Are you an avid gamer that’s considered taking your talents professionally? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, 61 percent of gamers wish they could turn their hobby into a full-time career. If you’re interested in leveling up your income through video games, here are a few key tips to help you get started:
Do Your Research
Before you make any decisions, put time into researching the video game landscape. Having a clear understanding of the industry will help you know what it takes to become a professional gamer and identify where your skills and talents best fit into the equation.
For young gamers, recruitment by a professional esports team is one of the quickest ways to accelerate a career. Students can also rely on clubs, student associations and collegiate esports teams to get exposure to the industry. Regardless of age, everyone has the opportunity to become an individual streamer and broadcast to a network of thousands online.
Know Your Talents
You’d be surprised how many types of games exist online. From action-adventure to role-playing, simulation, first-person shooter and battle royale, there’s something for everyone. If you’re interested in forming a career from your gaming skills, there are two strategies worth exploring:
1.Research and play within a genre that is consistently trending and attracts high viewership (these games may have high competition).
2.Play a lesser-known video game and help grow their audience with your network.
As you identify the game or genre you want to pursue, look for and implement strategies and techniques specific to your decision that will help you optimize gameplay.
Set Realistic Goals
The video game industry itself is fairly new, and many professional and independent streamers are trailblazers in their success. Making a name for yourself might feel overwhelming at first, but begin by focusing on consistent play to increase network and viewer growth. While you might not be world-famous overnight, establish realistic goals that build on each other to help evolve your career. Measure your success against these smaller achievements and take your journey one step at a time.
Prepare Your Setup
Where you game is just as important as how you game. If you’re serious about taking your skill to the next level, make sure you have the right resources in place to succeed. While a gamer can come from anywhere and only the console is truly required, here are a few tools to enhance your experience:
- Closed Gaming Headset
- Gaming LED Monitor
- Wired Controller with Vibration Feedback
- Strong Internet Connection
- Professional WebcamC
- Comfortable Desk
- Chair with Ample Back Support
Build Your Network
Mentorship and network are everything in the professional gaming world. In collaborating and interacting with other gamers, you open up the possibility to tap into their network of fans and followers. Subscribe to and stream with other gamers, engage in video game content online and network in forums to find other players, coaches and professionals. If you’re feeling intimidated, consider streaming with a few close friends at first to calm your nerves. Dropping into a gaming lobby with your friends will turn any day into a success.
