The final edition of the 'Player Development' guide series by Cameron 'fams' Carson is here. This final edition focusing on the best interests of players. Many players -even professional- still neglect what is in their best interests, for what they may want instead. Breaking things down to a...
The final edition of the 'Player Development' guide series by Cameron 'fams' Carson is here. This final edition focusing on the best interests of players. Many players -even professional- still neglect what is in their best interests, for what they may want instead.
Breaking things down to a fundamental basis of what you might need, what you should have, and what you should want as a player.
If you missed the first three segments you can access them below:
Retrieving Prize money and Salary
Often time’s players won’t attempt to retrieve their prize money or salary from events, teams and sponsors. Most companies figure that the players are just kids and that the company can just steal their money, time and value and easily get away with it because kids won’t spend the time or money on a lawyer to get what is rightfully theirs. This is sadly the case much of the time; most of the time the money one would spend on legal fees would surpass that of the money they are even fighting for.
However you are fighting for more than just that little bit of money you are owed, you are fighting for your, as well as everyone else’s rights as players. In the long run your actions now will pay off as conditions improve and you as well as everyone else will receive their money without hassle in the future; edging out the shady businessmen, and in turn displaying a positive, professional image to portray E-Sports.
Contract Negotiations
Many times people sign contracts without reading them which is a bad idea to start with; however there are also people who receive a contract, read it, and treat it as the final copy. Most people don’t try and negotiate their terms or amend the contract to suit some of their wants or needs. As a player you need to make your concerns heard when attempting to join any form of organization.
As a player you should always know what you are getting into. On top of that you should know what you need as a player as well. Not necessarily what you want, but what you need. For instance if you need certain conditions or resources for you to uphold your end of the contract, you need to express that, and make sure they are noted. As an example, Sueng Hyun ’Space’ Park, the professional Warcraft 3 player from Korea, has a disease that afflicts his muscles, he needs certain things done in order for him to be able to attend a LAN, etc. those conditions should be noted in his contract so that there are no problems in the future concerning travel, as well as general medical problems that may occur.
As well, make sure you are aware of what is required of you. If you are obligated to practice ‘X’ amount of hours per week but you have school or work to contend with as well, you need to express that. If you are required to be available for interviews and other promotional activities, you better be available for those things and meet your requirements or else the team will be inclined to terminate or make your contract and its terms null/void, and possibly even withhold salary or release you for not withholding your end of the contract.
Also make sure everything is stated clearly and that you understand everything in the contract. Often times teams will word things a certain way so that things will be in their favor. If you are not comfortable looking over your own contract because you are afraid you might miss something, and that you aren’t qualified, go to someone who is; a lawyer, former team owner, manager, professional player, etc. and have them help you go through the contract so you understand everything.
And make sure everything is covered in the contract, from how much you will be paid, how you will be paid, when you will be paid, what happens if you are sick and unable to work, what is expected of you, what is expected of them, what happens if terms are broken/unfulfilled, all the way to contract renewal, etc. You need to make sure all bases are covered. If you cannot do this, once again, look for someone who can help you.
The Right Fit
When joining a team or securing a personal sponsorship –Fatal1ty- you need to make sure you find the right fit. Meaning there should not be a mercenary mentality towards your relationship with said organization you are trying to work alongside each other.
You need to make sure that there is potential and desire for a long term relationship so that you both –organization/player- can grow together, and develop some sort of brand around you. As well, you need to ensure your longevity and relevance to the industry, market, etc.
As well, make sure your goals, ethics, morals, and desires are similar, that you can work together and develop that close, long term relationship. Things will not work out if there is conflict after conflict and you are constantly budding heads; regardless of whether they are a high profile organization or not. There needs to be a cohesive bond between organization and player for the maximum potential to be brought to reality.
Often time’s players won’t attempt to retrieve their prize money or salary from events, teams and sponsors. Most companies figure that the players are just kids and that the company can just steal their money, time and value and easily get away with it because kids won’t spend the time or money on a lawyer to get what is rightfully theirs. This is sadly the case much of the time; most of the time the money one would spend on legal fees would surpass that of the money they are even fighting for.
However you are fighting for more than just that little bit of money you are owed, you are fighting for your, as well as everyone else’s rights as players. In the long run your actions now will pay off as conditions improve and you as well as everyone else will receive their money without hassle in the future; edging out the shady businessmen, and in turn displaying a positive, professional image to portray E-Sports.
Contract Negotiations
Many times people sign contracts without reading them which is a bad idea to start with; however there are also people who receive a contract, read it, and treat it as the final copy. Most people don’t try and negotiate their terms or amend the contract to suit some of their wants or needs. As a player you need to make your concerns heard when attempting to join any form of organization.
As a player you should always know what you are getting into. On top of that you should know what you need as a player as well. Not necessarily what you want, but what you need. For instance if you need certain conditions or resources for you to uphold your end of the contract, you need to express that, and make sure they are noted. As an example, Sueng Hyun ’Space’ Park, the professional Warcraft 3 player from Korea, has a disease that afflicts his muscles, he needs certain things done in order for him to be able to attend a LAN, etc. those conditions should be noted in his contract so that there are no problems in the future concerning travel, as well as general medical problems that may occur.
As well, make sure you are aware of what is required of you. If you are obligated to practice ‘X’ amount of hours per week but you have school or work to contend with as well, you need to express that. If you are required to be available for interviews and other promotional activities, you better be available for those things and meet your requirements or else the team will be inclined to terminate or make your contract and its terms null/void, and possibly even withhold salary or release you for not withholding your end of the contract.
Also make sure everything is stated clearly and that you understand everything in the contract. Often times teams will word things a certain way so that things will be in their favor. If you are not comfortable looking over your own contract because you are afraid you might miss something, and that you aren’t qualified, go to someone who is; a lawyer, former team owner, manager, professional player, etc. and have them help you go through the contract so you understand everything.
And make sure everything is covered in the contract, from how much you will be paid, how you will be paid, when you will be paid, what happens if you are sick and unable to work, what is expected of you, what is expected of them, what happens if terms are broken/unfulfilled, all the way to contract renewal, etc. You need to make sure all bases are covered. If you cannot do this, once again, look for someone who can help you.
The Right Fit
When joining a team or securing a personal sponsorship –Fatal1ty- you need to make sure you find the right fit. Meaning there should not be a mercenary mentality towards your relationship with said organization you are trying to work alongside each other.
You need to make sure that there is potential and desire for a long term relationship so that you both –organization/player- can grow together, and develop some sort of brand around you. As well, you need to ensure your longevity and relevance to the industry, market, etc.
As well, make sure your goals, ethics, morals, and desires are similar, that you can work together and develop that close, long term relationship. Things will not work out if there is conflict after conflict and you are constantly budding heads; regardless of whether they are a high profile organization or not. There needs to be a cohesive bond between organization and player for the maximum potential to be brought to reality.
Find a Good Manager
Often time’s teams and players stand alone until they are supported by some form of organization, thus leaving any form of negotiations up to the players themselves. This means that much of the time all business matters are generally left up to unqualified individuals. Finding a good manager who is well versed in negotiating –especially in terms of salary and contract details- is especially important. This person needs to have your best interests at heart.
As well, having someone who can handle the business side of things while the team/player is not tied to an organization to ensure minimal costs, maximum exposure and generally develop a team in all aspects outside of the game is a huge plus.
This allows for an entire stable, developed package to be purchased by a sponsor or team organization. This gives teams and sponsors more of a base to work from and grow their investment, as well as gives the players/manager more value and credibility than just an ordinary run of the mill stand alone team or player.
Focus, Desire, Morality, Ethics and Professionalism
Focus, desire, ethics, morals and professionalism are all traits that a team looks for in players. If a player does not have the mental focus or desire to become a professional player, a team will not likely want to waste time, money and effort into developing the players if the players themselves don’t want to be developed.
Ethics and morals as a player are very important to teams these days; teams do not wish to be involved with money grubby mercenaries who are in it for a quick buck, and then off to the next highest bidder as soon as possible. If you wish to play for a professional team, you need to show you deserve to play, that means going beyond just raising your skill level, and your image, you need to have the heart of a professional gamer. You should be fighting tooth and nail to secure, and maintain the position you want –or have- earned on any team.
And last, but not least is professionalism, you are becoming a role model for millions of kids worldwide; start acting like it. You need to be an upstanding citizen, acting like a decent human being, whether you think you are in the spotlight or not. Face it, as a professional gamer, you affect people, you have a responsibility to do so in a positive way.
Often time’s teams and players stand alone until they are supported by some form of organization, thus leaving any form of negotiations up to the players themselves. This means that much of the time all business matters are generally left up to unqualified individuals. Finding a good manager who is well versed in negotiating –especially in terms of salary and contract details- is especially important. This person needs to have your best interests at heart.
As well, having someone who can handle the business side of things while the team/player is not tied to an organization to ensure minimal costs, maximum exposure and generally develop a team in all aspects outside of the game is a huge plus.
This allows for an entire stable, developed package to be purchased by a sponsor or team organization. This gives teams and sponsors more of a base to work from and grow their investment, as well as gives the players/manager more value and credibility than just an ordinary run of the mill stand alone team or player.
Focus, Desire, Morality, Ethics and Professionalism
Focus, desire, ethics, morals and professionalism are all traits that a team looks for in players. If a player does not have the mental focus or desire to become a professional player, a team will not likely want to waste time, money and effort into developing the players if the players themselves don’t want to be developed.
Ethics and morals as a player are very important to teams these days; teams do not wish to be involved with money grubby mercenaries who are in it for a quick buck, and then off to the next highest bidder as soon as possible. If you wish to play for a professional team, you need to show you deserve to play, that means going beyond just raising your skill level, and your image, you need to have the heart of a professional gamer. You should be fighting tooth and nail to secure, and maintain the position you want –or have- earned on any team.
And last, but not least is professionalism, you are becoming a role model for millions of kids worldwide; start acting like it. You need to be an upstanding citizen, acting like a decent human being, whether you think you are in the spotlight or not. Face it, as a professional gamer, you affect people, you have a responsibility to do so in a positive way.
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