CDL Salary Change Means It’s Not ‘Worth It’ Unless You’re ‘Lucky’

As a long-time follower and admirer of the Call of Duty (CoD) scene, I find myself deeply concerned about the recent changes to the minimum player salary requirement. The sacrifices these athletes make are truly commendable – their dedication and passion for the game is unparalleled, yet they’re often left with little financial compensation.

It’s been disclosed that the Call of Duty League will no longer enforce a minimum player salary requirement; instead, teams are expected to comply with the minimum wage laws in their respective states. This has sparked discussions about the potential for some players to receive quite low earnings considering their training, competitions, and efforts to establish and maintain a professional profile.

On social media, various influential personalities within the Call of Duty community shared their thoughts following the recent changes.

‘The Sacrifices… Haven’t Been Worth It’

On Twitter, the CEO of OMiT highlighted that certain players will only make around $7 per hour while dedicating themselves full-time to Call of Duty. However, it’s not just about playing the game; they also need to train with a team, adhere to a schedule set by developers and coaches, compete across North America, and tirelessly strive for excellence in their chosen esport.

For certain individuals, an entire season might go by without even one victory, implying that their minimum wage could only reach around $7 per hour.

In a response to that post, DREAL – who was previously the coach for the New York Subliners (now known as Cloud9) – stated:

Many millennials might not consider this profession as their first choice due to the significant sacrifices required, including time, effort, and social investment. The benefits often don’t seem to justify these investments for most people, except for those who are particularly fortunate or skilled. Having a backup plan, such as an alternative career path from college education, is advisable, especially when looking at the long-term prospects.

On another post, DREAL highlighted the difficulties and doubts facing the larger esports industry currently. He emphasized that many aspiring professionals are giving up a great deal in their pursuit of a career in this field, which is rapidly becoming overcrowded. In essence, he stated that they often forego developing soft skills and education for it.

After leaving the New York Subliners (previously Cloud9), DREAL has dedicated himself to completing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science. He now shares his knowledge with younger generations by giving talks, and he regularly publishes motivational and growth-oriented articles on his blog.

In the realm of Call of Duty, some prominent figures supplement their primary income with content creation and streaming. However, several league players don’t have a substantial fanbase for such earnings. They might secure sponsorships as an alternative, but these are scarce, and the shift is likely to significantly affect many players financially.

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