October 5, 2023
When you watch an esports tournament, what do you notice? Commentators are crucial in making an esports event; however, many behind-the-scenes production jobs are important. One of those jobs is observing!
What do observers do?
Most people would say observers are like the cameraman in traditional sports. For example, if you watch basketball, you notice how there is a camera following the motion of the players. Sometimes the camera zooms into the basket when a player shoots their shot. Observers do the same thing for esports or competitive gaming. Unlike traditional sports, each esports title has its own observing spectator that requires the observer to learn how to operate it.
Moreover, each game has its own meta, weapons, and player mechanics. Observers need to understand both to show the commentators and viewers the best plays and build storylines. I always tell newer observers this quote: “If casters are the storytellers, observers are the book.”
Are there different kinds of observers?
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In most esports titles, multiple observers are working on one event. For first-person shooter (FPS) games,there is usually a point-of-view (POV) and a cinematic (free cam) observer. POV observers capture the action through the player’s perspective. They can switch between every player’s perspective in the lobby. On the other hand, cinematic observers provide context about player positioning and clarity on-site execution. Together, they can create monumental, unforgettable moments like Heroic’s Cadian 1v4 clutch that won ESL Pro League for the casters to cast and the audience to witness.Sometimes there are more than two observers to capture alternative perspectives that the main POV observer missed. As a result, the replay operators can show those perspectives during a break.
For a game like League of Legends, multiple observers still work on major events like MSI and Worlds. One will be the main observer, while the other may help with replays and picture-and-picture pieces. In League of Legends, there is also a feature that allows you to create these insane cinematic shots. If you want to see what that looks like, check out Vflight has posted some of his work from MSI 2022.
How do observers start their careers and practice?
There are many ways for observers to start their careers. For myself, I started volunteering my time with Galorants, then transitioned into collegiate esports and Tier 1.5/ 2 Valorant tournaments. Because of the connections and the experience, I landed the first VCT NA Game Changers series. Luckily, there are many volunteer observer positions available. One of the best places to find those opportunities is Broadcast.gg. Broadcast.gg has volunteer and paid job postings and channels where casters, observers, and production folk can discuss their craft. They also have a master resource with useful discords for observers to join. Ultimately, it’s a hub for esports professionals and novices. Outside of finding opportunities, some games have demo systems or websites, allowing anyone to observe any game at any time. OP.gg allows people to observe pro matches through their “Pro Matches” tab. DOTA, CS:GO, and Overwatch also have demo systems.
What makes a “good” observer?
Each production company and the game may require different qualities that define a “good” observer. Nevertheless, good observers understand the game that they are observing and master their game’s observer mechanics. As a result, they can create storylines and give the audience a coherent viewership experience. The best observers are the ones who constantly try to elevate their craft and push the boundaries of observing. Outside of observing itself, soft skills like communication can be a consideration. Can an observer work with their fellow observers and another production folk?
What if I am bad at gaming? Can I still be an observer?
Yes, you can still be an observer even if you’re not super great at the game. I primarily observe Valorant, and I am a solid Bronze 2 player. Even though I am bad at the game, I have observed many A-tier events, creator showcases like OfflineTV, and more. There is a difference between being good at a game and having experience as a professional esports player. It is crucial to understand the game and player perspective as an observer, which can be learned through watching pro players’ streams and watching A-tier events. Instead of grinding rank, which will not be helpful unless I hit high Immortal, I dedicate my time to watching pro players stream and rewatching games.
Observing is an important part of an esports production. I hope this article helps. I have mentored many upcoming Valorant observers, so if you have any questions about observing, do not hesitate to message me on Twitter!