From Controller to Career: How Gaming is Shaping Professional Paths

BY MUFARO MHARIWA
Apr 18
5 min read

For years, gaming was seen as just a hobby, something people did for fun in their spare time. But today, it has evolved into a full-fledged career path with multiple opportunities beyond just playing. Whether it’s competing professionally, creating content, or working in game development, gaming offers diverse career paths. Carly Twaddle and Barry Louzada, both deeply involved in the gaming industry with Mettlestate, shared their insights on how gaming has transformed into a viable career option.

The Expanding World of Gaming Careers

Gaming careers go far beyond just professional esports. Carly emphasised how the industry is vast, with opportunities in content creation, streaming, coaching, and game design. "Whatever your passion is, there is a game for you. There are cooking games, racing games, factory-building games. But beyond playing, there are so many roles in the industry that people don’t think about."

Barry echoed this sentiment, pointing out how even behind the scenes, there are careers that many don’t consider: "People always think gaming is just about playing, but there are editors, community managers, social media teams, marketing roles; it’s an entire ecosystem."

This shift in perception is crucial. Gaming is no longer just entertainment; it’s an industry that requires a range of skills from business to technology.

The Role of Streaming and Content Creation

Streaming has become a massive part of the gaming economy, with platforms like YouTube and Twitch giving players a way to monetise their passion. Carly, who once questioned why people would watch others play games, now fully understands the appeal:

"I never understood that until I started playing games. It’s like watching sports; rugby players watch other rugby players to learn and improve. Gamers do the same."

She explained how streamers provide not just entertainment but also valuable insights into gameplay, strategies, and even personal development. Watching skilled players can help others improve their own gaming abilities, while also creating a sense of community.

Gaming as a Gateway to Other Careers

Gaming isn’t just confined to the virtual world; it can open doors to entirely new career paths. Barry shared the example of F1 driver, Lando Norris, who started with sim racing on Twitch before landing a role as a one of the drivers for McLaren:

"I mean, he was racing on his sim regularly at home on Twitch, and then they employed him to be a test driver for McLaren. And now he’s racing for McLaren."

This demonstrates that gaming can lead to real-world opportunities, especially when a passion for gaming translates into tangible career steps in industries like motorsport, tech, and more.

The Social and Networking Aspects of Gaming

One of the biggest advantages of gaming as a career is the networking aspect. Barry highlighted how gaming naturally builds connections that can turn into career opportunities: "You exchange gamertags, you go online, and you develop friendships. It’s an easy way to connect with people globally, which can lead to collaborations and even job opportunities."

For many, gaming serves as an entry point into tech-related careers, whether in game development, marketing, or event management. Carly pointed out how her love for storytelling led her to narrative-driven games like Hogwartz Legacy, which further deepened her appreciation for game design.

"I always loved storytelling, and I realised that gaming was a way to explore that. The way games tell stories, the depth of the lore; it’s an entire art form."

This passion can translate into careers in writing, game development, or even voice acting.

How Big Gaming Really Is

As gaming continues to grow, it’s clear that the stakes are high. Barry shared his experience at the South Pacific Championship for Battlefield, where the scale of the event truly hit home:

"When I went to Asia, I won the South Pacific Championship for Battlefield. When I got off the plane, there was an SL 600 Mercedes waiting for me, took me to my hotel, I had my own suite on a private floor with unlimited food and drinks to my heart's content, and I had my own post-morning translator in China. Everywhere I went, there was press, photography, and cameras all over. It was tier-one."

This kind of treatment proves just how serious and large-scale the gaming industry has become, with professional players being treated like celebrities and events drawing large-scale media attention.

Gaming is now a key selling point for tech and lifestyle brands. The influence of gaming stretches far beyond consoles and PCs, and we’re seeing it integrate into everyday technology in surprising ways. Last year, Apple made a bold statement when it praised the power of its latest chip, touting that the new iPhone would be capable of playing AAA games. This wasn’t just a passing comment, it was a clear signal that mobile gaming is no longer a secondary feature but a key part of the future of smartphones.

Electric vehicles are also embracing the gaming trend. Brands are introducing in-car entertainment systems with integrated gaming, offering drivers and passengers a way to play games while charging their vehicles. Imagine charging your car and engaging in a session of your favourite game; it's a seamless blend of technology, travel, and entertainment. The rise of in-car gaming is yet another testament to how gaming has infiltrated our daily lives, and how tech companies are leveraging this cultural shift to create immersive experiences.

And, companies like ASUS are recognising the massive potential of gaming on mobile devices. They’ve introduced dedicated gaming phones that boast advanced specs, designed specifically to cater to gamers who demand high-performance devices.

As gaming continues to grow, it’s becoming clear that it’s not just a part of entertainment but a driving force behind technology innovation. Whether it’s through advancements in mobile devices, in-car experiences, or the creation of gaming-specific hardware, the gaming industry’s reach and influence are bigger than ever before.

The Health and Well-being of Esports Athletes

Like any other professional athlete, esports players need to maintain their health and well-being in order to perform at their best. Barry explained how professional gamers now work with trainers and other medical professionals to stay at peak performance:

"If you look at the professional esports athletes of today, they have nutritionists, they have physios, they have physical trainers, because everything has to be done in moderation. So no, I wouldn’t ever say, I’m not saying I haven’t done this, but I wouldn’t say playing eight hours a day is a good idea. You should take a break."

This awareness highlights how esports is being taken just as seriously as traditional sports when it comes to physical and mental health.

A Career Path with Endless Possibilities

Gaming is no longer just a pastime;it’s a thriving industry with limitless career possibilities. Whether through competitive play, content creation, development, or networking, the opportunities are vast. As Barry put it: "Gaming isn’t just an escape; it’s a way to build a future."

With the rise of esports, streaming, and game-related careers, it’s clear that gaming is here to stay, not just as entertainment, but as a legitimate and lucrative profession.