Helmut Melzer
4,9 millions of Austrians play video games, according to the latest study by GfK on behalf of the Austrian Association for Entertainment Software (ÖVUS). Most gamers (3,5 millions) play on the smartphone. PCs with 2,3 millions and consoles with 2,2 million gamers follow in second and third place, but are used by their fans all the more.
And, as with many, which enjoys a wide popularity, also here the competition idea becomes more important. In Europe alone, around 22 million players are now assigned to the eSport. Top players in South Korea, the mother of all eSport countries, earn up to 230.000 dollars a year. Spanish e-sportsman Carlos "ocelote" Rodríguez said in an interview that he has already earned 2013 through pay, merchandising, prize money, advertising contracts and streaming between 600.000 and 700.000 Euro.
This is made possible by the huge number of people who watch while playing. Because: Meanwhile, about "Lets Play" videos on Youtube are just as popular as the actual games. The German Erik Range aka "Gronkh" has been playing for many years and can point to 4,6 millions of Youtube subscribers. He is already earning 40.000 Euro a month, rumored annual salary 2017: Proud 700.000 Euro.
But it is also clear: eSports and video production is demanding, professional work, requires training, know-how and, above all, long-term stamina.
