In traditional sports, it would be unthinkable to assume the only career path is becoming a professional athlete. Yet that's exactly the misconception plaguing esports today. Gen.G is stepping up to change that narrative.
The powerhouse organization, known for its competitive teams in both Korea and North America, is forging a new path for the next generation of gaming professionals. Their mission? To show students from high school through college that careers in gaming extend far beyond being a pro player, coach, or programmer.
"The majority of gamers—around 70 percent—say they're interested in a career in games," explains Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur. "But by the time they graduate college, less than one percent have taken a specific course related to games."
That gap is exactly what Gen.G aims to close. In February, they partnered with Arizona State University's GAME School to launch the Gen.G Gaming Career Summer Camp at ASU Los Angeles. Running from June through August, these in-person courses offer one- to four-week cohorts with registration open until May 29. Prices range from $599 to $1,899, making them accessible to a wide range of aspiring gaming professionals.
What will students learn? The curriculum covers business and monetization, marketing, social media and content creation, esports operations, events and media production, and even AI and technology's role in gaming's future. It's a holistic approach that recognizes the industry's true breadth.
"If you look at where the jobs actually are, coding and game development is maybe 10 to 15 percent of all the jobs in gaming," Hur notes. "It's like fashion—being a fashion designer is just a small fraction of all the careers available."
This summer camp is just the latest initiative from Gen.G. In October 2025, they partnered with universities including the University of Hawaiʻi to offer students a chance to study esports in Korea, home to one of the world's most developed gaming ecosystems.
"In North America, there's still that gap in understanding," says Dr. Nyle Sky Kauweloa, a professor at the University of Hawaiʻi. "There's this one-shot, moonshot idea of what a gaming career looks like."
With these programs, Gen.G is proving that the world of competitive gaming has a seat at the table for everyone—not just those holding a controller.