Many parents grimace at the thought of their children spending more time playing computer games. Even more will be left scratching their heads if their youngster announces they want to pursue a career in esports. However, before you start considering putting them on the right path to a more sensible career, take a step back and consider the prospects of this booming industry. By the end of 2022, the global esports market is expected to be worth more than $1.4 billion. By the end of the decade, insiders forecast that the market will be worth around $5.5 billion.
Believe it or not, earning a living from playing video games is more achievable than ever before. What’s more, the best players have amassed fortunes of more than more than $7 million. Feeling more optimistic about your child’s chosen career path? Read on for some handy tips on how you can help make their dreams a reality.
Set Some Boundaries
As with a conventional sport, an aspiring professional will need to put in the hours when it comes to training. However, establishing boundaries when it comes to screen time is something of a challenge. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and adolescents should spend no longer than 60 minutes per day gaming. On weekends, you can ease up a little, with 2 hours of gaming per day acceptable.
For someone who wants to become the best in their field, these limited training windows simply don’t work. The most successful players spend upwards of 6 hours per day training. In the lead-up to tournaments and big events, they may need to commit even more time. Ultimately, you’ll need to trust your gut. Relaxing restrictions on screen time is fine, but just ensure gaming isn’t impacting academic studies and other commitments.
Learn the Lingo
It can often seem like your kids are speaking an alien language. If you’re someone who finds it hard to keep up with the latest slang terms, getting to grips with gaming terminology is going to pose a particular challenge. To make your life easier, and your conversations less frustrating, polish up on some basic gaming terms. You can also get involved by watching the professionals – esports tournaments are engaging and dynamic so you will probably find yourself enjoying the experience! Catch up by keep tracking of the schedules www.1337pro.com/en/lol/tournament-schedule.
Invest in Hardware
Aspiring esports professionals will need the right kit at their disposal to become a force to be reckoned with. If your child is a console user, these costs are fairly minimal. As well as the console itself, they’ll need access to the latest gaming
titles and a high-speed broadband connection. Furthermore, it’s almost certain they’ll need an ongoing subscription like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Parents of PC users will have larger costs to swallow. A standard gaming PC can cost upwards of $1,200. Once you factor in things like a high-end monitor, upgraded graphics card, and premium headset, these costs stack up. When investing in hardware, it’s a good idea not to cut corners. Go for products that will perform well for years to come. The less often you need to replace equipment, the less money you’ll have to spend.
Explore Coaching Opportunities and Training Camps
Even if you’re a gamer yourself, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to coach your child to success. Thankfully, there are many avenues available to help your child along. Many of the most successful esports organizations operate their own training academies, while parents with the money to spare can pack their kids off to summer-long training camps. Looking for a more budget-friendly alternative? Think about online-only options. Esports training platforms are both affordable and accessible.