Embracing gaming as a career: A parent’s guide to the digital playground

As parents, we can acknowledge how much gaming makes our kids happy, their faces lit up with the glow of digital landscapes. It’s easy to view this as mere entertainment—a pastime to be balanced with “more productive” activities. But what if I told you that gaming could be much more than just a hobby? Today, gaming has evolved into a thriving industry with promising career opportunities, not just globally but also here in Africa, and yes, even in Kenya.

Understanding Esports: The Global Stage

Esports, or electronic sports, is competitive gaming at a professional level. Think of it as the digital version of traditional sports, where players or teams compete in various video games, often for substantial prize money and international recognition. This industry has grown exponentially over the past decade, with global esports revenues projected to reach billions of dollars, yes billions. The appeal is massive, with millions of fans tuning in to watch tournaments streamed online or live in arenas. More like you or your husbands catching up on that Manchester City vs Real Madrid game.

The games range from strategy-based games like League of Legends to sports-based games like FC@4, a football game. These events are not just about playing video games; they are full-blown spectator sports complete with commentators, analysts, and fans, much like any football or basketball game.

Esports in Africa: The Rising Tide

Esports is making significant strides in Africa, gaining momentum as more young people embrace competitive gaming. Across the continent, we’ve seen the rise of esports teams and tournaments, fostering a community that is as vibrant as it is diverse. Africa’s young, tech-savvy population provides fertile ground for the growth of esports, and the potential is immense. We are aware of the digital revolution happening across the continent and the impact of this, esports is one of those byproducts.

In Kenya, the esports scene is buzzing with activity. Local tournaments are increasingly becoming common, drawing participants from all over the country. This September, the spotlight will be on the Gaming Impact Grand Series, a major esports event happening at Kenya Cinema on the 7th of September. Organized by AlphaClan Esports in partnership with EsportsAfrica, SmartVR, Jiwe Esports, Paydhq, Barbah Games, the Kenya Film Classification Board, and VibeYetu, this event is set to bring together the best of the best in gaming. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young gamers to showcase their skills and for parents to see firsthand the possibilities within the gaming world. Come, interact, ask questions and see how to best support your little gamers.

Beyond Playing: Game Development and Related Careers

But let’s not stop at playing games. The gaming industry offers a plethora of career opportunities beyond just being a professional gamer. Game development, for example, is a thriving field. Game developers are the creative minds and technical wizards who bring these digital worlds to life. This career path can involve programming, graphic design, sound design, storytelling, and more.

Participating in game development competitions, like the GameDev Jam, is a fantastic way for aspiring developers to showcase their skills. These competitions challenge participants to create a game within a limited timeframe, pushing their creativity and technical prowess to the limits. In an interview with VibeYetu, Ray Frank, a four-time Game-Dev jam winner, talks about his experience and how he won the support of his parents through his journey as a game developer into how much that support impacted his career.

There are also careers in game design, where individuals conceptualize game ideas, create storylines, and design characters. Others might find their niche in roles such as esports management, coaching, event organizing, or even content creation, where they could stream their gameplay or create gaming-related content for platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

Balancing the Scales: Risks and Rewards

While there are undoubtedly many positives to gaming, it’s important to acknowledge the potential downsides. Excessive gaming can lead to physical health issues such as poor posture or eye strain, and mental health concerns such as addiction or social isolation, a combination of our biggest fears as parents. It’s crucial for us as parents to guide our children in finding a balance. Encouraging moderation, setting time limits, and promoting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.

Education is key. By understanding the potential and pitfalls of gaming, we can help our children navigate this digital landscape wisely. The focus should not be on demonizing gaming but on encouraging a balanced approach where gaming can coexist with physical activity, social interaction, and academic pursuits.

The gaming industry is not just a passing fad; it’s a burgeoning field full of opportunities. With the right guidance and support, our children can transform their passion for gaming into a fulfilling career. Whether as professional gamers, developers, or in one of the many other roles within the industry, the future is bright for those willing to explore these digital horizons.

So, next time you see your child immersed in their favourite game, take a moment to consider the potential it holds. Who knows? You might just be nurturing the next esports champion or groundbreaking game developer. The world of gaming is vast, vibrant, and full of promise, waiting for the next generation to make their mark.

Let’s be part of this exciting journey, supporting our children as they explore the possibilities and dream big. After all, the game is just beginning. So come along with your kids to the Gaming Impact Grand Series this September to experience first-hand the world of gaming outside a hobby.

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