Looking to Up Your Esports Game?

Participants and Roles

The esports ecosystem is vast. As with any large industry, it is comprised of many supporting groups and disciplines. These include game developers with their own sales and marketing teams. Recruiters, agents, sponsors, and PR managers are also highly involved in daily management activities with continued industry growth in mind.

The main cast of characters associated to competitions include the following:

• Players - Players engage amongst teammates, work with the manager, coaches and analysts, and may fly all over the world for competitions. Pro gamers take part in sponsor or partner initiatives, journalist interviews and fan meet and greets, as outlined in their contracts.
• Coaches - Coaches work closely with the players, to motivate them, identify their strengths and weaknesses and make sure they are playing at their best. They develop strategies and analyze opponents in order to win as many matches – and tournaments – as possible.
• Analysts - Analysts translate information into stats and strategies. They provide information to a team, tournament provider, broadcaster, or game developer. Team analysts work with coaches. Sometimes, the coach and analyst are one in the same.
• Admins and Referees – Admins and referees record the outcome of matches, make sure that the players are sticking to the rules, and hand out penalties if any are broken.
• Shoutcasters - A shoutcaster is the esports name for commentator. They speak over the action to inform and entertain the viewer. Casters require deep understanding of the game and teams they are casting. They deliver personality and energy for audience engagement. Caster roles consist of play-by-play casters for running commentary and color casters, who provide supplementary information and comment, usually following a noteworthy moment in a game. Casters usually sit at a desk.
• Hosts - Stage hosts usually act as the main presenter of a tournament, introduce teams and often interview players and other experts.
• Observers – Observers control the in-game camera for esports broadcasts. They identify key plays, make sure the camera is highlighting the most interesting aspects of the match, and identify replays for highlight reels. Observers work within the production team behind the scenes, closely interacting with casters and the broadcast crew.
• Audience – Hardcore fans of esports with deep interest and passion for the game, teams, and individual players. Tournament audiences aren’t limited to the physical venue. They cheer locally and view from afar via streamed content delivered over various platforms. It is not uncommon for the local audience to stream a match while physically present.
• Organizers and support staff – A diverse group that includes event organizers, managers, and production crew. Event managers are responsible for ensuring a successful tournament. They interact with teams, production, venue management, plus sales and marketing. People in the broadcast and production department are involved in a wide range of activities, from lighting to camera work. They ensure all technical aspects are working correctly, such as the streaming set up and AV system operation. Many esports studios have their own dedicated broadcast/production rooms for staff to work.

Esports in Education

Esports requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity from players to achieve and sustain success. With easy access and a low cost to entry, esports reaches beyond traditional sports in education to create an all-inclusive environment that breaks barriers. Engaged students perform better in school. Esports has the unique ability to appeal to and engage a wider audience. For many students, esports is the first time they've participated in a coached, athletic activity. Educators are realizing that like traditional sports, esports fosters teamwork, communication, and problem solving.

Esports Benefits for Students:

• Compliments SEL – Social and Emotional Learning
• Sense of Community and Leadership
• Character Development
• Promotes Positive Digital Citizenship
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Embodies ISTE Standards
• Increases Achievement and Accountability

Esports Systems

Esports setups vary in scale and capability, incorporating several AV technologies and specific IT network requirements. They incorporate powerful gaming PCs or consoles, such as PlayStation® and Xbox®, running high resolution graphics at high frame rates. Supporting facilities are unique in design, often built to suit the needs and specifications of the game, or games, that the organization has chosen for competition.

Like traditional sports, team size along with player positions and responsibilities depend upon the game being played. Competition usually takes place in 1v1, 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 formats with backups also included on team rosters. There are four main genres in terms of game types. First, strategy games, which include MOBA – multiplayer online battle arena and RTS – real-time strategy. The other popular genres include FPS - first-person shooter, sports games, and lastly fighting games.

• General Gaming Centers
• Game Labs
• Practice Facilities
• Multipurpose Spaces
• University Competition Rooms
• Esports Arenas