In the rapidly evolving world of esports, there’s a burgeoning demand for professionals who can navigate this dynamic landscape. Enter the esports management degree. This relatively new academic offering is designed to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the high-stakes world of competitive gaming.
From understanding the intricacies of team management to mastering the art of event planning, an esports management degree offers a comprehensive overview of the industry. It’s not just about playing the game, it’s about understanding the business behind it. In the following paragraphs, we’ll delve deeper into what this degree entails and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for students worldwide.
Understanding the Esports Industry
The esports industry represents a dynamic, growing sector within the global entertainment landscape.
The Rise of Esports
As a transformative force in the entertainment field, esports shows an upward trajectory. Its growth accelerates annually, with the total esports audience worldwide reaching 495 million people in 2020, as per Statista. Experts forecast the industry’s worth to surpass $1.79 billion by 2023. Major tournaments, like The International Dota 2 Championship and the League of Legends World Championship, draw in millions of viewers. These statistics underline the increasing mainstream acceptance and reach of esports on a global scale.
Major Players in the Esports Industry
Key influencers firmly established in the esports industry drive its growth. Businesses including Riot Games and Activision Blizzard lead the pack. Riot Games, known for producing “League of Legends,” one of the most-played online games, plays a pivotal role in the esports arena. Activision Blizzard, creator of “Overwatch” and “Call of Duty,” frequently hosts international tournaments contributing to global esports viewership. These trailblazers represent a robust, innovative industry on a trajectory for continued expansion.
Esports Management Degree
An Esports Management Degree bridges the divide between passion for gaming and practical business understanding. It equips graduates with the right blend of industry-specific knowledge and expertise to thrive in this dynamic sector.
Bridging the Gap: Gaming and Business
Expanding beyond core gaming skills, the Esports Management Degree combines elements of gaming strategy with key business practices. Deep dives into gaming trends, player behaviors, and competitive strategies sit alongside studies in business law, finance, and marketing.
Expertise and Industry-Specific Knowledge
Esports Management Degree programs stand out in their detailed focus on the esports industry. Aspects of broadcasting, legal frameworks pertaining to IP rights, sponsorship negotiations, and team management form the core curriculum. Furthermore, real-world internships with established gaming companies, such as Activision Blizzard or Riot Games, offer students first-hand exposure to the demanding, yet exciting realm of esports.
Breaking Down the Career Opportunities
An esports management degree opens doors to a diverse set of job roles and promising growth trajectories.
Roles and Responsibilities in Esports Management
Acquiring an esports management degree equips graduates to seamlessly fit into varied roles within the esports ecosystem. Examples include team managers, who coordinate logistics, provide strategic direction and ensure the well-being of the players. Event coordinators, critical in organizing successful esports events, tackling elements like venue selection, timing to maximize audience reach, and ensuring the compliance with relevant laws or regulations. For those with a knack for communication and public relations, the role of a publicist, liaising between teams and the media, creating press releases, and managing social media handles, fits well. Marketing managers, who devise campaigns to promote teams, games, or events, are the lifeline for forging a stronger bond with the gaming community.
Career Growth and Salary Trends
Analysing the career growth trends in the esports industry reveals optimistic figures. The esports industry, still in its growth phase, offers ample advancement opportunities for professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, has noted a median annual wage for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers at $135,900. Data analysts, on the other hand, can expect median annual wages around $100,560. It’s important to note, however, that these figures can vary widely based on factors such as the size and funding of the esports company, location, and individual’s experience and skills.