5 tips for becoming a professional gamer

Gaming demographics have seen a shift during the past decade. Today, more women are taking to the activity than ever before and professional gaming is becoming a realistic career option for females in a once male-dominated industry. 

The numbers show that women love gaming. According to data released by Statista, females made up 38% of gamers in 2006. By 2019, that number increased to 46%.

It is never too late to begin a gaming career. In 2018, a report by Entertainment Software Association revealed that the average age of female gamers is 36. If you are a woman who is considering becoming a professional gamer, here are five tips for getting started. 

1. Amp up your strategic skills

Being methodical is one of the most important elements of gaming. If gaming interests you, your strategic thinking skills are likely already pretty advanced. You can develop your skill seven further by engaging in mind sports during your spare time. 

There are many easy-to-access strategic games available online, such as chess (playing against others or against the machine), backgammon classic or championship and high and low stakes classics, like roulette.

2. Find your niche

If you are serious about becoming a professional gamer, you must walk the fine line of finding a game you enjoy that is also lucrative. You can start by exploring some of the most popular options outlined on websites like www.gamerules.com.

One option is multiplayer online battle arena video games, such as DotA 2 and League of Legends. Another is multiplayer first-person shooter videogames, such as Counter-Strike.

If you have a special place in your heart for Nintendo, Super Smash Bros. is a fighting video game that features characters from various Nintendo franchises.

eSports is also gaining a lot of momentum with games like FIFA and Madden NFL. There are dedicated eSports arenas popping up all over the globe, so touring one of the facilities may be a smart first step if you are seriously considering that genre.  

3. Get a formal gaming education

Because there is a high demand for skilled professionals, several higher education institutions have recently launched eSports degrees. Those who go down this route can expect to pay around $36,000 in fees. Some courses offer the opportunity to participate in varsity-level competitions, which help prepare students for the real world of professional gaming. 

The University of Staffordshire in the U.K. launched its eSports program in 2018. In the U.S., Shenandoah University in Virginia, Becker College in Massachusetts and The Ohio State University are among colleges offering eSports degrees. 

More opportunities to get a head start with gaming at the high school level could be on the way as well, as more states are beginning to incorporate eSports into their athletics programs. This provides an opportunity for more females to get an early start with gaming, paving the way for future career potential.

4. Attend a girl gaming festival

Today, there are many female-centric gaming events taking place around the globe. This is something you will want to get in on, as it is the opportune time to expand your network and get advice from other women in the profession. If you are past the point of dipping your toes in the water, consider playing in a tournament at one of the happenings. 

The ‘Girl Gaming eSports Festival’, which debuted in 2017, is one to consider attending. A documentary was made about the event and it provides some insight into the world of gaming as a female. ‘Super Girl Gamer Pro’ is another female gaming festival that is catching on. Organizations such as Global Gaming Women and Women in Games International are also great resources for finding events. 

As you set out to find your place as a professional gamer, take heart in the fact that 21 million people are subscribed to YouTube’s top 10 female gamers, according to Mediakix. Girl gaming is on trend,  so now is the time to get going. 

Also, don’t forget that despite being an adult gamer, you can still get back to your childhood and teenage experiences by wearing a cute Kigurumi pokemon onesie. It’s not only super comfortable and cosy but also warm and perfect for long hours of gaming.