Playing video games and getting money for it seems like a dream job for many of today's teenagers. But is it all fun and games?
Big business
Pro (professional) gaming is certainly big business. In 2017, there were more than 3,000 gaming competitions and over 10,000 professional players worldwide. A large number of people watch their competitions online, and successful gamers can get more than 1,000,000 dollars from prize money and ads. The industry is clearly thriving.
What it takes
Becoming a professional is not just about being good at playing games- it also takes a lot of hard work. Some pro gamers practice for fourteen hours a day. "You need to spend much time and put all your efforts to it", says ex-gamer George
Not all fun and games
It can be a difficult job as well. Stress is a big problem for gamers. Tiredness is another, and injuries(受伤) are common. Top player Hai Lam had wrist(手腕) problems after years of pro gaming. Careers(生涯)are short, and many gamers retire (退休) before they are 30 and try to find another job.
However, the bad points probably won't change the dreams of many teenage gamers. And angry parents are still likely to hear the excuse, "But I'm just practicing for my future job!"
