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

Mar 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Esports has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, and as a result, esports journalism has become an increasingly important part of the industry. Professional esports teams and organizations now hire dedicated journalists to cover tournaments and provide up-to-date reporting on the latest news, trends and developments. Esports journalists provide an invaluable service to their readers by offering comprehensive and insightful coverage of the competitive gaming scene, giving fans a greater understanding of the teams, players, tournaments and games involved.

Their work also helps to promote and expand the reach of competitive gaming, allowing more people to get involved and providing a platform for increased discussion, debate and engagement. As esports continues to grow in popularity and reach, the role of esports journalism will continue to be as important as ever.

Steps How to Become

Develop a passion for Esports. A successful Esports journalist must have a deep understanding and enthusiasm for the sport. Follow Esports on social media, read news about Esports teams and players, and attend Esports events in your area.
Get an Education. A degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field can prove to be helpful. Taking classes in writing, broadcasting, digital media, and web design can also be beneficial.
Build Your Portfolio. Start writing about Esports for free on websites such as Reddit or popular esports forums. Create a blog or website and write your own articles about Esports.
Get Experience. Look for internships with established Esports organizations or websites. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field.
Network. Reach out to established Esports journalists and organizations to connect and build relationships. This can be done through social media, attending conferences and events, or by directly emailing contacts.
Apply for Jobs. When you feel you are ready, start applying for jobs at established websites or news outlets. Be sure to include your portfolio when applying so hiring managers can get a better understanding of your skills and experience.

Being a reliable and capable esports journalist requires a combination of many skills. A thorough understanding of the esports industry and its various players is essential, as well as an ability to research and analyze data. Knowing how to effectively communicate the information gathered is also important, whether that is through articles, interviews, or broadcasts.

staying up to date on the latest news and trends in the industry is vital for a successful esports journalist. Finally, having strong interpersonal skills to network and build relationships with other industry professionals is essential for gaining access to exclusive information and sources. All of these skills together create a reliable and capable esports journalist who will be able to provide accurate, insightful, and engaging content for their audience.

You may want to check Esports Statistician, Esports Tournament Director, and Esports Promoter for alternative.

Job Description

Content Writer/Producer: Developing content for Esports websites, magazines, and other media outlets.
Reporter: Gathering and writing Esports news stories.
Event Coverager: On-site reporting at Esports tournaments and events.
Feature Writer: Writing in-depth stories and profiles on Esports players, teams, and leagues.
Editor: Proofreading, fact-checking, and editing Esports content.
Social Media Manager: Creating content and managing social media accounts for Esports teams and organizations.
Videographer: Producing videos related to Esports events and personalities.
Broadcaster: Commentating Esports tournaments and matches for streaming platforms.
Analyst: Breaking down and analyzing Esports matches for viewers.
Research Specialist: Conducting research on the history and trends of Esports.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the esports industry and its players, teams, and events.
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to capture the excitement of esports events in written form.
Ability to stay up to date on current developments in the esports industry.
Knowledge of the gaming industry and gaming culture.
Ability to think analytically and quickly respond to newsworthy developments.
Ability to create content in different media formats (video, audio, written).
Proficiency in interviewing and research techniques.
Experience in building relationships with esports teams and industry professionals.
Familiarity with various online platforms used to publish content (such as blogs, websites, social media, etc. ).
Understanding of different esports genres (MOBA, FPS, RTS, etc).

As an esports journalist, having the skill to write in a clear and informative manner is essential to gaining credibility and trust from your readers. The ability to research and craft stories that stand out amongst the rest while conveying the necessary facts and figures is key. Good writing skills also enable esports journalists to create engaging content that readers can easily understand, which helps to differentiate them from the competition.

Furthermore, the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the competitive gaming industry is paramount for maintaining a competitive edge. Finally, a good understanding of the esports community and its culture is essential for accurately representing the players and teams involved in the scene.

Esports Broadcast Announcer, Esports Analyst, and Esports Quality Assurance Tester are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience as an Esports Journalist?
How have you developed and maintained relationships with the Esports community?
Describe the most challenging Esports story you have covered.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your work?
How have you worked to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in Esports?
What strategies do you employ to ensure accuracy in your reporting?
How would you handle a conflict of interest in an Esports story?
What methods do you use to research and develop stories for Esports coverage?
How do you ensure that your stories are unique and engaging for readers?
What do you think sets you apart from other Esports Journalists?

Common Tools in Industry

Content Management System (CMS). A content management system is a platform used to create websites and manage web content. (example: WordPress)
Social Media Platforms. Platforms used to share content, interact with followers, and promote events. (example: Twitter)
Video Editing Software. Software used to edit videos, audio, and images. (example: Adobe Premiere Pro)
Image Editing Software. Software used to edit images, create graphics, and manipulate photos. (example: Photoshop)
Word Processing Software. Software used to create documents and presentations. (example: Microsoft Word)
Research Tools. Tools used to find relevant information and data. (example: Google Scholar)
Statistical Software. Software used to analyze data and create reports. (example: SPSS)
Communication Applications. Applications used to communicate with colleagues, sources, and event organizers. (example: Slack)

Professional Organizations to Know

The Esports Observer
The Esports Network
The Esports Ad Bureau
Esports Industry Association
World Esports Association
International e-Sports Federation
Electronic Sports League
Major League Gaming
Games Media Pro
National Association of Collegiate Esports

We also have Esports Public Relations Specialist, Esports Coach, and Esports Video Game Tester jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

eSports. Competitive video gaming, with professional players and teams competing in organized tournaments and leagues.
Esports Organizing. The process of creating and administering professional tournaments and leagues for competitive video gaming.
Esports Broadcasting. The process of providing commentary and analysis on professional tournaments and leagues, as well as livestreaming them.
Esports Media. The collective of outlets, platforms and organizations that cover esports, including magazines, websites, podcasts and television shows.
Esports News. Reports and updates on the latest professional tournaments, teams and players.
Esports Events. Major competitions, tournaments, exhibitions and festivals held for competitive video gaming.
Esports Industry. Businesses, organizations and individuals involved in the professional esports scene, including teams, sponsors, broadcasters and game publishers.
Professional Player. A highly-skilled individual who competes in professional tournaments and leagues for competitive video gaming.
Amateur Player. An individual who competes in amateur tournaments and leagues for competitive video gaming.
Streaming Platforms. Online services that allow gamers to livestream their gaming sessions for others to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Esports Journalist?

To become an Esports Journalist, one should have a degree in journalism or related field, and preferably have some experience writing about Esports or the gaming industry. Additionally, knowledge of the various game titles and genres popular in the Esports world is beneficial.

How much do Esports Journalists typically earn?

Salaries for Esports Journalists can vary widely depending on experience, location, and other factors. On average, salaries for experienced Esports Journalists range from $45,000 to $75,000 annually.

What type of reporting do Esports Journalists specialize in?

Esports Journalists specialize in reporting on gaming tournaments, professional players, and industry news related to Esports. This type of reporting often includes interviewing players and coaches, attending tournaments, and providing analysis or commentary on Esports events.

What are the most common outlets for Esports Journalists to publish their work?

The most common outlets for Esports Journalists to publish their work include online magazines, blogs, and websites dedicated to Esports and gaming. Additionally, many Esports Journalists write for major media publications such as ESPN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

What is the job outlook for Esports Journalists?

The job outlook for Esports Journalists is very positive. With the growth of Esports, demand for experienced Journalists to cover the growing industry is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. Additionally, more traditional news outlets are beginning to cover Esports events, further increasing the need for experienced Journalists.

Web Resources

Esports journalism course teaches students to cover competitive mediaschool.indiana.edu
Sports Journalist - Everything you need to know - NFI www.nfi.edu
Esports - husson.edu www.husson.edu