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Becoming a Progamer

Blogs > Pandain
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Pandain
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States12989 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 21:44:10
December 20 2010 01:20 GMT
#1
When I was young I remember talking with my brother about what my dream job would be. I've loved video games for a while, and we would follow IGN, always buying the new RPG that came out, and always noting how really the dream job that we could have would be playing video games for a living.
But the dream passed, and reality entered(or so I thought.) I was very debate-origented, so I thought I'd be a lawyer. Then around 8th grade or so I really got into quantum physics and string theory and the such, reading physics books in my free time, and then I wanted to be a physicist.

And then, I still remember the day. We had burnt cd's of SCBW, and my family would just play a couple games every now and then. I eventually got into playing RP's and custom games on SCBW, and I played that for a good year or so.

And then SC2 came out. And for a while, everything was normal. Then one of my friends managed to get a beta key for me. From there, I was addicted.

Let me put that out there, I love Starcraft Two with all my heart and soul. Along with my family, my dogs, and so forth Starcraft II is really the focus of my life right now. I love improving, I love practicing. I managed to get from bronze to where I am now, 2600 diamond zerg. And for the past month or so I've realized I actually have a chance to achieve my dream job: becoming a pro gamer.

But recently I've grown very concerned, especially as of late. If I commit, I know I can make it big, I just...I believe. And I don't just want to be one of those people who just are famous in the scene for a year and then disappear, I want to make it big, Nada style(I will never achieve Boxer fame though I admit, and even Nada fame will be hard to achieve.) But again, recently just questions have been burning in my mind, and I really want to ask the TL communitiy, who I <3 with all my heart.

1.How much should I practice a day if I really want to make it big?
2.Is it possible to support myself entirely off of SC?
3.What would I do after I'm like 40 or something, what do I do then(since if I took a "normal" job career I would still have a job then, or something?)

I'm really struggling in the shadows, I ask for your wisdom to light up my path.

Edits:
On December 21 2010 04:51 Pandain wrote:
Hello there and thank you for all yoru responses so far, it has all been very enlightening and I've been pondering it for a while now. Just to address a couple concerns/what not.
1.I'm not doing it for the money.
I'm doing it because I love the game. I full hardidly realize that this will probably pay less than if I took a "normal" job, but I would accept that if I just find out just how much I can support myself off of starcraft.
2.I have the dedication.
Somewhat going along with #1, I can put in the hours. I can(and have) put in +8 hours during a single day, and if I could play more I gladly would. Right now I'm only "allowed" to be on electronics an hour during a day according to my mom (-.-) but of course have been playing for longer, even considering going down during the night just to play some more(especially if I focus more on school.)

Just to ask some more questions, here are a couple I've now been wondering.
1.Could I support a family off of this?(like nony and white ra, I'm unsure as to their situations)

2.If I really want to go pro, like try to support myself fully off of starcraft, would I join a team? Is that really my only choice nowadays is to get sponsered? Furthormore, should I plan moving to korea? I know this wouldn't happen for a long time, but I'm just trying to get my thoughts on paper now.

3.How many hours should I at least be putting in in starcraft now? Right now I would say I average 2-3 hours playing starcraft and like 4-5 watching streams/day9 or so forth. Some days I average more, such as weekends when I play for like 5 hours or something.


**
KasPra
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
Estonia983 Posts
December 20 2010 01:34 GMT
#2
Sorry, but Nada fame and Boxer flame? That just sounds so wrong and ... uninformed.

If you will start practicing a lot, a lot, and even more you will probably just become one of those well-known best foreign players, if not less.
Raelcun
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
United States3747 Posts
December 20 2010 01:38 GMT
#3
1) Work smarter not harder, don't just play games work on the basics
2) Yes but dont quit your job until you're actually making enough $$ to do so
3) Thats why you dont quit your job
moopie
Profile Joined July 2009
12605 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 01:46:57
December 20 2010 01:38 GMT
#4
Depends on what you call making it big. You will never ever achieve the type of fame NaDa has, so if thats the goal best to give up on it early. If you have skill and a lot of time though, you can win some smaller tournaments and gain some e-fame, maybe stream and have a regular crowd.

Don't go into SC/SC2 for the purpose of making a living on it (especially for a long period of time) because thats much easier said than done. For every person that puts in the hours and makes enough in a year to live off of, there are hundreds (if not more) that fail. In the long run, progaming is not really something you could keep doing till you're 40 anyway (Boxer-fame aside).

Play the game for the sake of playing, enjoy it, maybe win some tourneys, get some fans. Beyond that don't go too crazy with the expectations.
I'm going to sleep, let me get some of that carpet.
-HellZerg-
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States409 Posts
December 20 2010 01:39 GMT
#5
Keep participating in big SC2 tournaments and get your name out there. What are you waiting for? Getting high points in 1v1 laddering alone will get you nowhere.
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
2Pacalypse-
Profile Joined October 2006
Croatia9490 Posts
December 20 2010 01:41 GMT
#6
You have a serious case of "daydreaming". You should have that checked out.
Moderator"We're a community of geniuses because we've found how to extract 95% of the feeling of doing something amazing without actually doing anything." - Chill
LSB
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States5171 Posts
December 20 2010 01:43 GMT
#7
I'm looking forward to watching you win some tournaments. Go for it!
Once is an accident. Twice is coincidence. Three times is an enemy action. Bus Driver can never target themselves I'm sorry
PlaGuE_R
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
France1151 Posts
December 20 2010 01:44 GMT
#8
On December 20 2010 10:41 2Pacalypse- wrote:
You have a serious case of "daydreaming". You should have that checked out.


I agree, it's a great dream but don't give up on your day job. Be a physicist, in the long run im pretty sure that wud be a lot more rewarding anyways.
TLO FIGHTING | me all in, he drone drone drone, me win - SK.MC | JINROLLED! | KraToss for the win
astroorion
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United States1022 Posts
December 20 2010 01:52 GMT
#9
1. Most pros practice for about 10 hours a day, but it's up to personal choice and if you are on a team, their schedule for practicing.
2. It is possible but you would have to be good and have a way to pay to enter tournaments
3. BoxeR is in his 30's and still playing. Age won't affect you unless it slows your mind, or your reflexes, and then you wouldn't be able to play.
MLG Admin | Astro.631 NA
wwJd)El_Mojjo
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
Sweden173 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 01:56:33
December 20 2010 01:55 GMT
#10
You can find some info from the comments in this blog I think:
http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=164577

But to be honest, from what you wrote it sounds like you just love gaming. That's not necessarily the same as loving the life as a progamer. I don't believe just high goals will take you anywhere. I think you need to enjoy the lifestyle to be able to make it as a progamer. Try to game with a more professional approach to your sc2 training for a few days when you have a week off from school/work and see how it feels (if you haven't done it already). Just don't do it when the time is not right, don't let the gaming steal focus away from school/work...
Gc.El_Mojjo
Polar_Nada
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
United States1548 Posts
December 20 2010 01:57 GMT
#11
There's always the risk of not being successful. You should also concentrate on your studies for a more stable job just in case!
[ReD]NaDa and fnaticMSI.SEn fighting~! ::POlar @ UC Irvine::
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 02:23:40
December 20 2010 02:22 GMT
#12
I believe IdrA was majoring in theoretical physics before he went progamer?

But yeah, I would stick with the non-progaming job... unless you plan to go pro after youve earned a degree in something. Maybe you can work for a gaming company as... I dunno...
:)
muse5187
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
1125 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 03:13:39
December 20 2010 03:13 GMT
#13
1. 12+ Hours
2. 0.00000000001% chance
3. You can be a garbage man.

Long story short, goto school and play video games as a hobby.
Ryalnos
Profile Joined July 2010
United States1946 Posts
December 20 2010 03:25 GMT
#14
Do you really think you want to game 8 hrs/day as a career? How much have you really been playing (I would guess that 2600 diamond can be reached on a couple hours a day)?

Physics is rad, you should go for it. But choose a reputable subfield, not string theory.

I kid, I kid...

But really, string theorists are the butts of many jokes in grad school.
It's kinda hard to find funding .
Doraemon
Profile Blog Joined January 2010
Australia14949 Posts
December 20 2010 03:29 GMT
#15
the most important aspect is to remain realistic and have a plan b and c

always have a fallback if your sc2 career does not progress the way you intended, so whatever you do, do NOT cease your education or current employment, that would possibly be the worst choice.

good luck sir.
Do yourself a favour and just STFU
IamBach
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States1059 Posts
December 20 2010 03:32 GMT
#16
dont bother trying. I expect the sc2 scene wont last much more than a year or maybe 18 months from here

User was warned for this post
Just listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__lCZeePG48
Coagulation
Profile Blog Joined July 2006
United States9633 Posts
December 20 2010 03:32 GMT
#17
lol
reG.neaZ
Profile Joined July 2010
Mexico38 Posts
December 20 2010 03:34 GMT
#18
are you trolling? o.O(if not, LOL)
Visualize the win, and you will succeed.
SCC-Faust
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States3736 Posts
December 20 2010 03:42 GMT
#19
On December 20 2010 12:32 etheovermind wrote:
dont bother trying. I expect the sc2 scene wont last much more than a year or maybe 18 months from here


You have no idea what you're talking about.
I want to fuck Soulkey with a Zelderan.
kingjames01
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Canada1603 Posts
December 20 2010 03:54 GMT
#20
What the fadoodle is up with everyone...

Pandain, you have to just ask yourself some really hard questions. Unfortunately I don't have the expertise to speak to you about progaming, but if you ever want to chat about physics, let me know! =)

Anyway, here are some questions that come to mind:
1) Suppose that you enter into a life of training for SCII, how will you support yourself? Where will the money for food, rent, clothes, utilities, internet, etc come from?
2) Let's say that you have that covered. Do you have the drive and discipline to devote yourself to learning the game? Learning SCII is not only about playing a lot of games without analysis. You will be required to test your ideas/timings relentlessly to understand the strengths/weaknesses of your strategies.
3) Also, the support of the people in your life is important. You can do it alone but sometimes it's nice to know that your friends and family are there for you.

=) I'll support your decision to try to attain your dream. It'll be really tough though. Also, keep in mind that you're leaving Liquidia in the hands of the Mafia... Feel free to drop by every now and then and leave us a "lol" post or a "5/5" post, a la Flamewheel. =)
Who would sup with the mighty, must walk the path of daggers.
IamBach
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States1059 Posts
December 20 2010 03:59 GMT
#21
On December 20 2010 12:42 SCC-Faust wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 20 2010 12:32 etheovermind wrote:
dont bother trying. I expect the sc2 scene wont last much more than a year or maybe 18 months from here


You have no idea what you're talking about.

dont i? Everyone is excited about sc2 because its new. I give it 1 year b4 people realize bw is a better game and stop caring about sc2 at all.

User was temp banned for this post.
Just listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__lCZeePG48
Thegilaboy
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
United States2018 Posts
December 20 2010 04:06 GMT
#22
On December 20 2010 12:59 etheovermind wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 20 2010 12:42 SCC-Faust wrote:
On December 20 2010 12:32 etheovermind wrote:
dont bother trying. I expect the sc2 scene wont last much more than a year or maybe 18 months from here


You have no idea what you're talking about.

dont i? Everyone is excited about sc2 because its new. I give it 1 year b4 people realize bw is a better game and stop caring about sc2 at all.


Well, there will likely be a resurgence of interest even if it does start to die as each of the next two expansions come out.

Not that I disagree that BW is the better game, I'm on board with that. But I think you are certainly wrong about SC2 being dead in a year
cArn-
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Korea (South)824 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 04:35:17
December 20 2010 04:10 GMT
#23
On December 20 2010 10:38 moopie wrote:
Depends on what you call making it big. You will never ever achieve the type of fame NaDa has, so if thats the goal best to give up on it early. If you have skill and a lot of time though, you can win some smaller tournaments and gain some e-fame, maybe stream and have a regular crowd.

Don't go into SC/SC2 for the purpose of making a living on it (especially for a long period of time) because thats much easier said than done. For every person that puts in the hours and makes enough in a year to live off of, there are hundreds (if not more) that fail. In the long run, progaming is not really something you could keep doing till you're 40 anyway (Boxer-fame aside).

Play the game for the sake of playing, enjoy it, maybe win some tourneys, get some fans. Beyond that don't go too crazy with the expectations.


Do you really think BoxeR, NaDa and all the people who actually achieved what they did had this kind of mentality ? The reasons this kind of people shine above others is not only their talent, dedication, love for the game, how hard they practice etc etc, but also the huge factor that is self confidence, if you go into something telling to yourself that you'll never get there anyway, then yes you will never get there. No matter how talented and good you are, if you don't trust in your abilities and if you don't honestly think you can be the one who will shine, that will never happen, and to convince yourself that you can actually do it and that there is no reason someone else should instead is probably the hardest thing to do for lots of people.

Just look at MC for example, until he fixed his nerves problem (which is directly related to a self confidence problem), he wasn't really performing as good as he really is, and now that he got this fixed he rolled over the GSL.

In the same vein, look what happened to Jinro once he went into a game being everything but confident about being able to win, he just go 4-0'ed, and that's really not because MC is way too good for him, it's just that he crippled himself not really believing in his chances to win it.

The kind of mentality you're displaying is exactly how one shouldn't be if he wants to compete in anything.
The only thing that matters is that you have to be honest with yourself in the first place and decide whether or not it is something for you, that you really love, and that you're really good at or can really be good at.

Twitter : http://twitter.com/CARNDARAK
zOula...
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
United States898 Posts
December 20 2010 04:32 GMT
#24
On December 20 2010 12:34 reG.neaZ wrote:
are you trolling? o.O(if not, LOL)

Chef
Profile Blog Joined August 2005
10810 Posts
December 20 2010 04:50 GMT
#25
The reality of progaming is that tonnes of people throw their lives away for it, and very few succeed. Everyone who is successful has a serious case of egoism because they thought they would be the one person to do it. But everyone else who tried and failed had that same sense of egoism. Unless you are destroying the best players in the world without trying, there's no reason to believe you're gonna make it just cause you got to diamond (which anyone who was C in BW is automatically).

Do you like ramen? If so, then SC is the career for you. Even famed stars like Nada and Boxer were eating ramen for a long time before eSports ever got big.

Maybe you should just read all Rekrul's posts. Progaming is a sacrifice because you love the game. Don't do it cause you think it's a viable career option.
LEGEND!! LEGEND!!
sc2lime
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
Canada513 Posts
December 20 2010 05:16 GMT
#26
Just to be clear, I'm assuming this is your account? http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/profile/429104/1/Pandain/
Xaga
Profile Joined June 2010
United States163 Posts
December 20 2010 05:35 GMT
#27
Not that I really know anything about what it takes to be a progamer, but unless you get a (generous) sponsor, you're not going to be able to live off of tournament prize money, at least not with the current tournaments. The amount of time you have to put in to practice, and compared to the amount of money you'll be taking in from tournaments... It just isn't worth it for the majority of aspiring pro gamers unfortunately.

As for physics, my college physics professor said there's nothing LESS rewarding than becoming a physicist...

Wait... I didn't help at all did I? =\ Sorry. Best of luck to you though, with whatever you decide to do.
YejinYejin
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States1053 Posts
December 20 2010 06:53 GMT
#28
The title of your blog says "programer," so while it is actually progamer with an extra R, it could just as easily be programmer missing an M.

Just sayin'.
안지호
moopie
Profile Joined July 2009
12605 Posts
December 20 2010 08:35 GMT
#29
On December 20 2010 13:10 cArn- wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 20 2010 10:38 moopie wrote:
Depends on what you call making it big. You will never ever achieve the type of fame NaDa has, so if thats the goal best to give up on it early. If you have skill and a lot of time though, you can win some smaller tournaments and gain some e-fame, maybe stream and have a regular crowd.

Don't go into SC/SC2 for the purpose of making a living on it (especially for a long period of time) because thats much easier said than done. For every person that puts in the hours and makes enough in a year to live off of, there are hundreds (if not more) that fail. In the long run, progaming is not really something you could keep doing till you're 40 anyway (Boxer-fame aside).

Play the game for the sake of playing, enjoy it, maybe win some tourneys, get some fans. Beyond that don't go too crazy with the expectations.


Do you really think BoxeR, NaDa and all the people who actually achieved what they did had this kind of mentality ? The reasons this kind of people shine above others is not only their talent, dedication, love for the game, how hard they practice etc etc, but also the huge factor that is self confidence, if you go into something telling to yourself that you'll never get there anyway, then yes you will never get there. No matter how talented and good you are, if you don't trust in your abilities and if you don't honestly think you can be the one who will shine, that will never happen, and to convince yourself that you can actually do it and that there is no reason someone else should instead is probably the hardest thing to do for lots of people.

Just look at MC for example, until he fixed his nerves problem (which is directly related to a self confidence problem), he wasn't really performing as good as he really is, and now that he got this fixed he rolled over the GSL.

In the same vein, look what happened to Jinro once he went into a game being everything but confident about being able to win, he just go 4-0'ed, and that's really not because MC is way too good for him, it's just that he crippled himself not really believing in his chances to win it.

The kind of mentality you're displaying is exactly how one shouldn't be if he wants to compete in anything.
The only thing that matters is that you have to be honest with yourself in the first place and decide whether or not it is something for you, that you really love, and that you're really good at or can really be good at.


Statistically speaking, he will be better off working a regular 9 to 5 if he cares about his financial security and future. Like I advised, playing for the sake of playing, having fun with it, maybe winning a few tournaments is all well and good, but going about it as a profession full-time is not a sound bet. For every Boxer, NaDa or Flash out there, there are thousands who didn't make it. People who trained for months and couldn't pass a courage tournament, people who were B-teamers and were never able to cut it, even a-teamers that washed out before they could make their mark. Now with SC2 its the same story, its prize hunting to try to secure a living. As for self confidence, sure its a nice thing, but realistically speaking its still not a good path to travel as far as financial security or a future. When Boxer and NaDa started they didn't aspire to be millionaires or world-class heroic progamers, that concept didn't even exist yet.

In the end, people will do what they will, and trying something like this won't necessarily be a bad call, might even be able to secure enough winnings to support yourself for a time, but planning on being the next NaDa and supporting yourself off of progaming till your 40's is kind of ridiculous.
I'm going to sleep, let me get some of that carpet.
cArn-
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Korea (South)824 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 10:14:06
December 20 2010 10:13 GMT
#30
On December 20 2010 17:35 moopie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 20 2010 13:10 cArn- wrote:
On December 20 2010 10:38 moopie wrote:
Depends on what you call making it big. You will never ever achieve the type of fame NaDa has, so if thats the goal best to give up on it early. If you have skill and a lot of time though, you can win some smaller tournaments and gain some e-fame, maybe stream and have a regular crowd.

Don't go into SC/SC2 for the purpose of making a living on it (especially for a long period of time) because thats much easier said than done. For every person that puts in the hours and makes enough in a year to live off of, there are hundreds (if not more) that fail. In the long run, progaming is not really something you could keep doing till you're 40 anyway (Boxer-fame aside).

Play the game for the sake of playing, enjoy it, maybe win some tourneys, get some fans. Beyond that don't go too crazy with the expectations.


Do you really think BoxeR, NaDa and all the people who actually achieved what they did had this kind of mentality ? The reasons this kind of people shine above others is not only their talent, dedication, love for the game, how hard they practice etc etc, but also the huge factor that is self confidence, if you go into something telling to yourself that you'll never get there anyway, then yes you will never get there. No matter how talented and good you are, if you don't trust in your abilities and if you don't honestly think you can be the one who will shine, that will never happen, and to convince yourself that you can actually do it and that there is no reason someone else should instead is probably the hardest thing to do for lots of people.

Just look at MC for example, until he fixed his nerves problem (which is directly related to a self confidence problem), he wasn't really performing as good as he really is, and now that he got this fixed he rolled over the GSL.

In the same vein, look what happened to Jinro once he went into a game being everything but confident about being able to win, he just go 4-0'ed, and that's really not because MC is way too good for him, it's just that he crippled himself not really believing in his chances to win it.

The kind of mentality you're displaying is exactly how one shouldn't be if he wants to compete in anything.
The only thing that matters is that you have to be honest with yourself in the first place and decide whether or not it is something for you, that you really love, and that you're really good at or can really be good at.


Statistically speaking, he will be better off working a regular 9 to 5 if he cares about his financial security and future. Like I advised, playing for the sake of playing, having fun with it, maybe winning a few tournaments is all well and good, but going about it as a profession full-time is not a sound bet. For every Boxer, NaDa or Flash out there, there are thousands who didn't make it. People who trained for months and couldn't pass a courage tournament, people who were B-teamers and were never able to cut it, even a-teamers that washed out before they could make their mark. Now with SC2 its the same story, its prize hunting to try to secure a living. As for self confidence, sure its a nice thing, but realistically speaking its still not a good path to travel as far as financial security or a future. When Boxer and NaDa started they didn't aspire to be millionaires or world-class heroic progamers, that concept didn't even exist yet.

In the end, people will do what they will, and trying something like this won't necessarily be a bad call, might even be able to secure enough winnings to support yourself for a time, but planning on being the next NaDa and supporting yourself off of progaming till your 40's is kind of ridiculous.



Planning on being the next NaDa or whatever is the exact mindset you need to succeed in this, which is why I was pointing out that of course if someone thinks like this he will never do it. Aim the stars you'll reach the moon (or something like this lol)

My point was not that keeping on getting a regular job is bad, all I'm saying is thinking the way you think is exactly what makes people fail in any kind of competition.

And yeah of course they didn't plan on being millionaires playing games, they were just enjoying what they were doing and it happened that it became big and they did what was needed to make it big, so as long as you enjoy what you're doing and you're somewhat good at it, the major thing that would stop you is to think it's completely irrealistic to reach your goal.

Yes, I agree that "statistically speaking" it'll be better for anyone to have a regular 9 to 5 job.
But if all those guys who became big like BoxeR NaDa or whoever who was successful doing whatever else than a regular job was thinking like this, and just sticking to the safe standard of today's society, they would have never been who they are and where they are now, which is my point. A lot of people wouldn't be who they are now, and I'm sure a lot of people passed right through their lives. It's just a question of whether you really want to do it, and if you can do it, and knowing that is the tough part.
Twitter : http://twitter.com/CARNDARAK
QuanticHawk
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
United States32044 Posts
December 20 2010 15:35 GMT
#31
Why is it that E-SPORTS seems to be the only career where people think that normal pre-reqs—insane passion, dedication, skill, talent, etc—don't apply?

No one will push a moron who can barely form coherent sentences to become a writer, or laud an idiot with terrible grades in science who decides he wants to become a doctor. But in this community, a complete and total nobody who supposedly has an ok rating at a game that's not even a year old has an awesome chance of making it pro. Ok guys!

This would be like a dude changing his oil for the first time and deciding that he wants to become a mechanic on the spot.
PROFESSIONAL GAMER - SEND ME OFFERS TO JOIN YOUR TEAM - USA USA USA
Ricjames
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Czech Republic1047 Posts
December 20 2010 15:53 GMT
#32
I support you man, you should do whatever you feel like to. I mean you will learn from your mistakes anyways, so do whatever you want and learn from it - if it doesn't work well, move on - welcome to life.
Brood War is the best RTS that has ever been created.
Djin)ftw(
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Germany3357 Posts
December 20 2010 16:00 GMT
#33
On December 20 2010 10:20 Pandain wrote:

1.How much should I practice a day if I really want to make it big?
2.Is it possible to support myself entirely off of SC?
3.What would I do after I'm like 40 or something, what do I do then(since if I took a "normal" job career I would still have a job then, or something?)
.

So, let me get this straight: You were to becoming a (quantum) physicist, so I'd say you are pretty smart. And you want to be a pro gamer now and ask THESE questions? Good lord, you can't be that smart after all can you?

1. Obviously you need to practise like 14 hours a day (the rest of the day will be sleeping & eating). Koreans practise that much, so do you
2. If you get good enough to join a pro team, definitely.
3. You won't be playing until you are 40, rofl. maybe 35, but that is it I'd say. I can't imagine Boxer playing for another 4 or 5 years competitively (he is 30).
"jk CLG best mindgames using the baron to counterthrow" - boesthius
MrBitter
Profile Joined January 2008
United States2940 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-20 16:21:54
December 20 2010 16:21 GMT
#34
If you want to become a progamer for the money, you're doing it for the wrong reasons.

In today's e-sports scene, where the best players in the world are literally duking it out for $500 prize pools, making any sort of long-term income off of gaming is pretty unrealistic.

My advice to you: Only pursue that goal if its for love of the game and community. As it stands right now, there's just too many talented players fighting for too little money for the cash part to be a real, driving incentive.
Pandain
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States12989 Posts
December 20 2010 19:51 GMT
#35
Hello there and thank you for all yoru responses so far, it has all been very enlightening and I've been pondering it for a while now. Just to address a couple concerns/what not.
1.I'm not doing it for the money.
I'm doing it because I love the game. I full hardidly realize that this will probably pay less than if I took a "normal" job, but I would accept that if I just find out just how much I can support myself off of starcraft.
2.I have the dedication.
Somewhat going along with #1, I can put in the hours. I can(and have) put in +8 hours during a single day, and if I could play more I gladly would. Right now I'm only "allowed" to be on electronics an hour during a day according to my mom (-.-) but of course have been playing for longer, even considering going down during the night just to play some more(especially if I focus more on school.)

Just to ask some more questions, here are a couple I've now been wondering.
1.Could I support a family off of this?(like nony and white ra, I'm unsure as to their situations)

2.If I really want to go pro, like try to support myself fully off of starcraft, would I join a team? Is that really my only choice nowadays is to get sponsered? Furthormore, should I plan moving to korea? I know this wouldn't happen for a long time, but I'm just trying to get my thoughts on paper now.

3.How many hours should I at least be putting in in starcraft now? Right now I would say I average 2-3 hours playing starcraft and like 4-5 watching streams/day9 or so forth. Some days I average more, such as weekends when I play for like 5 hours or something.
Raelcun
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
United States3747 Posts
December 20 2010 20:01 GMT
#36
You say you're not doing it for the money then say you want to go pro make up your mind. These two goals require different levels of dedication.

Do not get caught up in the hours, it's not about how much time you spend a day doing starcraft it is about working intelligently. People think that if they play the game enough they'll magically become a pro gamer. You have to have a purpose, it's the difference between football practice and a football scrimmage. In a scrimmage you're playing the game in practice you're training the basic skills for the game. You can't just play the game and watch streams and be like YAR IM PRO NOW! You need a plan and a strategy so therefore there is no answer to the number of hours you need to dedicate.

And as for #1 probably not. Do not count on being able to say yes to #1, that is one of the things where it happens or not but it's better to plan for the answer to #1 being "no."
MetalMarine
Profile Joined June 2007
United States1559 Posts
December 20 2010 20:55 GMT
#37
Wow you have a chance to be a PHYSICIST, but you want to play sc2.... You should just do that as a hobby and focus on that physicist route... just my two cents
Chesner
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
Iceland817 Posts
December 20 2010 21:00 GMT
#38
On December 20 2010 15:53 DTK-m2 wrote:
The title of your blog says "programer," so while it is actually progamer with an extra R, it could just as easily be programmer missing an M.

Just sayin'.


Yeah was wondering if I was the only one seeing that R or not :d
PENGUINS
Cube
Profile Blog Joined February 2008
Canada777 Posts
December 20 2010 22:45 GMT
#39
1. there are two 'm's in "programmer".
2. that's not what a programmer does!
commiboi
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
United States74 Posts
December 21 2010 00:29 GMT
#40
Btw, Whats your age?

If you're really dedicated and manage to become one of the top players, you can be a pro gamer for a few years then go back to your studies, and money you get from tournaments,etc.. can help you pay for your expenses/tuition. I think you shouldn't rely on Starcraft as a career for the rest of your life. Top players have their peaks and will become rusty/fall sooner or later (look at BW scene gamers).
There are tons of talented people in sc2 who wanna become pro gamers just like you, but have the time and connections to good players that you probably don't. If I was you i would focus on school .
LSB
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States5171 Posts
December 21 2010 00:51 GMT
#41
On December 21 2010 05:55 MetalMarine wrote:
Wow you have a chance to be a PHYSICIST, but you want to play sc2.... You should just do that as a hobby and focus on that physicist route... just my two cents

Like starcraft, physics is a lot more work and a lot harder than it appears from the outside.
Once is an accident. Twice is coincidence. Three times is an enemy action. Bus Driver can never target themselves I'm sorry
TheAntZ
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Israel6248 Posts
December 21 2010 02:58 GMT
#42
If you become a progamer then you wont have time to read my pokemon thread when i finally go back to updating it
43084 | Honeybadger: "So july, you're in the GSL finals. How do you feel?!" ~ July: "HUNGRY."
sc2lime
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
Canada513 Posts
December 21 2010 03:09 GMT
#43
1. How much should I practice a day if I really want to make it big?

2. Is it possible to support myself entirely off of SC?

3. What would I do after I'm like 40 or something, what do I do then(since if I took a "normal" job career I would still have a job then, or something?)

4. Could I support a family off of this?(like nony and white ra, I'm unsure as to their situations)

5. If I really want to go pro, like try to support myself fully off of starcraft, would I join a team? Is that really my only choice nowadays is to get sponsored*? Furthermore*, should I plan moving to korea? I know this wouldn't happen for a long time, but I'm just trying to get my thoughts on paper now.

6. How many hours should I at least be putting in in starcraft now? Right now I would say I average 2-3 hours playing starcraft and like 4-5 watching streams/day9 or so forth. Some days I average more, such as weekends when I play for like 5 hours or something.


NOTE: These are all my personal opinions.

1. Practice hours needed to get better varies for each person. Some might say at least 6 hours up to 10 hours a day or more; taking into account that you want to be on the level of Nada or Boxer in the Brood War days. Now, people may argue that SC2 is a very different game mechanically as SC:BW, but that doesn't mean you don't need to put in the ridiculous amount of time to practice.

2. It IS possible for someone to support themselves entirely off of SC2 but not right away as you are probably hoping. My best example would be comparing Boxer to other SC2 pro-gamers. Currently, no one compares to Boxer when it comes to salary but players like Nestea, Fruitdealer and ITR are probably doing alright from their GSL winnings and some part of salary from the team. Now, that is the bright side of pro-gaming but you have to realize that only the VERY FEW can live off of this game like this.

Most pro-gamers are sponsored by the team but the salary aren't enough to live off of that a part-time job is a must in order to pursue their dream; which some can get by actively joining tournaments/cups of all levels.

3. It depends. That is a risk you must accept if you are to pursue this venture. There are some that ends up working for SC broadcasting companies and becomes broadcasters but once again, only a FEW will be lucky enough. The safest bet is what most pro-gamers are doing, which is to stay in school/have part time job while juggling tournaments and attending events. People like Day9, qxc, and Morrow are still in school and still can find time to become the top few relevant players in the scene.

4. No one is sure about their own situations aside from them and maybe their friends but I'm assuming that they get a good amount of financial support from their spouses aside from their salaries from their teams. Once again, I do not know their situations but I'm thinking this is the most logical explanation. So my answer would be it varies between people and it depends on what their/your financial situation is.

5. Stupid question. YOU HAVE TO JOIN A TEAM (unless you're Boxer in which the team joins you). How else will you get money? Will you shell it out yourself? Since you have to fully support yourself from pro-gaming, then you go where you think you win that said money. If you can consistently place high in every MLG events, then you can probably get by but the current chances of someone consistently placing 1st in every major event is fairly low. (i.e. MLG, GSL)

6. See Answer 1.

Conclusion: You are not ready to be the very best like no one ever was. You are very unsure of all this things you should already know by common sense. The harsh reality is that no one in their right mind go in to pro-gaming thinking they can fully support themselves solely by it right away. You must first become a good amateur gamer and then get recruited into a team/sponsor before even thinking you can fully support yourself. Nothing is impossible but what you are asking for is a clear-cut answer and the problem is, there is no such thing. You can be the biggest gamer there is but it takes a lot of dedication, talent, and drive to get you there. All of which you don't seem to currently have.
kingjames01
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Canada1603 Posts
December 21 2010 04:01 GMT
#44
On December 21 2010 09:51 LSB wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 21 2010 05:55 MetalMarine wrote:
Wow you have a chance to be a PHYSICIST, but you want to play sc2.... You should just do that as a hobby and focus on that physicist route... just my two cents

Like starcraft, physics is a lot more work and a lot harder than it appears from the outside.


LSB, are you in Physics too?
Who would sup with the mighty, must walk the path of daggers.
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