How video game skills can get you ahead in life | William Collis

Summary

The script argues for the recognition of esports as a legitimate and highly skilled field, comparing it to traditional sports. It highlights the mechanical, strategic, and leadership skills required in esports, emphasizing their mental nature and adaptability. The speaker challenges the undervaluation of gaming skills and draws parallels between the traits developed in esports and those valued in the workplace, suggesting that pro gamers could be advantageous in a digital work environment.

Takeaways

• 🥇 In 2019, Lionel Messi was the highest paid athlete, earning 104 million dollars, reflecting the high value placed on traditional sports skills.
• 🎮 The speaker admires video games for their intricate strategies and precision, equating them with traditional sports in terms of skill and admiration.
• 📈 The esports industry has grown rapidly, becoming a 27-billion-dollar phenomenon, with top gaming teams earning substantial amounts from tournaments.
• 👀 Despite the growth of esports, there is a perception that the skills required for competitive gaming are not as respected as traditional sports skills.
• 🕹️ Esports require three main skill categories: mechanical skill (micro), strategic skill (macro), and leadership (shot calling).
• 🎼 Mechanical skill is likened to playing an instrument, requiring precise timing and activation of in-game abilities.
• ♟ Strategic skill is compared to chess, involving planning and adapting to a constantly evolving 'metagame' in esports.
• 📢 Leadership in esports involves coordinating team actions and making decisive calls, similar to leadership in other fields.
• 🧠 All three skill categories are predominantly mental, not dependent on physical attributes, and can be adapted for players with unique needs.
• 🌐 The speaker argues that the traits developed through esports, such as diligence, perseverance, and teamwork, are valuable in the workplace.
• 🏠 The script concludes with a personal reflection on how esports is becoming a part of family traditions and societal change, paralleling traditional sports.

Q & A

Who was the highest paid athlete in the world in 2019 according to the script?

The highest paid athlete in the world in 2019 was Lionel Messi, an Argentine footballer.

What is the approximate amount of money Lionel Messi earned for every goal he scored in the 2019 season?

Lionel Messi earned approximately two million dollars for every goal he scored in the 2019 season.

What is the speaker's perspective on the value of skills required to play video games well?

The speaker believes that the skills required to play video games well are equally admirable and valuable as traditional sports skills, emphasizing the intricate strategies and precision reflexes needed.

What is the industry of competitive gaming referred to as today?

The industry of competitive gaming is referred to as esports today.

How much revenue did the esports industry generate almost overnight according to the speaker?

The esports industry generated a revenue of 27 billion dollars almost overnight according to the speaker.

What are the three common categories of skill required to master esports as mentioned in the script?

The three common categories of skill required to master esports are mechanical skill, strategic skill, and leadership.

What does the speaker compare mechanical skill in esports to?

The speaker compares mechanical skill in esports to playing an instrument like the piano, emphasizing the musical flow and timing.

What is APM in the context of esports and what does it stand for?

APM stands for Actions Per Minute, a measure of how many commands or actions a gamer can execute in one minute, highlighting mechanical skill.

How does the speaker describe the strategic skill required in esports?

The speaker describes strategic skill in esports as similar to mastery of chess, involving planning attacks, counterattacks, and manipulating the digital battlefield, with the added complexity of constant game evolution.

What is the term used by gamers to describe the constantly evolving suite of strategies in esports?

Gamers use the term 'meta' to describe the constantly evolving suite of strategies in esports, short for 'metagame'.

What is the role of leadership in esports and how is it similar to leadership in other areas?

Leadership in esports involves coordinating with teammates through voice chat and in-game pings, seizing opportunities, and inspiring others, which is similar to leadership roles in other areas such as business and sports.

How does the speaker argue that esports skills can be valuable in a workplace setting?

The speaker argues that esports skills such as mechanical, strategic, and leadership abilities can develop traits like diligence, perseverance, and teamwork, which are valuable in a workplace setting, especially in today's digital-office environment.

What is the speaker's final appeal regarding the societal perception of esports?

The speaker's final appeal is that as technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, sports should not be an exception, and esports, with its unique skill set, should be respected and valued in society.

Outlines

00:00

🏆 The Value of Athletic and Esports Skills

This paragraph introduces the comparison between traditional sports and esports, highlighting Lionel Messi as the highest-paid athlete in 2019 and the significant earnings in esports. It argues for the recognition of the skills required in esports, such as mechanical, strategic, and leadership abilities, which are as mentally demanding as traditional sports. The speaker shares their personal journey from admiring traditional athletes to appreciating the strategic complexity of video games and the growth of the esports industry, which has attracted investments from traditional sports stars and has a viewership rivaling major sports events.

05:03

🎮 The Evolution and Skills of Esports

The second paragraph delves into the specific skills necessary for excelling in esports, such as mechanical skill, which involves precise in-game actions and is likened to playing a musical instrument. It also discusses strategic skill, comparing it to chess, and emphasizes the need for adaptability due to the constant updates in esports games. The paragraph introduces the concept of 'meta' and how it evolves with game patches, requiring players to be creative and inventive. Lastly, it touches on leadership skills, which are crucial for coordinating team efforts and making decisive calls during matches.

10:06

🚀 The Inclusivity and Future of Esports

The final paragraph addresses the mental aspect of esports skills, highlighting that they are not bound by physical attributes and can be adapted for individuals with unique physical needs. It acknowledges the industry's challenges, particularly regarding inclusivity and access to technology. The speaker argues that the skills developed in esports, such as diligence, perseverance, and teamwork, are equally valuable in the workplace as those from traditional sports. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the societal shift towards digital integration in all aspects of life, including sports, and a personal anecdote about building memories with the next generation through esports.

Keywords

💡Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer who was the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2019. His exceptional skills in dribbling and scoring goals make him a revered figure in traditional sports, earning him significant income and sponsorships. In the script, Messi is used as a benchmark to compare the value of skills in traditional sports with those in esports.

💡Esports

Esports refers to competitive video gaming where players and teams compete in various video games. The script highlights how esports has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, attracting millions of viewers and significant investment from traditional sports figures. It emphasizes the skill and dedication required to excel in esports.

💡Mechanical skill

Mechanical skill, also known as 'micro', involves the precise and accurate execution of in-game abilities, similar to playing an instrument. In the context of esports, it includes high actions per minute (APM) and pixel-perfect accuracy. The script likens this skill to playing piano and describes its importance in games like StarCraft.

💡Strategic skill

Strategic skill, or 'macro', pertains to the larger tactical decisions and planning in esports. It's compared to chess in the script, requiring players to adapt to constantly changing game environments and invent new strategies. This skill is crucial for success in games like Fortnite and Rainbow Six Siege.

💡Leadership

Leadership in esports involves coordinating team actions, making decisive calls, and inspiring teammates during critical moments. The script describes how this skill is essential for managing in-game communication and strategy, drawing parallels to executive leadership in the business world.

💡Metagame (Meta)

The metagame, or 'meta', refers to the evolving strategies and tactics that players use in esports. It changes with game updates and patches, requiring players to constantly adapt. The script explains how the meta influences competitive gaming, rewarding creative and innovative thinking.

💡APM (Actions Per Minute)

APM stands for Actions Per Minute, a measure of how many commands a player can execute in a minute. High APM is a sign of advanced mechanical skill in esports. The script uses this metric to illustrate the demanding nature of games like StarCraft, where top players achieve APMs of 600 or more.

💡League of Legends

League of Legends is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Players control champions with unique abilities to siege the opponent's base. The script uses League of Legends to exemplify the mechanical, strategic, and leadership skills required in esports.

💡Inclusivity

Inclusivity in esports refers to the effort to make gaming accessible to diverse groups, including women, marginalized communities, and those with physical disabilities. The script acknowledges the industry's challenges and highlights the success of gamers like 'Brolylegs' and 'Halfcoordinated', who compete despite physical limitations.

💡Digital transformation

Digital transformation describes the integration of digital technology into various aspects of life, including sports. The script argues that just as technology has transformed work and social interactions, it has also changed the landscape of sports, leading to the rise of esports.

Highlights

In 2019, Lionel Messi was the highest paid athlete, earning 104 million dollars, highlighting the value of athletic skills in sports.

The speaker admires the strategic and reflex skills required in video games, equating them to traditional sports.

The growth of gaming has led to large-scale tournaments with viewership exceeding some Super Bowls.

Esports has become a 27-billion-dollar industry, with top teams earning over 15 million dollars from a single tournament.

Despite the industry's growth, professional gaming skills are not widely respected, with societal pressure for traditional sports.

The speaker argues that competitive video games require real skill, comparing them to traditional sports.

Esports skills are categorized into mechanical, strategic, and leadership skills, all of which are mentally demanding.

Mechanical skill in esports involves high APMs, akin to playing a complex musical instrument.

Strategic skill in esports is compared to chess, requiring constant adaptation to game updates.

Leadership in esports involves coordinating team actions and making decisive calls during games.

Esports does not discriminate based on physical attributes, allowing for a more inclusive environment.

The speaker challenges the societal value placed on traditional sports over esports, questioning its relevance in professional settings.

Esports can develop valuable workplace traits such as diligence, perseverance, and teamwork.

The speaker suggests that in a digital office environment, a pro gamer might be more valuable than a traditional athlete.

Esports is changing societal norms, with technology infiltrating every aspect of life, including sports.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about building memories with his sons through watching esports.

The speech concludes with a call for esports and video games to be given more respect and recognition.

Transcripts

In 2019,

the highest paid athlete in the world

was an Argentine footballer named Lionel Messi.

And his talent?

Dribbling a ball down a pitch and booting it past a goalkeeper.

It's a skill so revered by fans and corporate sponsors alike,

that in 2019,

Messi took home 104 million dollars.

That's almost two million dollars for every goal he scored in season.

He's a pretty spectacular athlete by any standard.

But why is it Messi's particular skills are so valuable?

Sure, there are obvious answers.

We just have enormous respect for athletic prowess,

we love human competition,

and sports unite generations.

You can enjoy watching soccer with your grandfather

and your granddaughter alike.

But growing up, I admired a different sort of athlete.

I didn't just want to bend it like Beckham.

I loved video games

and I was floored by the intricate strategies

and precision reflexes required to play them well.

To me, they were equally admirable

to anything taking place in stadia around the world.

And I still feel that way.

Today, I still love video games,

I founded successful companies in the space

and I've even written a book about the industry.

But most importantly,

I've discovered I'm not alone,

because as I've grown up, so has gaming.

And today, millions of players around the world

need to compete in gaming centers

like this helix,

and large gaming tournaments,

like the League of Legends World Championships

can reach over 100 million viewers online.

That's more than some Super Bowls.

And Lionel Messi isn’t the only pro getting [paid] for his skills.

Top gaming teams can take home 15 million dollars or more

from a single tournament like Dota's Invitational.

And all this is why traditional sports stars,

from David Beckham to Shaquille O'Neal,

are investing in competitive games,

transforming our industry,

now called esports,

into a 27-billion-dollar phenomenon, almost overnight.

But despite all this,

the skills required to be a pro gamer still don't get much respect.

Parents hound their gamer-loving kids to go outside, do something useful,

take up a real sport.

And I'm not saying that physical activity isn't important,

or that esports are somehow better than traditional sports.

What I want to argue

is that it takes real skill to be good at competitive video games.

So let's take a look at the skills required to win in Fortnite,

League of Legends, Rocket League,

some of today's most popular esports.

Now, all of these games are very different.

League of Legends is about controlling a magical champion

as they siege an opposing fortress with spells and abilities.

Fortnite is about parachuting into 100-person free-for-all

on a tropical island paradise

and Rocket League is soccer with cars,

which, while it may sound strange, I promise, is incredibly fun.

And yet, all of these three esports,

despite their differences, and most competitive games, actually

have three common categories of skill.

And I'm going to take you through each in turn.

The first type of skill required to master esports is mechanical skill,

sometimes referred to as micro.

Mechanical skill governs activating and aiming in-game abilities

with pixel-perfect accuracy.

And I'd most liken mechanical skill to playing an instrument like piano.

There's a musical flow and a timing to predict

in your opponent's actions and reactions.

And crucially, just like piano,

top esports pros hit dozens of keys at once.

Gamers regularly achieve APMs, or actions per minute,

of 300 or more,

which is roughly one command every fifth of a second

and in particularly mechanically demanding esports,

like StarCraft,

top pros achieve APMs of 600 or more,

allowing them to literally control entire armies one unit at a time.

To give you an idea of how difficult this is,

imagine a classic game like Super Mario Brothers.

But instead of controlling one Mario, there are now two hundred,

and instead of playing on one screen, you're playing across dozens,

each set to a different level or stage.

And now Mario can't just run or jump, but he has new powers,

teleportations, cannon blast, things like that,

that have to be activated with split-second timing.

Yeah, it is really hard

to play mechanically demanding esports like StarCraft well.

Now the second category of skill required to master esports

is strategic skill, sometimes called macro.

And this governs the larger tactical choices gamers make.

And I'd liken and strategic skill to mastery of chess.

You have to plan attacks and counterattacks

and manipulate the digital battlefield to your advantage.

But crucially, unlike chess, esports are constantly evolving.

A popular esport like Fortnite can patch almost every week.

And even the most competitive esports

like Rainbow Six Siege update every quarter,

and these changes aren't just cosmetic.

They introduce new abilities, new heroes, new maps.

Constant change requires adaptivity.

It asks esports pros to do more than just practice

but to theorize and invent.

Now, gamers call this constantly evolving suite of strategies

the meta, short for the "metagame."

And it would be like if every few weeks

the rules of basketball fundamentally evolved.

Maybe three-pointers are now worth five points,

or NBA pros can dribble out of bounds.

If this happened,

basketball would permit for new strategies to win games

and the teams that discovered these new strategies first

would have a big, if temporary, advantage.

And this is exactly what happens in esports

every time there's a patch or update.

Competitive gaming rewards its most creative

and unconventional thinkers with free wins.

Now, the last category of skill required to be good at esports is leadership,

sometimes referred to as shot calling.

Esports pros are constantly in private voice-chat communications

with their teammates,

supplemented by a system of in-game pings.

This is what allows a team of League of Legends pros

to coordinate a spectacular barrage of five-man ultimates,

flashing in to capitalize on a minor mispositioning by their opponents.

And leadership skill is also what allows game captains to rally their teammates

in moments of crisis

and inspire them to make one last risky all-in assault

on the opposing base.

And I'd argue this is the same type of leadership

exuded by executives and team captains everywhere.

It's the ability to seize opportunity,

clearly and decisively communicate decisions

and inspire others to follow your lead.

And all these three categories of skill,

mechanical, strategic and leadership,

they have a crucial element in common.

They're all almost entirely mental.

Unlike my ability to have a basketball career at five-foot-ten,

esports doesn’t care how tall I am,

what gender I identify as, how old I am.

In fact, esports controllers can even be adapted

to pros with unique physical needs.

Look at gamers like "Brolylegs" who can't move his arms or legs

or "Halfcoordinated," who has limited use of his right hand.

And these pros don't just compete, they set records.

Now, I'm not here to argue that esports is some sort of egalitarian paradise.

Our industry has real issues to address,

particularly around inclusivity for women,

marginalized groups and those without equitable access to technology.

But just because esports has a long way to go,

doesn't mean its skills don't deserve respect.

And what particularly bugs me

is how often we ascribe such enormous value

to traditional athletic talents off the field.

How many times have we been in a job interview setting, let's say,

and heard somebody say something like,

"Well, John is a phenomenally qualified candidate.

He was captain of his college lacrosse team."

Really?

John is going to be a great digital marketer

because he can hurl a ball really far with a stick?

Come on, we would not apply that logic anywhere else.

"Stand aside, scientists,

Sarah is my choice to repair this nuclear reactor.

After all, she played varsity soccer."

No, what we mean when we say

John or Sarah is phenomenally qualified for a job

is that because of their experiences playing traditional sports,

they have developed traits with real value in the workplace:

diligence, perseverance, teamwork.

And think of how I've just described esports to you.

Doesn't it sound like mechanical skill, strategic skill, leadership,

wouldn't those develop all those same traits too?

And more to the point,

in today's fast-paced digital-office environment,

I think I might rather have a pro gamer on my team than a traditional athlete.

After all, I know they can be charismatic and decisive over voice chat

and I'm sure doing a lot of Zoom calls today in my business.

So maybe now I've convinced you

that esports and video games deserve a little more respect.

But if not, let me try to make one last final appeal.

Because look at it this way.

Our society is changing.

Technology is fundamentally infiltrating every aspect of our daily lives,

transforming everything from how we work to how we fall in love.

Why should sports be any different?

You know, I think of my own childhood, you know.

I grew up watching the World Cup with my family,

and I learned to love soccer in large part because I watched it with my dad.

And I would have loved doing anything with him.

And now I think of my own sons.

But instead of soccer, we're watching esports,

not the violent ones, mind you.

But I'm building the same sorts of memories with my kids

that my father did with me.

We're marveling at the same skill and reveling in the same victory.

It is an identical feeling of pure awe and excitement.

It's just a different game.

Thank you very much.