< Previous20 edge_ july 2023 feature it comes to AI, it is crucial to ensure that humans get to make the decisions about how they work. “It’s a mistake to take humans out of the loop. I think it’s very important that the future of humanity is determined by humanity.” ‘Go all in on AI’ When asked about the best environments and initiatives to support and scale startups in the UAE and the rest of the region, Altman has one response: “Go all in on AI.” He explained how AI will be the “thing that’s going to matter in the next decade” and highlighted that the technology could pave the way for the greatest startup boom since the internet. Altman is no stranger to supporting startups. In 2011, the tech entrepreneur became a part- time partner at Y Combinator (YC), an American technology startup accelerator that has helped launch more than 4,000 companies, including Airbnb, DoorDash, Dropbox, Quora, Reddit, and Stripe. In 2014, Altman assumed the role of president at YC, taking over from co-founder Paul Graham. By 2016, he had become the president of the newly expanded YC Group until 2019. While in the UAE, Altman also met with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to discuss ways to bolster partnerships between the UAE government and OpenAI on developing AI- driven solutions. ‘We face serious risks. We face existential risks’ In May, Altman appeared before the US Congress to discuss the risks associated with AI. Shortly after, the OpenAI CEO signed a statement advocating for the mitigation of AI that could potentially endanger human existence. During his visit to Hub71, Altman warned about the “existential risk” to humanity that AI poses and suggested a way to regulate the technology. “As with any really powerful technology, we face serious risk, we face existential risk. The challenge that the world has is how we’re going to manage those risks and make sure we still get to enjoy the tremendous benefits. Altman pointed to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a noteworthy instance of global collaboration in ensuring regulations. He highlighted that this agency was established in the aftermath of the United States’ deployment of atomic bombs on Japan towards the conclusion of World War II. “Let’s make sure we come together as a globe — and I hope this place [UAE] can play a real role in this,” he said. ‘There will be many more [jobs] that none of us can imagine’ Responding to widespread concerns about AI displacing human jobs and the potential rise of super- intelligent AGI replacing humans in various domains, Altman holds a positive view on how AI can actually ChatGPT A type of generative AI, the platform attracts 1.8 billion visitors per monthedge_ july 2023 21 feature enhance human creativity and productivity. Drawing from his research, he asserts that any level of transformation in the labour market can be effectively adapted within two generations. He emphasises the importance of proactive planning for these changes over a 10-year timeframe, deeming it a prudent course of action. “I don’t believe we will just run out of work to do,” he said. “I think with more powerful tools, we will do a lot more stuff, it may almost certainly look different than many of the jobs of today. But I think I could name with confidence that there will be many more [jobs in the future] that none of us can imagine.” ‘AI does not get you off the hook for having to be a good company’ Altman was then asked about the strategies companies should employ to construct their AI- powered products in a manner that generates a $10BN The amount Microsoft invested in OpenAI “It’s a mistake to take humans out of the loop. I think it’s very important that the future of humanity is determined by humanity” competitive edge and proves challenging to replicate. In response, Altman reflected on the evolution of technology and its impact on business differentiation. He recounted a time when the iPhone App Store was first introduced, and companies eagerly identified themselves as mobile- powered entities. This designation held immense value back then, as it signified an innovative edge in utilising the powerful capabilities of pocket- sized supercomputers. Startups like Uber, relying heavily on mobile apps, emerged following this period and thrived. However, Altman noted that the landscape has drastically changed since those early days. Having a mobile app has now become the norm for almost every company, rendering the label of being a mobile company far less significant. As technology progresses, he predicted that in the near future, even AI integration alone will cease to distinguish a company from its competitors. He anticipated a time when AI will be expected as a standard offering across all businesses, and its absence would be considered perplexing. “AI does not get you off the hook for having to be a good company. This is just like one more tool that lets you do more things better. But it doesn’t excuse you from the hard work of building a company,” he said. Generative AI This type of AI uses large datasets to create various types of content, including text, imagery and moreGAMING 22 edge_ july 2023 cover storyOnce upon a time, gaming was dismissed as a frivolous activity, a mere hobby that didn’t warrant serious attention. Oh, how the times have changed By Adelle Geronimo edge_ july 2023 23 cover story24 edge_ july 2023 cover story Opportunities behind the scenes The sector also offer numerous prospects for various non-gaming roles including those focused in events and content creation S ince the dawn of time, people have dreamt of turning their hobbies into lucrative careers. After all, as the wise old adage goes, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” In the not-so-distant past, gaming was often dismissed as a frivolous pastime or a mere hobby. However, with the advent of technological advancements and the proliferation of online platforms, gaming has undergone an astonishing metamorphosis. Today, it has transformed into a thriving industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue, with the sector projected to reach $321 billion globally by 2026, according to PwC. Recent statistics have also indicated that there are now over 3 billion active video gamers worldwide, further solidifying the sector’s potential. In the Middle East, the gaming market is charging at full steam ahead. Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) poured a whopping $3 billion into the industry. But that’s not all; PIF has committed a staggering $38 billion to its very own gaming powerhouse, Savvy Games Group (SGG). Additionally, in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Gaming and the more recently announced DMCC Gaming Centre are creating ecosystems to attract global gaming businesses and provide opportunities to aspiring talent. With a plethora of platforms, channels, and opportunities for individuals to pursue, avid gamers often wonder how they can transform their hobby into a financially rewarding career. However, there remain questions that intrigue individuals, such as “How much money do gamers actually make?” and “How sustainable is it as a career path?” But before we delve into all this, let’s first take a step back in time and explore the gaming industry’s humble beginnings. The evolution of gaming The transformation of the gaming market has been remarkable, progressing from simple pixels to virtual realities. It began in the 1950s and 1960s when computer scientists started edge_ july 2023 25 cover story creating basic games and simulations on early computers. A significant milestone was the game Spacewar! in 1962, played on a video display. In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey console introduced Atari’s Pong, becoming an iconic game. Home consoles like the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) played a crucial role in bringing gaming experiences to living rooms. Classics like Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda became household staples. The 1990s saw a shift with the rise of personal computers, leading to legendary titles like Doom, Myst, and Warcraft. These games captivated players with exciting gameplay and immersive storytelling. Technological advancements in media and the Internet further transformed the industry, enabling shared gaming experiences worldwide. In the new millennium, the availability of mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets, expanded the gaming audience. Additionally, advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the concept of the metaverse promise a new extraordinary era for gaming. Gaming as a career Over the past decade, the world of eSports has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity. This phenomenon has captured the attention of global investors, brands, media outlets, and consumers alike. It has become increasingly evident that competitive gaming is not only a legitimate profession but also a lucrative one. One pivotal moment that signalled the potential of eSports was the Fortnite World Cup in 2019. The tournament served as an eye-opener for an entire generation when a 80% The proportion of recruiters in the UAE that are likely to hire someone who is a gamer The evolution of gaming The sector’s transformation not only shaped entertainment but also become a cultural phenomenon “Much like other professional sports, only a fraction of individuals will reach the top-tier levels in gaming” - Jeron van den Elshout, Business Director, Hays Middle East26 edge_ july 2023 then 16-year-old player named Kyle ‘Bugha’ Giersdorf walked away with an astonishing $3 million prize. This victory showcased that there is serious money to be earned in the world of competitive gaming. The growth of eSports prize pools has been staggering. For instance, “The International 12,” the annual Dota 2 competition held this year, boasts a prize pool worth around $30 million. This staggering amount demonstrates the substantial financial rewards awaiting the top-performing teams and players. A professional gamer’s salary can vary widely depending on their skill level and the game in which they compete. On average, professional gamers can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000 per year from their base salary. However, this figure does not take into account the additional income they can generate through winning tournaments, securing sponsorships, and receiving bonuses. These additional revenue streams can potentially earn professional gamers hefty sums of money, pushing their total earnings even higher. The rise of eSports Gaining the attention of investors, global brands and the media, competitive gaming has become not only a legitimate profession but also a lucrative oneedge_ july 2023 27 cover story “In recent years, the professional eSports industry has become incredibly lucrative, with events receiving mainstream coverage and attracting millions of viewers,” says Jeron van den Elshout, Business Director at recruitment firm Hays Middle East. “There are now numerous roles/opportunities available within the gaming industry, including professional gamers, developers, analysts, game testers, streamers, content creators, event organisers, and more. Consequently, some universities now offer specific education and training programmes. For example, the University of Wollongong in Dubai offers a Bachelor of Computer Science major in Game and Mobile Development. This combination of factors has led to increased visibility, which has helped shift societal views on gaming, increasing its acceptance and credibility as a legitimate profession.” However, it is important to understand that being really good at gaming and being a professional gamer are two very different things. Not everybody has the skillset to become a professional. “Much like other professional sports, only a fraction of individuals will reach the top-tier levels in gaming,” says van den Elshout. He notes that there are key skills and attributes that can help make professional gaming a potentially lucrative career. “Technical skills and expertise are fundamental; that is, possessing a deep understanding of gaming technology, software and hardware, and gaming mechanics and strategies. Dedication and mental resilience are also required, as high- level gamers spend many hours practising and perfecting their skills,” he explains. He adds, “Additionally, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are essential. Finally, knowledge of the marketing and branding space is beneficial, as gamers who can market themselves and build rapport within the community may find additional opportunities.” As gaming continues to grow its footprint in the zeitgeist, so do the opportunities it opens. In addition to sanctioned competitive play, there has been a big uptick in the number of individuals who have established careers live- streaming video game content on popular sites such as Twitch and YouTube. In the Middle East, industry insiders revealed that gamers could earn up to $20,000 a month from advertisements and sponsorship deals in the gaming ecosystem and $3,000 from online streaming alone. $500,000 Potential annual base salary of professional gamers, depending on their skills and the games they play Skills required More than technical skills, gamers also need dedication and mental resilience to succeed28 edge_ july 2023 cover story “A common misconception is that the opportunities in the gaming industry are limited to professional players. However, most of the new jobs are behind the scenes, working in a variety of different roles that make the events, competitions, or content a reality,” says Josh Williams, University Esports Global Manager. He adds, “The opportunities within the industry are changing constantly, we are seeing more games publishers wanting to develop competitions for their titles and underserved regions like MENA that are now starting to see more investment. These new initiatives need more professionals who understand these new markets, whether that’s a new game, platform or region, and develop creative solutions that are delivered well. Here, there is a lot of opportunity for students and the wider esports community to have a positive impact on the industry.” There is a wide range of career options to explore in the gaming industry. Gaming influencers and content creators also make a substantial amount of money from their online presence. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide them with direct access to their audience, which translates into significant revenue streams through ads, donations, and subscriptions. Moreover, game developers are integral to producing high-quality games that fuel demand among gamers worldwide. Skilled developers can earn six-figure salaries across various roles such as programmers, artists, or designers. “There are diverse paths to cater to different interests within the gaming industry,” says Mario Pérez, CEO of MENATech (a company of GGTech Entertainment). “eSports management involves roles like managers, coaches, and event coordinators. Rapid growth in MENA Tech advancements along with a diverse and inclusive audience are fuelling the booming gaming industry in the regionedge_ july 2023 29 cover story Gaming journalism includes writing game reviews, news, and features. Game testing suits those with a passion for playing games and a keen eye for detail. “Professional eSports teams are becoming more and more like traditional sports teams. They have coaches, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, and so on. This also leads to the creation of jobs in these disciplines.” Perez further notes that gaming events like the Amazon University Esports (AUE) Competition open numerous job opportunities as they require event organisers, planners and managers, advertising, sponsorship, social media promotion, casting, filming, and tech support, including participants, which involves players, coaches, and team organisations. Paving the way for other professions If a career in the gaming industry is not in the cards for you, the skills you’ve learned from it could pave the way for finding your true calling. A recent study commissioned by YouTube and conducted by the reputable research agency Censuswide revealed that 80 percent of recruiters in the UAE are more likely to hire someone who is a gamer and can talk about the skills they have developed in gaming. “There are diverse paths that cater to different interests within the gaming industry” - Mario Pérez, MENATech Streamers on the rise Gaming influencers and content creators who operate on streaming platforms earn a significant income from their digital presence More devices to choose from The proliferation of smartphones and tablets have contributed to the expansion of the gaming audienceNext >