The Voice of the Game: A Guide to Becoming an eSports Shoutcaster
Are you passionate about video games and love the rush of live events? Do you have a way with words and a natural talent for entertaining others? If so, you might be interested in pursuing a career as a shoutcaster in esports!
As a shoutcaster, also known as a caster or host, you’ll be the voice of an esports match, providing play-by-play commentary and analysis for viewers around the world. But how do you get started in this exciting field?
Firstly, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the games you want to cast. This means dedicating time to playing and studying the game, understanding its mechanics and nuances, and keeping up-to-date with the latest patches and updates. You’ll also need to have a solid understanding of the competitive scene, including player and team histories, and popular strategies and tactics.
Once you have a good grasp on the game, start building your brand as a shoutcaster. This means creating content, such as analysis videos or commentary streams, and building a social media presence to engage with fans and network with other professionals in the industry.
Next, hone your skills in live broadcasting. This means practicing your commentary and analysis, mastering your delivery, and learning how to handle unexpected situations that may arise during a live match. You may want to consider attending events and volunteering to shoutcast local tournaments to gain experience and build your portfolio.
In addition to the skills mentioned earlier, shoutcasters need to hone their play-by-play commentary and game analysis skills. Play-by-play commentary is crucial, as shoutcasters should be familiar with the game mechanics, the spells, moves, or specific tactics used by players so they can commentate and in a way guide the viewers as to what’s happening on the screens. Game analysis is equally important, as shoutcasters should be knowledgeable about the “META” (most effective tactics available). This is a key skill to have as it makes the audience more engaged and captures their attention better. By analyzing the game, shoutcasters can predict what moves and strategies players are likely to use, and provide insightful commentary that makes the game more exciting to watch.
In terms of qualifications, there is no one set path to becoming a shoutcaster. However, having a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field can be helpful, as well as experience in public speaking or broadcasting.
As for salary, shoutcasting can be a lucrative career, with top casters earning six-figure salaries. However, it’s important to note that the field is highly competitive, and it may take time and dedication to build a successful career.
Overall, becoming a shoutcaster in esports is an exciting and rewarding career path for those with a passion for gaming and a talent for entertaining others. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, you could be the next big name in esports casting!
