When playing video games can pay off: The world of eSports

On this episode of Now & Next, the podcast I host, an in depth look at the world of competitive video game playing, otherwise known as eSports. Our guide through this fast-paced world is professional player Stephanie Harvey.

Stephanie at work

Stephanie is originally from Quebec City, and in addition to being a five-time World Champion for the game Counter-Strike, she is the recipient of such accolades as being named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list and the BBC’s list of 100 inspiring women.

eSports is predicted to become a billion-dollar global industry this year. It’s particularly popular in Asia, where large cities boast thousands of gaming rooms packed, day in and day out, with players vying for video game domination.

As the trend picks up speed, Stephanie Harvey knows that several impediments still exist to its full mainstream acceptance. There are, for example, widely held negative perceptions of the gaming industry that need to be overcome as well as the fact that, from players to spectators, eSports is predominantly a boys’ club. Still, she remains hopeful.

On this episode you’ll hear about:

• Recent pivotal moments in the mainstreaming of eSports (3:40)
• How eSports are making inroads in Canada (8:48)
• The economic structures at work in eSports (11:26)
• The gender pay gap prevalent in the industry and the place of women in eSports (16:30)

Click here to download a transcript of the episode.