Kara Sears
The esports industry is growing, and careers in this field are becoming more popular. Esports is an exciting area, not only in the sporting industry but also in legal terms. While a patent law degree is not necessary to enter the world of esports, a background in patent law can be useful for certain roles. For example, patent law plays a key role in protecting intellectual property rights, which is crucial for businesses in the esports sector. On the other hand, roles such as producers, professional gamers, referees, game voice actors, and game testers do not require a patent law degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get into esports without a degree? | Yes |
| Career options in esports without a degree | Producers, Game Testers, Professional Gamers, Esports Referees, Game Voice Actors |
| Can you get into patent law without a law degree? | Yes |
| Career options in patent law without a law degree | Technical Specialists, Patent Agents, Researchers, Legal Secretaries, Paralegals, Business Advisors, Marketing Officials, Interpreters, Foreign Associates, Docketing and Information Technology Personnel |
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What You'll Learn
Esports careers that don't require a degree
While having a degree can open doors for aspiring esports professionals, it is not a requirement to enter the industry. Passion, drive, and resilience are key ingredients to turning a hobby into a career in esports. Here are some esports careers that don't necessarily require a degree:
Professional Gamer
Professional gamers are full-time players who compete in esports tournaments for prize money. They usually belong to esports teams consisting of five to six players. This is a highly competitive field, as many young professionals are attracted to the growing and thriving industry.
Game Tester
Game tester jobs typically don't require a degree or past experience. While the pay is often lower than other gaming industry jobs, it can be a great starting point to gain industry experience and move on to higher-paying roles.
Production and Broadcasting
There are various jobs in production that don't require a traditional degree. Learning the basics of producing esports broadcasts, such as OBS, audio and video fundamentals, and basic terms and workflows, can be a great starting point. Broadcasting is another career path that may not require a degree, especially if you have a profound understanding of technology and computers.
Internships
Internships are a fantastic way to gain experience and build a network in the esports industry. They can provide valuable on-the-job learning and help you develop practical skills that will benefit your career.
Self-taught Approach
If you're interested in a more behind-the-scenes role, consider the self-taught approach. You can gain experience through participation in esports communities and build a network. This path may require more time and effort, but it can lead to various roles in the industry, such as coach, team manager, marketing specialist, content creator, or agent.
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Technical specialists and patent agents
The roles of technical specialists and patent agents are similar, as they both prepare patent applications and argue for their clients's inventions to be patented. However, patent agents have the added responsibility of having passed the patent bar exam, earning them the recognition of the USPTO. Patent agents are the primary point of contact between the inventor and the USPTO, and they are authorised to represent inventors in the patent application process. They are specialists in securing patents and do not provide legal representation in court or broad legal advice.
The day-to-day work of technical specialists and patent agents involves tasks such as drafting patent applications, conducting patent searches, scrutinising depositions, and designing business plans. They must be adept at writing and have strong communication skills, as they need to advocate for their client's inventions. Additionally, they may also resolve inventorship disputes, infringement lawsuits, and invalidate patents.
The salaries for these positions typically range from $50,000 to $80,000, and they are required to bill a certain number of hours per year, which can vary depending on the law firm.
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The role of patent law in esports
The esports industry has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with the global audience reaching 385.5 million viewers in 2017 and annual revenues continuously increasing. As the industry expands, the role of patent law becomes increasingly important in protecting the intellectual property rights of various key players, including eGamers, game publishers, and organizers of esports events.
One of the key challenges in the esports industry is safeguarding intellectual property. Patent law plays a pivotal role in this regard, as it allows individuals and companies to protect their unique ideas and innovations. By securing a patent, game developers can obtain exclusive rights to their game's unique aspects, such as innovative gameplay mechanics, software algorithms, or graphic designs. This not only prevents competitors from replicating their ideas but also adds substantial value to their intellectual property.
Utility patents, for instance, cover new and useful processes, machines, or compositions of matter. In the context of gaming, this includes game engines, software algorithms, and network technologies. Design patents, on the other hand, focus on the ornamental design of functional items, protecting the visual appeal of games through distinctive character outfits or game environment aesthetics.
Additionally, patent law can help differentiate various agents of the esports community from their competitors. For example, sponsors should be mindful of their responsibility for the social media activities of competitors they induce. They must ensure that all legal requirements are met, particularly regarding unfair competition law, and that promotional activities are clearly identifiable as advertisements.
While a law degree is not necessary for all roles in the field of patent law, certain positions, such as patent agents and technical specialists, require specific qualifications and expertise. Patent agents, for instance, must possess a science or engineering background and have passed the patent bar exam. They work closely with technical specialists to prepare patent applications and argue for their clients' inventions to be patented.
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Producers and referees in esports
While a law degree is necessary to practice as a lawyer in esports, there are other ways to enter the esports industry without one. For instance, you can pursue a career as an esports producer or referee.
Esports Producers
Esports producers are responsible for putting on a show for fans at esports tournaments. They plan, craft, and execute broadcasts, making them exciting and meaningful for audiences, whether in person or online. Producers help write scripts, identify talented commentators, manage staff, and ensure the event runs smoothly. They also play a crucial role in creating live streams, which is an increasingly important aspect of the industry as game developers launch their own competitions.
To become an esports producer, it is beneficial to have a degree, but it is not essential. Relevant degrees could include a bachelor's in esports management, a minor or certificate in esports management, or a degree in business. However, if you want to enhance your qualifications, you can opt for courses that offer training in relevant software and provide strong links to the gaming industry.
Building a portfolio is also crucial for aspiring producers. This can be done by gaining hands-on experience through internships or by volunteering with amateur-level esports organisations. Networking within the industry and getting to know the tournament structure of your chosen esport are also important steps to becoming an esports producer.
Esports Referees
Esports referees enforce both game and tournament rules, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. Their primary role is to prevent the use of prohibited software, hardware, or performance enhancements during official tournaments. Additionally, they assist in setting up hardware, moderating chats, supervising streams, and documenting the event through photos and videos.
To become an effective referee, a deep understanding of the game being officiated is essential. This includes comprehending both the rules of the game and the "metagame," or how the game is typically played at the professional and tournament levels.
In summary, while a law degree is necessary for certain legal roles within esports, it is not a prerequisite for all careers in the industry. Both producers and referees play vital roles in the world of esports, ensuring fair and exciting competitions for all involved.
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Professional gamers
The esports industry has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, with revenues projected to reach $4.3 billion in 2024. As a result, careers in esports are expanding, and anyone can find a start in the industry.
While a degree is not necessary to become a professional gamer, an esports degree can help individuals understand the industry's dynamics and specific legal challenges, such as intellectual property issues and contract law. However, the most important factor in becoming a successful professional gamer is dedication to mastering the skills required to excel in competitive gaming.
In addition to professional gamers, there are various other roles in the esports industry that individuals can pursue without a degree, such as producers, game testers, coaches, team managers, marketing specialists, content creators, and agents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Esports careers are expanding and anyone can find a start in the gaming industry. For example, you could be an esports referee, monitoring matches and gameplay to ensure all rules are followed. You could also be a game tester, trying out games that are in the initial development stage and reporting technical bugs or providing feedback on gameplay.
With an esports degree, you can pursue a variety of roles, including player, coach, team manager, marketing specialist, content creator, and agent.
Esports degree programs are offered at the bachelor's and master's levels. For example, Becker College offers a BS in Esports Management, and Post University offers a Bachelor of Science in Gaming and Esports Management and a Master of Science in Gaming and Esports Management. The Gaming Academy offers a two-year program that includes a "High-Level E-Athlete" Certification and an "Entrepreneur Influencer" Certification. ISDE, a law and business school, offers a 10-month master's degree in Esports Business.
When choosing an esports degree program, consider whether it offers practical, hands-on exposure and internship opportunities. Also, check if the school is accredited and if it offers the particular format you need, such as online or in-person classes.
