# **Motivation, Teams and Creative Ideas in Esports**

  



Not every great Esports idea starts with a spreadsheet. Some begin with a shared passion. Others with a need to belong. And many with a late-night “what if we…” moment.

This page explores the **human side of Esports** — what motivates people, how teams work together, and how creative thinking leads to innovation. Whether you're part of a student Esports club, a startup, or dreaming up your own gaming business, these soft skills are essential.

## Undertsanding  Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation – Explained Simply

Motivation is what drives us to act, but it comes in two main forms: **intrinsic** and **extrinsic**.

**Intrinsic motivation** comes from within. You do something because you enjoy it or find it meaningful.
*Example:* Someone might play video games for the challenge and fun — not because they’re being rewarded, but because they love the experience.
This type of motivation is powerful for long-term engagement because it’s personally fulfilling.

**Extrinsic motivation** comes from outside rewards or pressures.
*Example:* An individual  may join an esports team to win prizes or gain recognition. They’re motivated by what they’ll *get* rather than the activity itself.
This can be useful to push through tasks that aren’t naturally enjoyable.

### How to Use Them

You can combine both types to stay motivated. For instance, if you love designing game levels (**intrinsic**), but also know it could lead to a career in game development or win a competition (**extrinsic**), you’re more likely to stick with it and push yourself further.

Understanding both can help you fuel your drive: use **intrinsic motivation** for passion and creativity, and **extrinsic motivation** for discipline and goals. Mixed together, they become a powerful tool to stay on track and succeed — even when things get tough.

    

## Why People Start Esports Enterprises

People create Esports ventures for different reasons. It’s not always about money. Often, the **motivation is personal** — something they want to change, build, or express.

### Autonomy

Some people want to **be their own boss**. They don’t want to follow someone else’s rules — they want to set their own schedule, values, and direction.

> **Example**: A streamer launches their own team to have full control over branding, members, and sponsorships — rather than signing to a big organisation.

### Challenge

For others, starting an Esports project is about proving something. The competitive spirit that fuels in-game performance can also drive real-life ventures.

> **Example**: A former semi-pro player launches a bootcamp business to train upcoming players — transforming their personal experience into a challenge to help others improve.

### Income

Yes, Esports can be profitable. Some founders spot a business opportunity and act on it.

* Monetising fan communities
* Creating content that earns through ad revenue or merch
* Hosting events with ticket sales

But income is rarely the only reason — **passion and purpose matter too.**

### Purpose

People are motivated by a desire to **make something better** — to bring opportunity, joy, or change to others.

> **Example**: An organisation might be created to promote diversity in Esports or help neurodiverse gamers find community through shared play.

### Fame and Recognition

Being seen, celebrated, or respected also plays a role. Some founders want to **make a name** for themselves in a space they care about — and that’s okay too.

> **Example**: A YouTuber launches a game review site that gains traction, leading to partnerships with developers and a growing fanbase.

  

## How to Stay Motivated

Even the most exciting project hits tough moments. Motivation isn’t constant — but it can be nurtured. Here’s how successful people in Esports keep going when things get difficult.

### Goal Setting

Clear goals help with focus and long-term commitment. Effective goals in Esports might include:

* Reaching a certain number of viewers
* Hosting your first local tournament
* Getting your team to the playoffs
* Publishing your first blog post or podcast

Using **SMART goals** (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) helps structure progress.

### Celebrating Milestones

Acknowledging success — even small wins — keeps morale high.

* First subscriber?
* First sponsor email?
* First successful stream or post?

Celebrate it. Motivation grows through **positive reinforcement**, not just hard work.

> **Tip**: Create a visual tracker of your team or business milestones and keep it on display.

### Learning from Failure

Setbacks are inevitable. What separates success from failure is **how you respond**.

* Did your stream crash? Learn how to fix it.
* Did your team lose a tournament? Review and adapt.
* Did your merch drop flop? Rebrand and try again.

> “Fail fast, learn faster” is a motto used in many startups, including Esports ones.

  

## Esports Teamwork in Action

Whether it’s an in-game squad, a content creation crew, or a business startup — **teamwork is critical**. Great teams don’t just work — they connect.

### Roles in a Team

Successful teams need **clear roles**. This reduces confusion, avoids overlap, and allows people to grow in areas they enjoy.

| Role | Example in Esports |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| Leader | Team captain or project manager |
| Strategist | In-game analyst, content planner |
| Creator | Designer, video editor, thumbnail artist |
| Communicator | Social media lead, spokesperson |
| Operations | Event planner, technical support |

Each role adds value. A good team isn’t about everyone doing everything — it’s about trust and collaboration.

### Communication

Great teams **talk often, clearly, and respectfully**. They:

* Set up group chats, meetings, or Discord servers
* Give honest feedback constructively
* Celebrate others’ successes
* Solve issues through dialogue

> **Pro Tip**: Use voice channels, screen shares, or shared docs to keep everyone aligned during planning.

### Cohesion and Belonging

Strong teams feel like **safe spaces**. People work better when they:

* Feel respected
* Are allowed to fail without blame
* Know their contributions matter

**Psychological safety** — a team environment where people feel comfortable being themselves — is linked to higher performance, creativity, and retention.

### Real Case Study: Fnatic

**Fnatic**, based in London, is one of the most successful UK-based Esports teams.

* Competes in multiple games including *League of Legends*, *Valorant*, and *CS2*
* Focuses on data-led strategy and player wellbeing
* Invests heavily in branding and content, meaning their teams work across performance, media, and tech

> **Teamwork at Fnatic**: Players work with analysts, nutritionists, media teams, and psychologists — showing how collaboration goes far beyond the game.

Learn more: [Fnatic Official Website](https://fnatic.com)

  

## Stimulating Creativity in Esports

Creativity is everywhere in Esports — and not just in game design or character skins. Every content campaign, team brand, or event concept starts with an idea. But where do those ideas come from?

Here are some **practical creative techniques** used by Esports entrepreneurs and teams.

### Brainstorming

Gather your team and start sharing ideas freely — no judgment, just flow. Good brainstorming involves:

* Quantity over quality (at first)
* “Yes, and…” thinking
* Encouraging wild ideas

You never know what spark might become your next big project.

> **Example**: A brainstorming session might lead to a new tournament theme, stream gimmick, or content series.

### Mind Mapping

Mind maps help visualise how ideas connect. Start with a central concept (like “Esports tournament”) and branch out to:

* Themes
* Target audiences
* Prizes
* Partnerships
* Venues or platforms

This is especially useful for **planning a business or team strategy**.

### Visualisation and Storytelling

Imagine what success would look like — and tell that story:

* What would your ideal stream day look like?
* What kind of fans would your team attract?
* What problem are you solving, and why does it matter?

Storytelling brings clarity and helps you explain your ideas to others — including sponsors, judges, or teammates.

> **Try this yourself**: Write a one-paragraph “origin story” of your Esports brand or idea. It helps clarify your values and direction.

### “What If” Thinking

This powerful question can unlock big ideas:

* What if we ran a tournament in VR?
* What if we made our team into a comic series?
* What if we focused only on mobile Esports?
* What if we launched a stream where fans vote on our plays?

“What if” leads to **bold, original projects** that stand out in a crowded space.

  

## Final Thoughts

Motivation, teamwork, and creativity aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the lifeblood of successful Esports ventures. Whether you’re forming a student team, launching your own stream, or planning a tournament, these “soft skills” shape your journey.

By understanding what drives you, building strong relationships, and thinking creatively, you can lead, grow, and inspire — not just in-game, but in the real world of Esports enterprise.

  

## Useful Resources

* [British Esports Federation – Getting Started](https://britishesports.org/education/)
* [Ginx TV – Esports Industry Stories](https://www.ginx.tv/)
* [MindTools – Team Management Resources](https://www.mindtools.com)
* [Trello – Free Team Planning Tools](https://trello.com)
* [Miro – Online Mind Mapping and Brainstorming](https://miro.com)

  ## Points to consider, ask yourself these questions:

1. What motivates *you* to take part in Esports or digital media?
2. What role do you play best in a team — and why?
3. How could you use brainstorming or “what if” thinking to improve your next project?