Press Pause On Your Game And Go On Your Dream Job
August 2025, New Zealand – 79% of all New Zealanders play video games, and the global video game industry is worth more than the film and music industries combined*. For those looking to transition a passion into a career,Trade Me's latest job listing is one to apply for immediately.
The latest and final role in Trade Me's epic three-part dream job initiative is here – and in partnership with New Zealand Esports, it's searching for the ultimate player to take on the role of 'Chief Gaming Officer'. This next-level position puts you at the heart of New Zealand's esports scene, helping shape the future of the E Blacks, the country's official national team.
Esports has taken off in New Zealand, with it being officially recognised as a sport in 2020. Over 88% of adults aged 18-44 play video games, and more than 160 secondary school teams compete for their school every week**. Globally, the biggest game in the world now has more monthly players than Russia has people, and if it were a country, it would be the 8th largest in the world.
The role is a chance to turn passion into profession, from playtesting competitive titles to pushing games to their limits and deciding which ones the E Blacks take to the global stage. 'The Chief Gaming Officer is a chance to help shape the path of competitive gaming in Aotearoa,' says Jonathan Jansen, CEO of the NZ Esports Federation. 'We're looking for someone with the skills and smarts to test the best, push boundaries, and help us decide which games our E Blacks will take to the world.'
Nicole Williams, Head of Trade Me Jobs, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming role, saying, 'We created these dream jobs to show that meaningful work can come in all shapes and sizes. For so many Kiwi, gaming is more than a pastime – it's a skillset, a passion, and in this case, a genuine career opportunity. We're excited to help turn that into something real.'
This is the third and final dream role released by Trade Me Jobs, following two other highly sought-after roles with AJ Hackett and Highlands Motorsport Park. It's all part of an initiative showing that a career can be thrilling, meaningful, and anything but ordinary.
Head to Trade Me Jobs https://www.trademe.co.nz/c/promo/3-incredible-jobs-over-3-months to find out more.
The full job description listed on Trade Me Jobs is below:
NZ Esports Federation 'Chief Gaming Officer'
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Do you live and breathe gaming? We're on the hunt for the most cracked, sharp-eyed, and quick-fingered gamers to help shape the future of the E Blacks – New Zealand's official esports team. As a Chief Gaming Officer, you'll be in charge of playtesting the competitive titles being considered for the team's next season. Your task is to play hard, push limits, and provide honest, insightful feedback that helps us fine-tune the competition. You'll be helping decide which titles the squad takes to the world stage, and making sure they're as thrilling to play as they are to watch.
Time to lock in, GL HF.
Note:
* IGEA, 2023
** NZ Esports Gamer Survey, 2024; IGEA, 2023
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