Casting is becoming one of the more popular esports jobs. Especially with everything going online, more people can try out casting as a hobby or dedicate their time to making casting their full-time job. Despite the newfound accessibility, sometimes it is hard to find the resources to begin casting. I sat down with 

 to talk about some tips she would give to new casters.



Gompers is an up-and-coming Valorant caster. She started casting through Galorants’ Caster Training program. From there, she got an internship with Space Productions (now called SpaceTime Strategies) to cast for the MSI Radiant Cup. Moreover, she was selected to participate in Riot’s VCT Game Changers Verizon Caster Training program, where she attended workshops led by leading Valorant casters. Gompers is a regular caster for VCT NA Game Changers, Knights Gauntlets, and more. She also casts multiple titles outside of Valorant like Rocket League and Fortnite.

Many new esports casters try to copy their favorite caster. Although this may seem like a good idea initially, your favorite caster will always be the best at their style because it is theirs. So, defining your own casting style is important to differentiate yourself from others and make your mark on an esports broadcast.

Rewatching your casting is a crucial step to improve. Gompers stressed how reviewing your casting can help you identify crutch words, bad analysis, and areas where you can integrate your co-caster. You can review your work by yourself; however, I strongly encourage you to review it with another caster. An outside voice perspective can give you new insights to improve your casts.

In addition to improving their casting, many casters VOD review specific games to identify team and player tendencies. As Azreal, a well-known League of Legends caster, stated in his interview with DongHuaP (https://youtu.be/AQcW3ti1Ngo), this preparation can help you create pre-planned talking points that can elevate the broadcast and relieve stress. The best casters often dedicate multiple hours a week on VOD review prep, especially those who are analysts.

For casters, social media is crucial for negotiating rates and getting your name out there. It is also a great avenue to create friends and new connections. However, be mindful about what you post on social media because some companies will look through your posts to ensure your brand aligns with theirs. So, as Gompers stated, “don’t go willy nilly” on social media. Nevertheless, you can still be yourself. It is just finding a balance.

Celebrate and keep track of your achievements

Gompers expressed how it is easy to neglect your accomplishments because you are not where you would like to be at the moment. Imposter syndrome can set in, and you may not feel like you deserve the opportunities that you have been getting. However, if you still have the drive to improve, your casting will evolve, and you will continue to receive opportunities. Write down every opportunity that you got to remind yourself of what you accomplished. As a bonus, this list can also function as a resume which is required by some gigs.

The esports broadcast industry is small, so it is important to stay humble and be nice. Anyone can be the person that will recommend you for a gig that could propel your career. Similarly, many experienced casters will help you review your casting and maybe even mentor you if you are genuine and grateful for their assistance. This guidance extends beyond just improving your casting and can include rate discussion. In short, this industry is all about building a network and maintaining meaningful relationships, so it is important to be yourself and be kind.

Casting is not an individual job. For most broadcasts, you will have a co-caster. If you have your co-caster’s information, Gompers recommends that you talk to them before the day of the event. You can figure out who will be the play-by-play or color caster. Maybe you both want to do a hybrid style of casting. Outside of casting style, once you get into more advanced broadcasters, you can decide who will be responsible for reading sponsor scripts, interviewing a player, or segwaying to the next section of the broadcast. If you both have time, you may want to do a practice cast.

Now that you know some tips about casting, you may be wondering where you can begin. I suggest joining 

. They have job posting channels for casters. They have advice channels.

The best casters can create storylines surrounding a specific tournament (i.e., IEM Cologne, League of Legends’ MS), individual players, teams, and more. This takes practice, research, and time. For individual players, you may track what teams they have played on, which roles they know, etc. For teams, you may research their map pool, their run in tournaments, or their wins or losses against other teams. This is more advanced, but it may be a good idea to start thinking about the storylines you want to say to the viewers.

I hope you learned a bit about casting. Thank you, 

, for providing your insight. If you want to follow my journey in esports, be sure to check out my 

Tips for beginner esports casters ft. Darlyn "Gompers" Diaz

Celeste is an indie platform game released in 2018. The protagonist of the game is Madeline, and the game follows her as she works to climb the titular mountain, Celeste Mountain. The game has been praised for its difficulty, art style, and music.

The game won Best Indie Game and the Games for Impact Award at the Game Awards in 2018. The Games for Impact Award recognizes a “thought-provoking game with pro-socials meaning.” In addition to having a woman protagonist, the game tackles themes of mental illness, including anxiety and depression.

Ms. Pac-Man is a classic. First released in 1981, Ms. Pac-Man was one of the first arcade style games with a female protagonist. A year after the original Pac-Man game was released, Ms. Pac-Man breathed new life into the series by changing its look (and main character). Many people considered Ms. Pac-Man superior in gameplay and style to the original Pac-Man game.


The game introduced more randomized ghost movements, making it more challenging to master. It also changed up other mechanics making the game harder, including the movement of the fruit in mazes.

If you haven’t played this “point and click” adventure, you are missing out. This game won several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for the story, the VGX Award for Game of the Year, and the Kerrang! Award for Best Game of the Year.

The story follows a young girl named Clementine in the world of The Walking Dead. Early in the game she is left alone in this post apocalyptic world, and she finds an unlikely friend in Lee Everett. The story follows their journey throughout the zombie-ridden world. It will tug on your heart strings in ways you didn’t even know were possible.

Like many other games, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers you the choice of gender for your protagonist. In this game, however, Ubisoft did a great job of fully fleshing out the female option, Kassandra. She is strong, with a great personality and powerful demeanor.

As Kassandra (or her male counterpart Alexios), the player journeys across ancient Greece by land and sea to destroy a secret cult and find their lost family. It’s an incredibly in-depth game that offers a very immersive experience. If you like ancient Greece and strong women, you should definitely check out this title.

Besides Princess Peach, Bayonetta is Nintendo’s leading lady. The first iteration of Bayonetta was released in 2009, with the second coming out in 2014. Bayonetta 3 is slated to release later this year on the Nintendo Switch.

Bayonetta offers players a strong protagonist with an attitude for this action-adventure series. The titular character is the playable character in the series. In the original game, Bayonetta, a witch, wakes up from a long slumber underneath a lake and battles through enemies to discover her past. Though the story can sometimes come off as convoluted and confusing, the mechanics of gameplay more than make up for it.

Like Assassin’s Creed, this game gives the option to play as either a man or a woman. Both versions of the character will be referred to as Commander Shepard.

Mass Effect is one of the greatest games of all time. In it, players take control of Commander Shepard on his or her spaceship and travel throughout the galaxies. On the journey, players will be met with characters that each have their own individual story. Everything about this game works. From the combat mechanics, RPG elements, to the relationship building, BioWare knocked it out of the galaxy with this one.

The first modern Tomb Raider game was released in 2013, and it won several awards for every element of its design. It won multiple game of the year awards, awards for voice performance, sound design, music, best trailer, and best poster.

The main character, Lara Croft, is the epitome of a strong female lead in this game. Like her character in the movies, she possesses many incredible skills and a lot of strength, both physical and mental. Several sequels to this game were made, including Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. None, however, captured the magic of the first game.

Horizon Zero Dawn sees a different type of post-apocalyptic setting in which the world is overrun with robotic machines. The main character players take control of is Aloy, a huntress. Like many other characters on this list, Aloy is strong and independent, a woman depicted healthily and realistically.

This action-adventure title received many great reviews, averaging 89% on Metacritic. This year, the game’s sequel Horizon Forbidden West came out. If you enjoyed the first title, you should definitely check that one out.

In 1986, the original Metroid was released. It was not until players finished the game that it was revealed that Samus was a woman the whole time. As one of the most epic moments in gaming history, Metroid certainly deserves one of the top spots on this list.

Metroid is one of the most successful franchises in gaming history, as games are still being made, with the most recent released in 2021. Likewise, Samus continues to be one of the most iconic women in gaming.

The Last of Us is yet another post-apocalyptic game, yet it sets itself apart because of its characters and gameplay. Ellie is one of the main two protagonists in the games. In part I, Ellie is fourteen years old and represents everything a badass teenager in a zombie apocalypse should be.

The Last of Us boasts incredible storytelling and characterization that will have you both laughing and crying. In addition to being a woman, Ellie is revealed in part II to be a part of the LGBT community, making her an even more representative and inclusive character. The game tackles Ellie’s coming out with her father figure and friend, Joel, and many in the community found this storyline relatable.

If you’re looking for a game with a woman protagonist, these are far from all your choices. If you haven’t played all of the games on this list, however, you should definitely check them out, as their characters represent some of the strongest out there!

Best games with women protagonists

ATHENA Series is a €1000 tournament for women and non-binary Valorant players. There will be 16 teams competing:

Although this tournament is not part of Game Changers, it will be important to watch. Many of these teams will be competing in the last VCT EMEA Game Changers series on September 9th, 2022. Be sure to tune in to the ATHENA Series on September 2nd through 4th.

ATHENA Series starts this September

Native Gaming released its Game Changers roster, making all the players available to play on other teams. 

Native Gaming White competed in the Astral Cup, VCT Game Changers, and Sakura Cup. Its members are experienced and eager to compete. Be sure to check them out:

Native Gaming releases its Game Changers roster

Congratulations to FENNEL for winning the 2022 VCT Game Changers Japan trophy, the first official woman's Valorant tournament in the region

With this win, FENNEL, alongside REIGNITE Lily, qualified for VCT 2022: Game Changers East Asia Qualifier, happening later this November. There, Asian teams will be fighting for their spot at the Championship in Berlin.

FENNEL wins first VCT Game Changers Japan trophy

Evil Geniuses is the champion of the Gen.G and Galorants', presented by Tampax, Astral Clash! 

Evil Geniuses acquired the veteran Dignitas team, including the coach. EMUHLEET, rain, showliana, theia, and Stefanie competed for several hours against other strong teams like Misfits Black, TSM X, and Shopify Rebellion. The team dropped one map during the entire event to Misfits Black during the group stage but got its revenge in the Grand Finals with a clean 2-0 sweep. 

Many of the players previously competed in CS:GO, and their experience and composure led them to victory in a live setting. The Astral Clash brings up a question about how these Game Changers teams will perform in-person compared to online tournaments.

Evil Geniuses is the Astral Clash Champion!

The grueling heat during the summer months can make gaming an unpleasant experience. Even if you try to keep the heat out, with a gaming PC, a sweaty game session is almost guaranteed. This can take the fun out of your hobby and distract you from giving it your all. These tips will keep you cool no matter how hot the summer gets!

Fans as an alternative to air conditioners

Unlike in the US, many European households do not have built-in air conditioners. That means once the air inside has heated up, it is nearly impossible to cool it down during summer days. The result is unpleasant gaming sessions. Luckily, modern fans do a decent job of making the accumulated heat less noticeable. They may not be able to cool down an entire room, but they are great at cooling you down while you sit still while gaming. If you do not have the means to get a standard-sized fan, there are many mini alternatives to place on your desk instead!

Everyone knows that drinking enough water is crucial in the summer. However, I have some extra tips on leveraging hydration for a better gaming experience! First, if you find it difficult to drink plenty of water, try incorporating hydrating food into your diet. These may include tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, watermelon, and more. On top of containing water, they are tasty and healthy snacks to spice up your game time!

My second tip is to try out a facial spray. These are a quick, easy and customizable way of cooling you down while adding hydration to your skin. Depending on your preferences, you can get a hydrating facial toner or pure water in spray form. If you want to save money, you can make one yourself. Just buy a spray bottle and fill it with water. Store your spray in the fridge outside game sessions for an extra refreshing effect!

Finally, here is a tip for when you want quick help during extreme heat. Soak a towel in cold water and place it on your neck for a few minutes. For example, you can do this while queuing for a new match. This will decrease your body temperature, leaving you revitalized for your upcoming game!

Some of my friends hate summer much more than winter. They say that when it is freezing outside, you can always put on more clothes, but it does not work the other way in summer. While that might be true, it does not mean that your clothing decisions do not impact your experience on hot days. Breathable fabrics, such as cotton or clothing with cooling technology, reduce the likelihood of sweating and body odor. This way, summer gaming will become much more enjoyable!

As PCs become more powerful thanks to technical innovation, we enjoy higher frames and better-looking graphics. But, on the other hand, more power generates more heat. This is particularly annoying when it is already hot outside. Sadly, you cannot just turn down your PC's temperature. What you can do is support its cooling mechanisms by dedusting it regularly. Check out this 

Excellent gaming equipment should support you in all circumstances. Therefore, consider equipment's functionality in different climates when making a purchase. For instance, "gaming chairs" are comfortable and great-looking. Yet, they do not hold up well in the heat, quickly leading to sticky experiences. Instead, I recommend (gaming) chairs made out of mesh or similar breathable materials, such as the one below. Of course, such considerations are not an option for everyone (including myself), so this is more of an extra tip.

As a gamer without air conditioning in your home, you cannot entirely avoid the summer heat creeping into your room. That being said, you can slow it. For additional comfort, you can regulate your body's temperature. I hope you have discovered a few helpful tips so that you will have fun in any season!

How to stay cool while gaming in summer

Esports coaching is a rewarding and exciting career. For those hoping to get involved in the esports coaching scene, it may take some time to climb the ladder, but with a little bit of grit and determination, it’s definitely possible.

There are many different ways to get involved in esports coaching because there are many different levels of esports coaching to work within. Coaches can work in the youth or scholastic esports space, the private coaching space, for a collegiate esports team, or they can train professionals. Each level or type of coaching requires a different trajectory or process to succeed, but the general idea for each is the same. There are some general tips to keep in mind when you are looking to get started in esports coaching that will ring true no matter what level you are hoping to get involved in.

Like other competitive industries, the esports industry is tough to break into. It may be easy to feel like quitting or giving up, but staying positive and persistent is important. You know what they say: Rome wasn’t built in a day (and neither was an esports coach).

Because there are so many coaches out there looking for work, you will likely get rejected from a coaching gig, and you will probably be rejected many times. There may be some employers that you do not even hear back from. If you don’t have this experience, you are one of the lucky ones.

Regardless of what you experience when applying for coaching jobs, you have to keep pushing forward. Persistence in the esports industry is key. Your first coaching job may launch an illustrious coaching career, and you will never know if you do not keep trying.

A lot of esports companies are fairly new. Because of this, they may require coaches to help out with some tasks that involve some things other than just coaching. You may be asked to help out with other aspects of the organization you are working for, including administrative tasks, management, legal tasks, logistical tasks, sales tasks, marketing tasks, or anything else they might need help with. It will only help you, in the long run, to do your best and help with as much as you can. Not only will it leave a good impression on the people you work with, but you may also learn some new and useful skills along the way.

The jobs in esports pop up nearly daily. You can check out 

, or the websites of your favorite esports companies on a weekly basis to see what new positions are out there. Keep an eye out for anything that your friends, teammates, or colleagues might mention in the space. There are new coaching jobs being created nearly constantly, and if you are vigilant enough in your searches, you are sure to be a match for at least a few things that you come across.

Sometimes, simply searching for and applying haphazardly to jobs is not enough to secure a position. Once you find a job that you think you would be a good fit for, you should go out of your way to research the company and the employees and specifically tailor your application for that organization. You may even want to reach out to the hiring manager depending on the circumstances.

If you do not have many connections in the esports space yet, you should start building them now. Think of your teammates (if you have them), your own coaches you have had in the past, content creators you might know or anyone who works in the esports space that you might have a connection with. Reach out to them. They may be hiring, or they may know someone who is hiring and can recommend you for a position.

If you do not know anyone at all in the esports space, you can start by reaching out to people on LinkedIn. Rather than blatantly asking for a position, you may be able to ask a more subtle favor, such as asking for a meeting or asking for some advice about how to get into the industry. Esports professionals are likely to respond positively to young upstarts who are putting themselves out there and who are willing to learn.

There is a ton of competition in the esports coaching space. The only way to make yourself stand out is by simply being the best. This does not mean that you have to be the best coach out there right from the get-go. What it does mean is that you should always be striving to improve and become a better coach.

You should also try to be more flexible than anyone else. Pick up shifts that other coaches don’t want to work, or be willing to help out if you are needed as a substitute. If your organization needs you to travel to coach at a tournament, offer to be the one to go. If extra administrative or management tasks need to be done, take the initiative and do them. In this industry, the more you put yourself out there to work and stand out, the better off you will be in general.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an esports coach, you can check out 

, a youth esports development company that hires many coaches to run youth esports practices virtually. You can also try your hand at private esports coaching for some one-on-one teaching sessions.

Tips for getting started in esports coaching

The Astral Clash Finals will be a LAN hosted at 

 . It'll take place on Saturday, June 6th. There will be eight teams fighting to claim first place:

This tournament is going to be the first LAN that features the top Game Changers teams competing against each other. We should see which teams will perform well on LAN. Be sure to tune in!

DazedDreams

ATHENA Series starts this September

ATHENA Series starts this September

Tips for beginner esports casters ft. Darlyn "Gompers" Diaz

Best games with women protagonists

Native Gaming releases its Game Changers roster

Tips for beginner esports casters ft. Darlyn "Gompers" Diaz