International esports business student — Chris Townsend

After completing his A-levels, Chris wanted to combine his lifelong love of video gaming with an interest in the growing esports industry. He's now studying the BA International Esports Business at the College of Esports (CoEs)

When did you first discover your passion for gaming?

One significant moment stands out vividly - the day my dad brought home an Xbox 360. We spent the entire night gaming, cementing my love for it. As the years passed, I expanded my gaming repertoire with devices like the Nintendo DS and then the Switch. Some of my fondest memories include spending countless hours playing Halo with my dad and school friends.

My passion for gaming only grew stronger as I attended various events, experiencing the diverse scales of gaming culture first-hand.

A few years down the line, once I started working, I kitted myself out with a Sony PlayStation 5, Xbox One and PC, which I use frequently to chill out. Nowadays, I don't have as much free time as I once did, but I still love playing videogames for myself.

How did you get into the world of esports?

I first got introduced to esports back in 2016 with the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) and later with Clash Royale, a real-time multiplayer strategy game.

After this, things began to snowball rapidly with me competing for titles and events on games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch and Valorant, to name a few.

Further on, I made some online friends who studied the BTEC in Esports, whereas I took a traditional approach with A-levels in sixth form. They introduced me to the wider world of esports, and I loved it.

I attended esports summits, listened to panels, and came across the College of Esports. After becoming a student at the college, I can say that I have no regrets and I'm fortunate to have found this institution.

Why did you choose this course at this institution?

I chose this course as it seems the most future-proof degree that the university had to offer, and for the area of the industry I want to go into, it has the most transferable skills.

Because of this, the course will help me with to focus on broadcasting and events. This will provide me with the experience to transition into other industries in the future if I want to, which gives me the stability I need.

How is the course structured and assessed? How have you found it so far?

Throughout year one, we have three modules per semester, with two assignments per module. We receive the relevant knowledge to complete these modules and assignments through our lectures and seminars.

In the first semester we covered the basics of international business and events as well as marketing with a 360-degree vision. Semester two has covered a more in-depth view of international business, leadership and management, where we have to run our own event. I have really enjoyed these assignments and the practical elements they offer.

Until now, it's been nothing short of amazing. Since starting at the college, I've achieved so much already. I've had the opportunity to visit South Korea to work with Gen.G Esports.

I've also worked on various other projects for broadcast, such as GameBlast, University Halo League (UHL), and the British Esports Student Champs (BESC) series. with the prospect of working on more projects in the future. As far as my academic studies have gone, I've got an average grade of 72, which I'm very proud of.

What are your main duties as producer at the college?

Since starting at the college, I've shown interest in the broadcast studio and have worked in roles for vision mixing and virtual set operation.

Along with another student and a producer, we had trial run broadcasts, which we produced. I was then given the responsibility of being a producer by the now senior producer and head of our institution.

The role requires communication with students who have different roles within the broadcast team, as well as remaining in touch with the British Esports Federation - ensuring that teams have been confirmed for fixtures and all information has been provided.

I'm responsible for the creation of call sheets and running orders of the broadcast and live production.

At times, it can be stressful but it's all good fun. Having this opportunity to be responsible for this makes me feel driven to do my best. I'm also doing this for myself and my own portfolio, to achieve my full potential after university.

I've recently been appointed the first-year representative on the student council, which is another exciting development.

How have you managed your finances as a student?

As a student, disposable income is scarce to say the least. Living in London certainly isn't cheap. Alongside my studies, I work part time as a venue host at a local bowling alley.

Going into my second year I'll be doing a house share with some of my good friends at university.

Within my role as producer, it is all freelance work but requires the time management of something close to a full-time job. With all my responsibilities, some months I've been working up to 60 hours a week.

What are your plans for after graduation, and what are your career ambitions?

After graduation, I currently have no initial plans. Being in the capital, job opportunities are rampant. With my connections on LinkedIn, anything can happen, and I would love a job in esports broadcasting. However, I may also want to do another degree.

Aside from esports, one of my passions is motorsport. I'd love to work in broadcast production for the likes of Formula One, not only due to my passion but also the transferable skills I'm getting as a result of my course.

What advice would you give to others thinking about esports as a career option?

• Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. I'm on LinkedIn daily to establish solid connections with people directly attached to the esports industry. As my lecturers say, 'if you don't speak, nobody will hear you'. I connect with all sorts of people on the platform, whether this be people in a similar place on our journeys, or established professionals. I always aim to put myself out there, as you never know what opportunities may come about as a result.
• Be innovative and don't take things at face value. This can be interpreted in any way, but our production team always aims to create the best weekly broadcast we can by constantly questioning things and how they're done.
• Be flexible and open-minded. The esports industry is still in its infancy and is ever evolving. It's therefore necessary to adapt to the environment around you. I always remind myself of the idea that 'the job you'll likely be doing in ten years doesn't exist yet'.

Find out more

• Explore video game careers.
• Read about the role of a television/video/film producer.
• Consider the BA International Esports Business at the CoEs.