Risk vs. Reward

Now we'll talk about risk vs. reward, as well as the pros and cons of investing in such unknown players. With corporate backing of teams these days, it’s hard to understand why teams do not do more recruiting and scouting. With the low price of investment, it’s something I would definitely be looking at as a team owner. We'll take a look inside the market view at some things I believe teams are overlooking.

Pros

1. Cheap: For the cost of a plane ticket and a hotel room, any team in the world could find the next young star. Still unproven and unchallenged, these players do not require salaries, big time contracts, or a Rolls-Royce.

2. Dedication: Japanese culture has always shown great dedication in anything they do. Whether it is sports, work, or gaming, they are the hardest working people I have ever seen. Their sense of accomplishment is what drives the Japanese culture in business and pleasure. If you are looking for a dedicated group of players, look no further.

Cons

1. Unproven: While these players are still young and unproven, not all are without big LAN experience. Some of these players have represented their country in respective games at WCG, as well as other big LAN events. However, most of those players have faded out of the professional gaming tournament scene.

2. Small but apparent risk: Yes, he could be a flop, but that’s what sports are all about. They are about taking a risk on that next big prospect. It wasn't 100% sure that Lebron or Kobe would be the superstars they are today. We knew they would be good, but 81 points in one game? Not likely. Taking risks is what life is all about; Bill Gates did it, Cleveland did it, and so did the L.A. Lakers. However, with the many successes, there are also many failures.

With every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. You sign one player today, and he may be the next star of tomorrow. However, there is that chance that he could be just another average guy at the tournament. Regardless, it’s like any college looking for that next star. They study video, and watch him play. Let's take a look at a few options teams have to signing relatively unknown players that they think have a shot at the big time. Teams today have enough corporate backing and funding to easily setup a boot camp type tryout with these young players. Bring them in and set them up against other players from other teams. Challenge them, study their demos, and decide whether or not it is worth to proceed any further. This would eliminate some of the risk. For roughly $2,000, you could find the next CPL Champion. With the right contract arrangements, any team could easily return their investment with the right scouts and coaches. The reason we don’t see a lot of new faces at the top of eSports and Quake 4 is simple: we don't give the new guys a chance. If a player isn't on top of the world, nobody wants to give him the shot he deserves. However, if teams want to do this, they need to find someone who has an eye for talent and can pick these players out of the crowd. Scouting will become a future part of eSports if teams want to be able to find that new and fresh talent.

In conclusion, what needs to be done is one of two things. Big LAN tournaments already have a home in Japan. We just need someone to bring it to us. CPL said that the Japanese CS qualifier they held was one of the best ever. With a statement like that, why haven’t we seen a World Tour stop or other events held here? My guess is Japan is not known as a PC market so the advertising revenue is smaller. I hope this changes soon and we see more big time LAN tournaments being brought to Japan. It’s a mecca of gaming, and with the right group, these players could shine in eSports and Quake 4. Pictures courtesy of AMD BIGLAN Socket2.