Since the dawn of time, people have dreamt of turning their hobbies into lucrative careers. After all, as the wise old adage goes, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
In the not-so-distant past, gaming was often dismissed as a frivolous pastime or a mere hobby. However, with the advent of technological advancements and the proliferation of online platforms, gaming has undergone an astonishing metamorphosis. Today, it has transformed into a thriving industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue, with the sector projected to reach $321 billion globally by 2026, according to PwC. Recent statistics have also indicated that there are now over 3 billion active video gamers worldwide, further solidifying the sector’s potential.
In the Middle East, the gaming market is charging at full steam ahead. Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) poured a whopping $3 billion into the industry. But that’s not all; PIF has committed a staggering $38 billion to its very own gaming powerhouse, Savvy Games Group (SGG). Additionally, in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Gaming and the more recently announced DMCC Gaming Centre are creating ecosystems to attract global gaming businesses and provide opportunities to aspiring talent.
With a plethora of platforms, channels, and opportunities for individuals to pursue, avid gamers often wonder how they can transform their hobby into a financially rewarding career. However, there remain questions that intrigue individuals, such as “How much money do gamers actually make?” and “How sustainable is it as a career path?”
But before we delve into all this, let’s first take a step back in time and explore the gaming industry’s humble beginnings.
The evolution of gaming
The transformation of the gaming market has been remarkable, progressing from simple pixels to virtual realities. It began in the 1950s and 1960s when computer scientists started creating basic games and simulations on early computers. A significant milestone was the game Spacewar! in 1962, played on a video display.
In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey console introduced Atari’s Pong, becoming an iconic game. Home consoles like the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) played a crucial role in bringing gaming experiences to living rooms. Classics like Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda became household staples.
The 1990s saw a shift with the rise of personal computers, leading to legendary titles like Doom, Myst, and Warcraft. These games captivated players with exciting gameplay and immersive storytelling. Technological advancements in media and the Internet further transformed the industry, enabling shared gaming experiences worldwide.
In the new millennium, the availability of mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets, expanded the gaming audience. Additionally, advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the concept of the metaverse promise a new extraordinary era for gaming.
Gaming as a career
Over the past decade, the world of eSports has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity. This phenomenon has captured the attention of global investors, brands, media outlets, and consumers alike. It has become increasingly evident that competitive gaming is not only a legitimate profession but also a lucrative one.
One pivotal moment that signalled the potential of eSports was the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. The tournament served as an eye-opener for an entire generation when a then 16-year-old player named Kyle ‘Bugha’ Giersdorf walked away with an astonishing $3 million prize. This victory showcased that there is serious money to be earned in the world of competitive gaming.
The growth of eSports prize pools has been staggering. For instance, “The International 12,” the annual Dota 2 competition held this year, boasts a prize pool worth around $30 million. This staggering amount demonstrates the substantial financial rewards awaiting the top-performing teams and players.
A professional gamer’s salary can vary widely depending on their skill level and the game in which they compete. On average, professional gamers can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000 per year from their base salary. However, this figure does not take into account the additional income they can generate through winning tournaments, securing sponsorships, and receiving bonuses. These additional revenue streams can potentially earn professional gamers hefty sums of money, pushing their total earnings even higher.
“In recent years, the professional eSports industry has become incredibly lucrative, with events receiving mainstream coverage and attracting millions of viewers,” says Jeron van den Elshout, Business Director at recruitment firm Hays Middle East.
“There are now numerous roles/opportunities available within the gaming industry, including professional gamers, developers, analysts, game testers, streamers, content creators, event organisers, and more. Consequently, some universities now offer specific education and training programmes. For example, the University of Wollongong in Dubai offers a Bachelor of Computer Science major in Game and Mobile Development. This combination of factors has led to increased visibility, which has helped shift societal views on gaming, increasing its acceptance and credibility as a legitimate profession.”
However, it is important to understand that being really good at gaming and being a professional gamer are two very different things. Not everybody has the skillset to become a professional.
“Much like other professional sports, only a fraction of individuals will reach the top-tier levels in gaming,” says van den Elshout.
He notes that there are key skills and attributes that can help make professional gaming a potentially lucrative career. “Technical skills and expertise are fundamental; that is, possessing a deep understanding of gaming technology, software and hardware, and gaming mechanics and strategies. Dedication and mental resilience are also required, as high-level gamers spend many hours practising and perfecting their skills,” he explains.
He adds, “Additionally, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are essential. Finally, knowledge of the marketing and branding space is beneficial, as gamers who can market themselves and build rapport within the community may find additional opportunities.”
As gaming continues to grow its footprint in the zeitgeist, so do the opportunities it opens. In addition to sanctioned competitive play, there has been a big uptick in the number of individuals who have established careers live-streaming video game content on popular sites such as Twitch and YouTube.
In the Middle East, industry insiders revealed that gamers could earn up to $20,000 a month from ads and sponsorship deals in the gaming ecosystem and $3,000 from online streaming alone.
“A common misconception is that the opportunities in the gaming industry are limited to professional players. However, most of the new jobs are behind the scenes, working in a variety of different roles that make the events, competitions, or content a reality,” says Josh Williams, University Esports Global Manager.
He adds, “The opportunities within the industry are changing constantly, we are seeing more games publishers wanting to develop competitions for their titles and underserved regions like MENA that are now starting to see more investment. These new initiatives need more professionals who understand these new markets, whether that’s a new game, platform or region, and develop creative solutions that are delivered well. Here, there is a lot of opportunity for students and the wider esports community to have a positive impact on the industry.”
There is a wide range of career options to explore in the gaming industry. Gaming influencers and content creators also make a substantial amount of money from their online presence. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide them with direct access to their audience, which translates into significant revenue streams through ads, donations, and subscriptions. Moreover, game developers are integral to producing high-quality games that fuel demand among gamers worldwide. Skilled developers can earn six-figure salaries across various roles such as programmers, artists, or designers.
“There are diverse paths to cater to different interests within the gaming industry,” says Mario Pérez, CEO of MENATech (a company of GGTech Entertainment).
“eSports management involves roles like managers, coaches, and event coordinators. Gaming journalism includes writing game reviews, news, and features. Game testing suits those with a passion for playing games and a keen eye for detail.
“Professional eSports teams are becoming more and more like traditional sports teams. They have coaches, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, and so on. This also leads to the creation of jobs in these disciplines.”
Perez further notes that gaming events like the Amazon University Esports (AUE) Competition open numerous job opportunities as they require event organisers, planners and managers, advertising, sponsorship, social media promotion, casting, filming, and tech support, including participants, which involves players, coaches, and team organisations.
Paving the way for other professions
If a career in the gaming industry is not in the cards for you, the skills you’ve learned from it could pave the way for finding your true calling.
A recent study commissioned by YouTube and conducted by the reputable research agency Censuswide revealed that 80 percent of recruiters in the UAE are more likely to hire someone who is a gamer and can talk about the skills they have developed in gaming.
The survey reinforces previous industry research on gaming’s role in developing valuable transferable skills. It noted that when employers were asked about the top skills sought in entry-level hires, communication, problem-solving, and composure under pressure ranked highest. In line with this, 74 percent of respondents recognised that engaging with fellow gamers on platforms enhanced their confidence in communication, a skill highly desired by recruiters.
Commenting on the report, van den Elshout explains that the skills learned from gaming can be applied in many professional contexts.
“With limited practical experience, highlighting transferable skills acquired through gaming can set Gen Z applicants apart from other candidates. For example, Gen Z gamers can showcase relevant accomplishments such as high rankings or awards earned in competitive gaming tournaments. They can also connect their gaming experiences to specific skills required for the job by describing how gaming has taught them to think creatively, handle pressure, and work collaboratively,” he says.
The rise of professional gaming as a viable career option has opened up numerous opportunities for passionate gamers. Beyond the thrill of competition and the potential for substantial financial rewards, being a gamer nurtures valuable transferable skills that extend beyond the virtual world. By harnessing their passion and leveraging their skills, gamers can embark on a fulfilling career path with endless possibilities. Moreover, as emerging technologies such as AI, VR and the metaverse continue to evolve, avid gamers will find themselves at the forefront of an ever-expanding landscape filled with new avenues to turn their love for gaming into a rewarding profession.
