I got a friend, who’s kids are in their early teens respectively. He was one time telling me, with a quite concerned look on his face, that his kids "seek to become YouTubers”. I immediately understood what his concern was. I figured I should counsel him some how, as there are some people (not many) that are quite successful on youtube. So I responded - wow, I guess that can be some sort of career, if they have some talent or whatever. He stopped me right there, he said no, not just any YouTuber, making skits, parodies, being "influencers", motivators or what have you. They want to be gamers! They plan on making a living from playing video games.
I can see why he would have some level of concern, after all, for us growing up, video games wasn't so easily accepted by our parents. Of course, they will buy is video games for Christmas, birthdays or whatever. Whenever playing though it was like, "you're in front of that TV for too long", "Go outside and play", "do your homework first" blah, blah. In short, playing video games was some what shunned upon and not something that was perceived as a viable option to pass time, especially if it was hours and hours on a daily basis. The truth is however, that the e-Sport business is indeed becoming bigger than one could have imagined. And if you're not familiar with e-Sports. Do get familiar.
The global esports market is expected to generate more than $1 billion in 2019, according to research firm Newzoo. It also estimates the esports audience will reach 454 million this year.
At this very moment there are a total of 8 states in the USA that are making this a legitimate part of their sports curriculum.
It began with Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in the fall of 2018. A few months later, the National Federation of State High School Associations said Alabama, Mississippi and Texas Charter schools have joined the mix.
There was a time not too long ago when playing video games for a living was a pipe dream. Now, some players are supporting their entire families from it and students are considering it a tangible career goal. Pro players can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and compete for millions of dollars in prizes.
I would say, that with this news, my friend really does not have much to worry about, in the sense that, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. There just may be a future in playing video games. I would say this is not for everybody, however if it is your passion, go for it! As for my friends kids, they better be some good players 
To all parents out there, video games can now be something you encourage. What a time to be alive!
Source: CNN
