Esports For Dummies

Discover the path to the big leagues

It's time to prove all those people who said ?video games are a waste of time? wrong. Esports has rewarded top gamers with prize money, glory, and even college scholarships. Want to get in on the action?

This book puts you on the path to get your share of the growing world of esports. It helps you figure out the gear you need to be competitive, the games that drive esports, how to break into competitive play, and how to use online platforms to get attention. Written by the esports program director at the first Division I university to field an esports team, this book defines and demystifies the complex world of competitive video gaming.

• Get the gear for your first esports battles
• Gain recognition for your skills online or in tournaments
• Discover the path to earning scholarships in esports
• Build your online identity

Get the insider tips you need to make your name in the esports universe.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Esports 5

Chapter 1: What Are Esports? 7

Chapter 2: Gearing Up to Play 19

Part 2: The Games You’ll Play 47

Chapter 3: Playing RTS Games and MOBAs 49

Chapter 4: Taking Aim at First-Person Shooters 73

Chapter 5: Finish Him! Playing Fighting Games 87

Chapter 6: It’s Madden Season! Playing Sports Simulations 101

Chapter 7: Playing Battle Royale Games 117

Chapter 8: Playing Hearthstone and Other Digital Card Games 127

Part 3: Community and College Gaming 139

Chapter 9: Finding Online and Local Places to Play 141

Chapter 10: Getting Your Name in the Game 153

Chapter 11: Exploring Collegiate Esports 177

Part 4: Making a Life and a Living in Esports 197

Chapter 12: The Path to Pro in Esports 199

Chapter 13: Getting Involved (or Finding a Career) in Esports 217

Chapter 14: Creating a Brand for Streaming 225

Part 5: The Part of Tens 243

Chapter 15: The Ten Games Every Esports Player Should Know 245

Chapter 16: Ten Esports Games You Might Have Missed 255

Chapter 17: Ten Esports Influencers to Follow 263

Index 271

Phill "DrPhill" Alexanderis a professor at Miami University's Armstrong Institute, teaching courses on esports and game design. He is also co-founder and director of Miami University's varsity esports program, the first of its kind at a school with Division I athletics.