How to Be Esports Broadcast Announcer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 9, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Esports broadcast announcers have become an integral part of the esports industry, as their enthusiasm and technical knowledge help bring the action to life. By providing commentary on the matches, they create an engaging experience for viewers, allowing them to better understand the action. This increased engagement has been shown to lead to higher viewership numbers and increased investment in the industry, which in turn leads to better salaries for professional players, more resources for tournament organizers, and more opportunities for aspiring players to gain exposure. Furthermore, broadcast announcers also help build and maintain the esports community by introducing new fans to the scene and providing analysis and insight for those already familiar with it.

Steps How to Become

Get Educated. Obtaining a degree in broadcasting, communications, media studies, or any related field can be beneficial for those looking to become an eSports broadcast announcer. Knowing the basics of the industry can help with understanding the roles and responsibilities associated with being a professional announcer.
Develop an Understanding of the Game. Working as an eSports broadcast announcer requires familiarity with the games being broadcasted. Its important to understand the game mechanics, strategies, and players in order to provide viewers with an entertaining experience.
Build a Portfolio. Building a portfolio of your work is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and highlight your talent. You can include clips of your best announcing, podcast recordings, or any other audio-visual media that showcases your announcing style.
Practice. As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Its important to take the time to practice your announcing skills and develop a unique voice and style. Practice running through scripts and try to be as natural and conversational as possible.
Network. Building relationships with people in the industry is key for finding work as an eSports broadcast announcer. Reach out to eSports organizations, broadcasters, and influencers in the scene and let them know youre available for hire.
Apply for Jobs. Once youve built up your portfolio and developed relationships in the industry, its time to start applying for jobs. Look for gigs on freelance websites, eSports organization websites, or through contacts youve made while networking.

Esports broadcast announcers must be highly skilled and capable to be successful. To achieve this, they must have a passion for gaming and an understanding of the various esports competitions. In addition, they must have excellent communication and public speaking skills to engage viewers and be able to explain complex strategies and strategies used by the players.

Furthermore, they must have a strong knowledge of the latest gaming technology, as well as the ability to keep up with the rapidly changing trends in the industry. Finally, strong research and analytical skills are essential to ensure that the broadcast is informative and entertaining for viewers. with the right combination of skills and expertise, an esports broadcast announcer can be a successful broadcaster.

You may want to check Esports Publicist, Esports Promoter, and Esports Data Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Research and evaluate current professional esports matches and players.
Prepare commentary and analysis for esports events.
Provide play-by-play commentary for esports events.
Create and maintain relationships with team owners, players, and fans.
Direct and coordinate broadcast production, including setting up equipment and personnel.
Coordinate with technical teams to ensure streaming quality.
Develop creative ideas to increase viewership and engagement.
Monitor social media accounts during broadcasts and respond to viewer comments.
Create promotional materials for upcoming events.
Keep up-to-date on the latest esports trends and developments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of esports industry
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Ability to speak clearly and project voice
Knowledge of the game being broadcasted
Understanding of game rules and regulations
Ability to think quickly and accurately
Ability to ad-lib in a professional manner
Ability to research and update information on teams, players, and games
Ability to coordinate with other announcers and technical staff
Ability to maintain focus in order to provide a quality broadcast
Knowledge of broadcasting equipment and software

Being an esports broadcast announcer requires a wide range of skills and expertise. Primarily, the most important skill is the ability to effectively communicate. Announcers must be able to provide quick and accurate play-by-play commentary, as well as analyze key moments and provide insightful analysis of the game's strategy.

they must be able to relay the information they see to viewers in a clear and concise manner. A successful esports broadcast announcer must also be knowledgeable of the game they are commentating on and be able to recognize and explain game mechanics, specific game strategies, and the current meta. Finally, they must be able to remain professional and unbiased even when the game is highly contested.

All of these skills combined create an invaluable asset for any esports broadcast and can be the difference between a good broadcast and a great one.

Esports Account Manager, Esports Video Game Tester, and Esports Producer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in esports broadcasting?
What do you believe makes a good esports broadcast announcer?
How do you stay up to date on esports news, tournaments, and players?
How would you handle a technical issue during a broadcast?
How do you ensure that your commentary is accurate and impartial?
How do you remain impartial while providing commentary on a team or player?
What strategies do you use to keep the audience engaged during long broadcasts?
How do you collaborate with other crew members before, during, and after broadcasts?
What challenges have you faced when announcing for an esports broadcast?
In what ways have you tailored your commentary style to the different types of esports games?

Common Tools in Industry

Broadcast Software. Software that is used to produce and stream live esports events. (eg: OBS Studio, Xsplit Broadcaster)
Streaming Platforms. Platforms used to host and stream esports content. (eg: Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Facebook Live)
Microphone. A device used to capture sound for audio commentary. (eg: Blue Yeti, Audio Technica AT2020)
Audio Mixer. A device used to control and manipulate the volume of various sound sources. (eg: Behringer Xenyx 1204USB, Mackie ProFX8v2)
Webcam. A device used to capture video for streaming purposes. (eg: Logitech C920, Razer Kiyo)
Lighting Equipment. Lighting equipment used to create a professional broadcast setting. (eg: LED panel lights, ring lights)

Professional Organizations to Know

World Esports Association (WESA)
Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC)
Electronic Sports League (ESL)
International e-Sports Federation (IeSF)
Professional Esports Association (PEA)
Esports Media Association (EMA)
National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)
European Gaming League (EGL)
Major League Gaming (MLG)
Esports Entertainment Association (EEA)

We also have Esports Technical Support Specialist, Esports Programmer, and Esports Content Strategist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Caster. A caster is a professional commentator for an esports broadcast. They provide analysis and commentary of the game as it is being played.
Streamer. A streamer is someone who broadcasts live video content on a streaming platform, usually while playing a game.
Observer. An observer is a camera operator that captures the action in an esports match.
Shoutcaster. A shoutcaster is a caster who provides color commentary during an esports match.
Analyst. An analyst is someone who provides analysis and insight into an esports match or tournament.
Play-by-Play Announcer. A play-by-play announcer is a caster who provides detailed descriptions of an esports match as it is being played.
Color Commentator. A color commentator is a caster who provides additional insight into a match by providing analysis and strategy tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Esports Broadcast Announcer?

An Esports Broadcast Announcer is a professional commentator who provides live commentary of video game tournaments and matches.

What skills are needed to be an Esports Broadcast Announcer?

To be an Esports Broadcast Announcer, you need excellent communication skills, knowledge of the game, and the ability to think quickly on your feet.

What education is required for an Esports Broadcast Announcer?

While there is no specific education required for becoming an Esports Broadcast Announcer, many successful professionals have college degrees in journalism or broadcasting.

What type of salary can an Esports Broadcast Announcer expect to earn?

The salary of an Esports Broadcast Announcer varies depending on experience and the size of the tournament or event being broadcast. On average, announcers can expect to earn anywhere from $20,000 - $50,000 per year.

What organizations are involved in the Esports industry?

Numerous organizations are involved in the Esports industry, such as the Electronic Sports League (ESL), Major League Gaming (MLG), and the International e-Sports Federation (IeSF).