the games they are analyzing, including game mechanics, rules, and strategies.
To become a game analyst, you can start by developing your skills in data analysis. You should also learn about game mechanics and strategies by playing and watching esports matches of your interest. There are also tons of online courses and resources available that can help you build your path.
Challenges of a Game Analyst
It’s not all fun and games. Game analysts usually face several challenges in their work. One of the biggest challenges is handling large amounts of data. For example, esports matches generate a huge amount of data, and game analysts need to be able to collect and analyze this data efficiently.
Game analysts also need to work closely with players and teams to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Players and teams may be resistant to criticism or may not be receptive to new ideas, so a Game Analyst has to be on point with their communication skills. This is further noted by Heather “sapphiRE” Garozzo, Radiant’s executive producer and a known CS and Valorant observer:
“Ask your producer and host to help create graphics, assets, and other supporting packages to help support the story you want to tell. Know that you have the freedom to request player stats graphics, gameplay clips, and more. While that might not always be doable, based on the production, never shy away from asking for what the production team can do for you to help elevate the quality of the broadcast.”
Credit: LoL Esports
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends in esports can also be a challenge for game analysts. The esports industry is constantly evolving, with new games, strategies, and technologies always emerging. Game analysts need to be able to keep up with these changes to remain as effective as possible in their work.
Conclusion
Game analysts play a critical role in the success of esports. As esports continues to grow and evolve, the role of game analysts will become even more important. Game analysts will be essential for helping teams stay ahead of the competition and developing new strategies and tactics.
If you’re interested in becoming a game analyst, you’re in luck! There are tons of resources available to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this exciting and rewarding field. Make sure to connect with other professionals in the industry, stay on top of the new trends and tools, and never stop learning! Don’t be afraid to take that first step toward your dream career – you’ve got this!
Additional Resources
If you are interested in learning more about game analysis in esports, there are many resources available online that can help you get started. Here are some:
Esports Charts: a comprehensive platform that provides statistics, insights, and analytics for various esports tournaments and games.
Edvice: Game Analytics Basics Course: a basic online course that covers the basics of game analytics, including data analysis and interpretation, key performance indicators (KPIs), and more. Although it is more geared towards game analytics in general rather than specifically for esports and player performance, it provides a solid foundation to build upon.
GameAnalytics: a powerful analytics platform that allows you to track player behavior, measure user engagement, and optimize game design. While it mainly focuses on basic game data, it’s a necessary starting point for anyone looking to advance their skills in game analytics. Remember, you have to learn to walk before you can run.
League of Graphs: A website that provides detailed analytics and insights for League of Legends players, including win rates, pick rates, and more.
Blitz.gg and Tracker.gg: two popular websites that provide in-depth statistics and analytics for various esports games, including League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch. They offer a lot of information on player performance, team strategies, and more.