18/08/2024
It's a Sunday, so it's time for my usual wall of post. Meme or long post diba? Let's do the latter. Bear with me.
Over 16 years ago, I was one of the first esports dreamers with a vision of how I wanted esports to progress in the Philippines. I am not saying this to take credit for anything but to state that almost two decades ago, I saw a seedling that could grow with enough time and effort. Those who know me know what I'm talking about. For those who don't, it's okay. It's just a footnote, and it wasn't that grand. Hindi rin naman yun ang punto ng post na to.
I have a partner who is actively involved in the esports industry, and several friends have, at some point, played, organized, managed, directed, etc. So, I say this with as much concern and empathy as I can muster. Wag nyo po sanang masamain.
The scoreboard is important, but the outcome matters more. But the nature of esports (where we award MVPs to the best K/D/A scores) can sometimes make us forget this fact. Minsan, kaka isip natin ng mga score, nakakalimutan nating makisama at magpakumbaba.
The entire esports industry is an ecosystem regardless of who came first or did what. Importante po kayong lahat sa industriya.
Players, managers, agencies, sponsors, and companies are part of the esports industry's gaming PC. Each component, no matter how small, plays a crucial role. Players rely on their managers and backend support, managers need players to manage, and sponsors and funding are essential for all. Agencies thrive on players for their sponsorships and revenue, and players benefit from agencies' connections, networks, and compliance. Companies seek talents for endorsements, and talents need companies for funding. Fans support the companies by buying the products so the organizations can continue to support the players. Kung wala yung isang component, talbog rin naman lahat. Kung walang organizers, saan maglalaro ang players? Kung walang players, sino ang maglalaro sa events? Kung walang spectators, sino ang magbibigay ng revenue pambawi sa events? Lahat importante, gets?
Specifically, I want to address the following:
First, agencies risk their reputation and brand to sign players. They have teams that market, sell, plan, and support players. The bigger the agency, the more people work there. If players have issues with agencies taking cuts, become freelancers and do your compliance, branding, selling, marketing, planning, and support independently. As a freelancer, hire your team and showcase yourself without depending on the resources that the agency previously afforded you. I know the urge to explain yourself is something we Filipinos need to collectively overcome, but if you want to keep all the money for yourself then go freelance.
Second, players get the glory but always remember the people behind the scenes. If you cannot offer them gratitude, the least you can do is offer respect. I know some players have the mindset that they are bringing in the money, so they are entitled to specific treatments from their managers/staff. However, you earn way more than they do, and the only gratification they get is seeing you shine and being a part of your success. They are there to help you. As a player, practice humility and always remember the people who carry your bags, book your hotels, accompany you on trips, find your sponsors, remind you of deliverables, and are at your beck and call. If you are angry at organizations, don't take it out on your support because they are people, too.
Third, even before mobile gaming became a factor, the esports industry had already taken advantage of its opportunities and millions of dollars have already been invested in events. Although mobile games have made esports more appealing to data providers and cellphone brands, it is not the start nor the end of the industry.
Lastly, no single person can take full credit for the achievements of an entire industry. This is in no way minimizing or belittling all the esports achievements, but pointing out that everyone's accomplishments matter even if they were on the production, marketing, accounting, support, and not in the spotlight. As a player, keep yourself grounded when you talk about your achievements, and don't forget their contributions because they helped you make it happen.
Always remember that each component of an ecosystem relies on the others and will become out of balance if we do not learn to work together.
Sino ba ako? Ako lang naman ang nangiwan pero concerned parin para sa inyo kasi mahal ko kayo (as a friend).
- Paeijwei
