The demand for skilled professionals in various fields is skyrocketing as the esports industry continues to expand rapidly. Recognizing this trend, numerous universities have started offering courses focused on esports. One good example is Brown University in the United States, which is an ENESTECH Software customer that uses SENET to manage its on-campus gaming facility — Brown Esports.

It means that even if you haven’t reached the top level of gaming, you still have the opportunity to stay connected with the esports industry and pursue a fulfilling career. If you have recently developed an interest in the industry, here are some non-gaming esports job roles worth considering.

One of the most significant positions in the esports world is that of a shoutcaster or caster. A shoutcaster serves as an esports commentator, providing play-by-play coverage or analysis in tandem with another caster. An analyst, often called a colorcaster, focuses on providing insights into the game. Additionally, an esports host oversees the event, introduces the players, and sets the stage for the casters to take over. Shoutcasters are typically former gamers who possess deep knowledge of their favorite games. They add value through their excellent voice, timing, and ability to articulate their thoughts, enhancing the viewer experience.

An esports streamer is a self-employed individual who livestreams their gaming sessions to a public audience via various online platforms. Twitch, the pioneering platform in this field, revolutionized the concept of esports streaming and is still the leader among streaming platforms. Our SENET Software supports Twitch, allowing you to broadcast your game even if you are playing in a gaming venue. 

To become a streamer, you primarily need a passion for popular games and the necessary technology — a powerful gaming computer system with a high-quality graphics card, webcams, microphones, and a stable internet connection. By consistently streaming on platforms like Twitch or YouTube and promoting your content through social media, you can cultivate a growing audience and potentially turn streaming into a lucrative career.

While the debate on whether esports should be considered a sport continues, one aspect remains clear: esports teams require coaches and analysts just like traditional sports. Although players are vital to a team’s success, a skilled coach can elevate the team’s performance to a level more significant than the sum of its parts.

Coaches focus on improving team synergy, identifying and addressing individual strengths and weaknesses, and maximizing the team’s overall potential. On the other hand, analysts delve into game statistics, providing crucial information to coaches about areas for improvement in individual players. A coach answers the “how,” while an analyst answers the “what.”

While some universities now offer esports courses, coaching qualifications are often not strictly defined. A genuine interest in esports is necessary, but the ability to bring a team together and unleash their full potential is a universal trait. Of course, understanding the intricacies of a particular game is essential for effective coaching.

Public relations and marketing are crucial aspects of any business, and esports is no exception. As the esports industry is still in its early stages, the need to promote and elevate it becomes even more significant, given the growing competition between companies in the field.

PR officers and marketing executives play a vital role in ensuring positive industry perception and enhancing the reputation of esports companies. They work toward improving the company’s image through various strategies, including advertising, targeting specific audiences, and utilizing mediums such as the Internet, radio, and television.

While the fundamentals of PR and marketing remain the same across industries, a deep understanding of esports is highly beneficial in this unique field. Although there are exceptions, hiring individuals with a background in esports provides valuable insights.

Salaries for PR professionals with 2-3 years of experience range around $60,000 per year, while social media managers with similar experience can expect slightly lower wages of about $45,000-$50,000. Marketing heads with 5+ years of experience may earn around $100,000 annually.

Like traditional sports, esports tournaments require administrators or referees to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules. An admin/referee oversees the tournament, ensuring players follow the established guidelines. Their responsibilities include enforcing rules, addressing disputes, and maintaining the smooth progression of the event. This role demands strong management skills and quick decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations.

Admins/referees are often former players or individuals with a deep understanding of the esports industry. They are required to work long hours during tournaments, from preparation to post-event activities. While junior roles in this field may offer lower salaries or even be unpaid, full-time referees can earn around $40,000-$60,000 annually.

In today’s digital age, social media is vital in connecting with audiences, and esports is no exception. A community or social media manager in esports focuses on managing the online community associated with a game, tournament, or esports company. They oversee various social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit, ensuring engagement with followers and addressing their feedback. This role requires an understanding of the esports vernacular and the ability to communicate effectively with the community. While the responsibilities are similar to social media managers in other industries, the unique nature of esports necessitates familiarity with the industry’s specific nuances.

Broadcasting and production are essential components of any sports industry, and esports is no different. However, esports broadcasting and production require specialized expertise. Broadcasting companies focus on cameras, lighting, sound, and set design to deliver high-quality coverage of esports events. The broadcast/production crew ensures that all technical aspects of the production are flawless. Opportunities to be part of this crew can arise from previous experience in broadcasting or by volunteering in esports events to gain hands-on experience.

Event managers in the esports industry organize and coordinate esports arenas events. They oversee all aspects of event planning, including venue selection, logistics, scheduling, and ensuring a seamless experience for participants and attendees. Strong organizational and management skills are crucial for success in this role. Event managers are integral to creating memorable experiences for players and spectators in the esports community.

As in traditional sports, esports players can benefit from having agents representing their interests. An agent represents individual players or groups of players, handling sponsorship deals, managing their public image and social media presence, and handling legal aspects of their career. Larger agencies may also be involved in logistics and scheduling. While the role of an agent is not exclusive to esports, it is becoming increasingly important in the industry. Agents typically earn commissions based on their clients’ contracts and deals.

Game development is at the core of the esports industry. Companies continually release new esports games and revamp existing titles to meet the demands of the growing player base. Game developers, including programmers and software engineers, are crucial to these endeavors. Companies ranging from major players like Nintendo, Rockstar Games, and Electronic Arts to smaller start-ups hire game developers with a passion for gaming and the technical skills necessary for designing and creating immersive gaming experiences. Pursuing a career in game development allows you to combine your interest in software development with your love for esports.

These are just a few exciting job roles in the esports industry. If you have a passion for esports and want to stay connected to the industry after your gaming career, consider exploring these alternative paths. Many universities now offer esports-related courses, which can further enhance your chances of securing a non-gaming job in the field. Remember to constantly develop your skills, stay updated with industry trends, and seize opportunities to grow within this dynamic industry.