OK, I had to share this story. The boy is now being taught at home by a tutor and is doing better at his studies, but WHAT??!! Does he really think one can make a living on being a professional gamer? http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/101746
And we read this during the Olympics. As much as I feel the parents are crazy to let their son do this, is it really any crazier than what parents do to make their child an Olympian? Especially when it comes to sports such as gymnastics, when you're "over the hill" before you're 20.
Now there is people out there that actually do make it as professional gamers. Yet, I would not encourage my children to do it.
Make sure they understand the importance of having a back up plan if things fall through. My son dreams of being a video game programmer, but really I don't think he has the self discipline for it, so I try to impress on him that he CAN do anything he really puts his mind to, but it's always good to have options, just in case, so that's why he has to learn other things like math, science, english, etc.
Yes, this could be a passion of theirs, but I would make sure that had a fall back also. Like my oldest want to ride motocross for a living, yet has not been in a single race. I don't tell him he cannot do this, I just make sure he has something else also. We encourage all of there passions and talents, yet help make a plan for anything else also.
I think defining the word "Hobby" verses "Profession" is in order with a situation like this. Ask your child this... "Since the word is unpredictable, we have to assume things WILL be different in the future.... So, How can you care for yourself and or your family in the event of change? Most professions will still be needed. But which ones will be obsolete if war, famine or loss of power come into play?"
I can't say I would support my child doing this. I guess I can't wrap my mind around this being the same as a professional athlete. At least if a kid was an Olympian...he or she could coach afterwards... or at least be more than a couch potato. LOL. Being a gamer and a programmer are different....if you could do both...at least one uses some brain power. I don't know....I like video games also but making a living at it??? HMMMM....maybe I should look into it??? LOL. LOL. I wouldn't let my kid quit school at 16 for anything really. Ok...I am tired and starting to ramble...I will go before I start talking in circles.
Well I have two thoughts on this, it's been happening for along time, how do you think all these neat games come out. Second, some one has to do it, we all would get bored with the same games over and over. Its no different then turning a hamb. at McDonalds. But, quitting school no I don't think so, working around school and doing it, yes I can see it.
Well I agree on not quitting school but if he can be above and make the 80,000 I think he would do alright?? My son can beat so many kids and adults it is funny. He played his 1st competitive game and came in 2nd. He was the youngest 11 and there was 13-30 year olds there.... "top gamers on the competitive circuit can earn up to $80,000 a year (though $25,000 is more common)."
I'm not sure many North Americans know how lucrative professional gaming can be. It's huge in parts of Asia. So you're kid could be making good money, be famous AND be living in some exotic part of the world!
I used to work for a computer/semiconductor company specializing in graphics and professional gaming is indeed big business. I agree it's not a very worthwhile profession, but can't see much difference in it and pro baseball, football, etc. You do get good exercise as a physical athlete, I guess.
Perfectly said. Playing it smart is also just as important, if not more, as following a dream. The reality is that just because someone puts all their efforts into something, it doesn't mean they will succeed in it. It's great to chase your dream and try to live it, but being realistic is a necessity.
Kris, I think you are thinking of someone who comes up with the games, etc. Those people generally go to school to obtain a job like that. Either in graphic design, IT, or what have you. My ex-fiance went to school to design video games and such, and he had to go through a very long program (6 years) in order to do so. As far as the child wanting to become a "gamer", it means he wants to "play" video games for a living. There is quite a difference there. Someone also quoted $25,000 being the most common income for a "gamer". That comes out to be about $13 an hour. I make more than that at my job...big woop. the article also said that in 8 years someone only made that much. I'll be darned if my child is going to play video games for a living and still be living under my roof at 40 years old!!!:lol: And as far as it being similar to playing football or baseball...um...they make MILLIONS each year...way big difference IMO. I just don't see how they are alike. And like someone else said...there are other possibilities. Also, when someone goes into professional sports it's because they were in COLLEGE on a sports scholarship, or something of the like. If the "gaming" doesn't work out for him, what kind of job is he going to get other than working in the electronics department at Walmart? No such thing as a gaming scholarship in college. In all, God gave us brains...use them. Chase your dream, but be realistic. Just because it's your dream doesn't mean it's God's.
I want to clarify something that seems to be overlooked here: He is not a drop out anymore than a homeschooler is! He is still being taught, by a private tutor (which is usually leaps and bounds above a PS eduaction, anyhow.).
Good point. That is important. And they said he's doing even better, which is good. I still think it's dumb to not have a back up plan though, like college, tech school, or what have you. Not to be blunt, but I don't think it's very smart if he doesn't have something to fall back on...whatever that be. I'm not ridiculing them for letting him stay home to be schooled and whatever. My concern is what he's going to do if this so called career fails.
