PinkSheep on Sponsorships

Ever since the inception of professional gaming in 1997 at the CPL (Cyberathelete Professional League), the issue of sponsorship has become prominent to most people who consider themselves "professional gamers". What do these terms actually constitute?

What is Professional Gaming?
Taking on gaming as an occupation, where you are hired by a company with a salary and contract, to compete at an international level.

What does Sponsorship do?
1. Financial support. Enabling gamers the means to pay for their expenses while focusing on their sport. This would incorporate a salary, equipment, competition fees, and others.
2. Management. Administration and planning for gamers, including upcoming tournaments, potential sponsors, etc.

What do Sponsors gain?
Ultimately it is all about brand equity. This includes brand awareness, brand image, and expected future revenue from the publicity garnered. Players under contract are also liable to give a percentage of their winnings to their sponsors.

Where does Singapore stand?
Like what was mentioned, I don't think Singapore is ready for Professional Gaming. At least not on a wide scale. Singapore's economy may be too small for the big brands (from the USA, China) to bother tapping. Which means, that we will not get as much attention as we would prefer to.

What does it mean for us?
We can look forward to a day in which we are good enough to attract the big fish. Then again we may be expected to travel to do publicity.

=)