Gamers Change Lives

03/07/2024

The recent wave of job layoffs in the esports industry signals a period of significant restructuring, which can be concerning for current entrepreneurs.

Some unavoidable factors leading to these layoffs are financial pressures, strategic refocusing, economic conditions and market saturation.

Should Esports Entrepreneurs Be Worried?

Esports entrepreneurs should be aware of several short-term concerns and long-term opportunities amidst the recent industry layoffs. In the short term, the economic climate has made securing investments more challenging, while market volatility adds unpredictability to consumer behavior and revenue streams.

However, long-term opportunities remain for those who can identify niche markets and innovate within the industry. Streamlining operations and focusing on core strengths can also position businesses for future success.

Despite the layoffs indicating underlying challenges, entrepreneurs who can adapt and maintain a strategic focus may still find viable opportunities in the esports industry.

Keep your heads up, esports entrepreneurs. You've got this!

28/06/2024

The pay scale difference between esports and traditional sports can be quite significant due to various factors, such as the maturity of the industry, revenue streams, audience size and sponsorship deals. Here’s a comparative overview:

Average Earnings of Esports Athletes

The average earnings of professional esports players vary widely. Many players earn between $20,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the game, skill level, and popularity.

Average Earnings of Traditional Sports Athletes

The average salary varies by sport and league. For instance:

NBA: Approximately $8 million per year
Premier League (Soccer): Approximately $3.6 million per year

Overall, while the top earners in both fields can make substantial incomes, traditional sports athletes typically have higher average earnings due to the more mature and financially robust industry. However, as esports continues to grow, the gap may narrow in the future.

24/06/2024

The landscape of competitive gaming can trace its roots back to a singular groundbreaking event: the Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics! 🎮

This pioneering competition took place on October 19, 1972 at Stanford University in California, marking a historic moment in the world of video gaming.

The game at the center of this event was
"Spacewar!", one of the earliest digital computer games. It involved two players each controlling a spacecraft, engaging in combat while maneuvering to avoid the gravitational pull of a central star.

The event attracted about two dozen competitors, including students and researchers, all eager to showcase their skills in this novel digital arena.

Participants vied for the grand prize: a year's subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. At the time, Rolling Stone was a cultural icon, making the prize both prestigious and appealing.

The Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics sparked interest in competitive gaming, illustrating the potential of video games to foster community, skill development, and entertainment on a global scale.

Did you this fun historical fact about esports?

24/06/2024

With a worldwide audience forecast to reach 318 million people, the esports industry continues to show phenomenal growth with the annual launch of new games, tens of thousands in professional player participation for tournaments, and multi-million dollar prize pools.

Not forgetting sponsorships and professional players becoming household names in esports communities. Some of the games that get launched take the world by storm, with a dominance in the regional or global landscape, earning popularity in the esports communities.

Some of the games that get launched take the world by storm, with a dominance in the regional or global landscape, earning popularity in the esports communities.

21/06/2024

Esports in Africa is growing rapidly, with several cities emerging as key hubs for the industry! Here are some of the top esports cities on the continent:

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦

Johannesburg is the leading city for esports in Africa, hosting major events such as rAge Expo and Comic Con Africa, with a robust gaming community and infrastructure.

CAIRO, EGYPT 🇪🇬

Cairo has a thriving esports scene, with events such as the Insomnia Egypt Gaming Festival, drawing local and international competitors and emphasizing the city's strategic role in the region.

ACCRA, GHANA 🇬🇭

Accra has seen significant growth in its esports community, hosting local tournaments and being hugely supported by the Ghana Esports Association, making it a key city in West Africa.

NAIROBI, KENYA 🇰🇪

Nairobi is a key esports hub in East Africa, with an expanding gaming community and events such as the Nairobi Comic Convention (Naiccon), showcasing local talent and competition.

LAGOS, NIGERIA 🇳🇬

Lagos is a significant player in West Africa's esports scene, hosting numerous tournaments and events such as the Lagos Comic Con (LLC), with a large and active gaming community.

CASABLANCA, MOROCCO 🇲🇦

Casablanca is a major esports center in North Africa, known for hosting international tournaments such as the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) and having a well-organized gaming community.

DAKAR, SENEGAL 🇸🇳

Dakar is emerging as an important city for esports in West Africa. The city has a vibrant gaming community and hosts events that attract participants from across the region, supported by local initiatives to build a robust esports infrastructure.

Esports in Africa looks highly promising. Make that esports investment in Africa!

18/06/2024

Esports represents the segment in the gaming industry that is focused on the professional levels of competitive video gameplay which aims at the aspects of viewership, production and rivalry.

The way to view esports is to replace a traditional contact sport (football, boxing, wrestling, etc) and have them replaced with two or more professional gamers playing against each other on a console or PC, and every factor left the same.

Read more:

Traditional sports and esports may seem as though they are worlds apart, but the activities are quite similar to the competitive spirit they show amongst traditional and professional gamer athletes

15/06/2024

Top esports cities in the world! 🎮

Several cities around the world have become hubs for esports due to their infrastructure and vibrant gaming communities. Here are some of the top esports cities globally:

📍LAS VEGAS, USA

Known for its entertainment and hospitality infrastructure, Las Vegas has become a popular destination for esports events and conventions. The city has several dedicated esports arenas.

📍SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Often regarded as the birthplace of modern esports, Seoul has a strong gaming culture with numerous esports arenas and tournaments. It is home to some of the most successful esports organizations and players.

📍PARIS, FRANCE

Paris has become a significant hub for esports with its infrastructure and vibrant community. The city hosts major tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship and is home to top esports organizations such as Team Vitality.

📍TOKYO, JAPAN

Tokyo is increasingly becoming a significant player in the esports scene with growing investments and tournaments. The city's rich gaming culture and large fanbase contribute to its growing status as a key player in the global esports landscape.

📍BERLIN, GERMANY

Berlin is a major European esports hub, hosting the European LCS studio and various major tournaments. The city attracts many esports organizations and has a vibrant gaming community.

📍SHANGHAI, CHINA

Shanghai has rapidly developed its esports scene with significant investments and hosting major international tournaments, including The International (Dota 2) and the League of Legends World Championship.

📍STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Stockholm has a rich history in esports, particularly in games like Counter-Strike and Dota 2. It hosts numerous esports events and is home to several renowned esports organizations.

Which of these esports cities is on your bucket list? Time to take that trip!

12/06/2024

Esports demands a unique set of skills from its participants. Players must possess excellent hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, strategic thinking and deep knowledge of game mechanics.

Traditional sports on the other hand, emphasize physical athleticism, endurance, and mastery of specific techniques. The skill sets required in traditional sports often involve years of training to develop muscle memory and refine techniques.

Esports vs. Traditional Sports — Using the Olympics as Analogy

Consider traditional sports as the classic Olympic events such as running and gymnastics, where athletes showcase their physical abilities.

In contrast, esports can be compared to newer Olympic events like snowboarding or skateboarding, where competitors demonstrate skill and strategy using electronic platforms.

Just as both types of events are celebrated in the Olympics, traditional sports and esports each have their own dedicated fan bases and competitive landscapes.

We can't wait to see esports in the Olympics someday!

10/06/2024

Connecting esports communities is a spectacle on its own, with event organizers rallying round attendees – teams and spectators – be it online or in-person.

City authorities around the world are liaised with to help bring these events to life, and below are a number of cities around the world that are great picks to visit for esports events.

These cities are known to host numerous esports events throughout the year and they are popular destinations for esports enthusiasts

07/06/2024

The sustenance of an industry is dependent on the fields that help to keep its continuity.

Esports as a subsection of the gaming industry is one that requires similar: the existence and management of departments with skilled personnel to take on roles to maintain esports ventures.

What are some esports jobs you can consider?

The sustenance of an industry is dependent on the fields that help to keep its continuity. Esports as a subsection of the gaming industry is one that requires similar

07/06/2024

The Booming Global Esports Market: A $1.6 Billion Industry by 2024! 📈

Did you know that the global esports market is projected to surpass $1.6 billion in revenue by 2024?

This rapid growth highlights the immense potential and increasing popularity of competitive gaming worldwide. The expansion of this ever-changing industry is backed by various revenue streams, each playing a crucial role in its financial ecosystem.

For more on esports business, visit:

www.gamerschangelives.com

04/06/2024

Looking for a job? Consider these five esports jobs!

The esports industry is full of countless job opportunities.

If you are passionate about gaming, marketing, event management or technology, there is likely a role for you in this rapidly growing industry.

As an aspiring esports entrepreneur, chase the dream. Get that job in esports!

25/05/2024

With the continued growth that esports is experiencing, local governments are relevant as an element of the future of esports.

Local governments help bring in recognition in the esports space as a professional industry — from the esports organizations to the esports players as professional athletes, and the events they put together likened to what traditional sports do.

Read more:

Although a debated subject, esports receiving support from local governments is an initiative that can bring a lot of benefits when undertaken.

23/05/2024

While AI has the potential to enhance certain aspects of esports, it is important that the esports community carefully considers the implications of AI adoption and maintains a balance between technological innovation and the human elements that make esports unique.

Some legitimate concerns are:

06/05/2024

Esports entrepreneurs are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the player-spectator experience.

An avenue that has shown immense promise is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into esports event management.

Is AI here to improve the scope of esports?

Find out more:

https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/blog/using-ai-to-help-esports-entrepreneurs-in-events/

01/05/2024

Join the inaugural Scholastic Video Game and Esports Expo, May the Fourth, hosted by College Esports and powered by the City of Rancho Cordova!

Engage in heart-pounding video and tabletop games, ignite your imagination in captivating cosplay workshops, and be awed by the grand ribbon-cutting ceremony heralding a new era of gaming excellence.

Plus, seize the opportunity to claim incredible prizes and awards that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
🕛 Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
📍 Location: Rancho Cordova City Hall, Sacramento

The first 60 children/youth will receive a free lightsaber to celebrate National Star Wars Day in style.

Doors open at 11:00 AM. Save time and skip the line. Pre-register now:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-the-fourth-a-scholastic-gaming-and-esports-expo-tickets-870632684797?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/05/2024

Training players in esports does not require all the rigorous physical training that may be done in traditional sports, but it still has some physicalities to it such as nutrition, wrist and eye exercises, and specific exercise routines to help with focus and maintain energy levels.

AI in esports is the edge in technological advancement that raises the bar in esports, through game data analysis and predictions to help improve player gameplay strategies, while combating opponent strategies.

Read more:

Training players in esports does not require all the rigorous physical training that may be done in traditional sports, but it still has some physicalities to it such as nutrition

18/04/2024

May the Fourth — A Free Scholastic Gaming and Esports Expo, organized by College Esports, takes place on May 4th, 2024!

The event seeks to promote the idea that gaming can serve as a gateway to viable career paths, sparking a shift in perception towards its professional and economic opportunities.

Obtain your free tickets and schedule here:

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-the-fourth-a-scholastic-gaming-and-esports-expo-tickets-870632684797?aff=oddtdtcreator

13/04/2024

We are excited to announce Gamers Change Lives is a proud sponsor of the upcoming esports event being organized by College Esports on May 4th, 2024!

The event, described as a Scholastic Gaming and Esports Expo, seeks to rally support from the local government (in Rancho Cordova) for esports, emphasizing its potential beyond mere entertainment.

The aim is to promote the idea that gaming can serve as a gateway to viable career paths, sparking a shift in perception towards its professional and economic opportunities.

College Esports is searching for schools and edTech/STEM organizations that want to table during this event.

Reach out to College Esports:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/collegeesports/

Reach out to Donna Walters (College Esports Founder):

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnawalters527/

Obtain your free tickets and schedule here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-the-fourth-a-scholastic-gaming-and-esports-expo-tickets-870632684797?aff=oddtdtcreator

Note, the first 60 children will receive a lightsaber.

See you on Saturday, May 4th!

03/04/2024

In today's tech-driven world, success blends people and data for business growth!

"The raw material for business has changed with the advent of technology. Startups now leverage on different factors for production such as people and data."

Quote by our recent guest, Martin Elonge.

Listen to more insightful takes by Martin now on our recent episode of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast.

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

03/04/2024

Here are bits of our conversation with Martin Elonge!

In these bits, Martin discusses what he looks out for during startup pitches, the difference between startups and SMEs, and Mountain Hub impacting the lives of African entrepreneurs.

Listen to the full episode with Martin now!

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

Host: Tom Leonard

03/04/2024

Who is Martin Elonge?

Martin is the Director of Research and Development at Mountain Hub, the first dedicated creative space in Cameroon for fintech enthusiasts in Africa.

He is also a writer and a Senior Research Assistant at Communication Research Centre (CRC) in JMC, where he participates in projects and assists other researchers.

We had Martin on as a guest on the Gamers Change Lives Podcast where he discussed 'Innovating for Change: The Story of Mountain Hub in Cameroon'.

Listen to this compelling episode with Martin now!

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

30/03/2024

On this episode, we speak with Martin Elonge, Director of Research and Development at MountainHub, a startup accelerator in Cameroon.

Martin discusses the mission and programs of Mountain Hub, including ecosystem building, capacity building, and venture building.

Takeaways:

✅ Venture building encompasses the entire process of building a startup, from ideation to scaling.

✅ Startups have the potential to scale and are often founded on technological advancements, while SMEs may rely more on physical infrastructure.

✅ Entrepreneurs at Mountain Hub receive support in various areas, including business development, mentorship, and investment readiness.

✅ Mountain Hub is a startup accelerator in Cameroon that focuses on ecosystem building, capacity building, and venture building.

✅ Mountain Hub invests in startups through its Mountain Angel Network.

Listen to this engaging episode with Martin now!

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

30/03/2024

27/03/2024

Talk to people!

"Just go out and talk to the people
that present workshops. Talk to the mentors, talk to the advisors while you have the chance."

Quote by our recent guest, Mai Phan.

Mai joined us on the recent episode of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast where she discussed 'From Theory to Practice: Impact of Simulation Training for Immigrant Founders'.

Listen now. Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

27/03/2024

Here are bits of our conversation with Mai Phan!

In these bits, Mai highlights how one can get the most out of incubator and accelerator programs, what the value of participating in multiple incubator programs is and details about Charge Incubator.

Listen to the full episode with Mai now.

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

Host: Tom Leonard

27/03/2024

Who is Mai Phan?

Mai is the founder of Propl, an early-stage B2B HR tech startup in Oslo, Norway. She is also the Program Manager for Charge, an incubator for immigrant founders who want to start their businesses in Norway.

Originally from Vietnam, she took her Bachelor's in Business Administration in the U.S and Master's in Finance in the UK. Mai has lived and worked in Norway in the past 12 years.

Mai joined us on the recent episode of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast where she discussed 'From Theory to Practice: Impact of Simulation Training for Immigrant Founders'.

Listen now. Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives

23/03/2024

On this episode, we speak with Mai Phan. Mai is the founder of PropL, an early-stage B2B HR tech startup in Oslo, Norway.

Mai is also the Program Manager for Charge Incubator, an incubator for immigrant founders in Norway who want to start their businesses. They offer a customized 6-month long incubator program.

She talks about her experience participating in incubator and accelerator programs and offers advice on how to get the most out of these programs.

Takeaways:

✅ Job simulations can be a valuable tool for training professionals in various industries, including healthcare.

✅ Participating in incubator and accelerator programs can provide valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for startups.

✅ It is important for entrepreneurs to do thorough research and select programs that align with their goals and provide relevant content.

✅ Showing up and actively engaging in program activities is crucial for getting the most out of incubator and accelerator programs.

✅ Understanding different languages and cultures is essential for effective communication and collaboration in the startup ecosystem.

Listen to this engaging episode with Mai now.

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms:

🎧 https://linktr.ee/gamerschangelives