Life after LoL: Riot to help older gamers transition

As much as many young people around the world would love to play games professionally, that is, get paid to play, it's a career with a half life shorter than almost any other. Even professional athletes in many real world sports can last into their early 30s, but for most pro-gamers, you're done by your late 20s. That may change as time goes on and experience becomes almost as valuable as reaction times, but for now getting out of the game within a few years isn't uncommon, which is why Riot is looking to help out gamers that are looking to leave, giving them a better chance of finding employment afterwards.

Speaking with Polygon, Jason Yeh, the head of EU esports at Riot said that one of the best jobs that a gamer can land upon leaving League of Legends, is to do with Riot itself. Many of them have gone on to become developers or testers of the game and others have gone into sportscasing or marketing roles. However, these careers are obviously quite limited, so Riot wants to offer up new aspects for them and to maximise the potential to make money and a name for themselves while they have the limelight.

Unlike other athletes, pro gamers have a shelf life that's in the single digits

To encourage this, Riot is going to be teaching players things like interview skills and how to build a brand around their gaming identity. On top of that, Riot is also planning regular seminars for gamers to attend, where the professionals (and ex-pros) can pass along some of their skills to budding professionals of the future and your average gamers who wants to progress up the ranks.

Riot's seminars will also extend to its current roster of pro players, which will explain things like media training and some of the things you can and cannot do whilst in the public eye – especially while on Riot's payroll. Falling foul of the developer is the fastest way to have your burgeoning career halted in its tracks, as many “toxic” players have found out over the years.

KitGuru Says: It seems fair that Riot helps out a lot of its pro players, since while many can have a fun few years being a self-funded LoL pro, only a handful will make the big money that can set them and their families up for life. 

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