Probably at some point everyone gets the idea to succeed in professional gaming. Often when I’m watching a competitive game, like League of Legends or Dota 2, it occurs to me, “I wish I could do that. It would be great indeed, but not everyone is as handy with the keyboard and mouse as “Suma1l” in Dota 2 and “Faker” in League of Legends. I think I’m a pretty good player, but I just don’t have what it takes to be a pro, and I imagine a lot of people reading this think the same. Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do in the gaming industry besides professional gaming itself.
Article Author
Writing articles about games is probably the most accessible and varied occupation in the field of games for most people. Every major gaming-themed website (including mmoglobus.ru) needs skilled writers to cover the latest news, to write opinions, reviews and previews. Qualitatively created content provides a steady flow of visitors, which in turn generates revenue from advertising. The more we grow, the more article writers we can hire, the more we hire, the more we expand.
Where to start: The best way to become a good writer is to start your own blog and publish the best possible content on it. If a potential employer asks you for a writing sample, just show them your blog. Alternatively, you can offer your services for free to a reputable gaming portal. I’m not suggesting anyone write for free all the time, but it’s not a bad way to build a resume and take your first steps in the industry. A degree isn’t necessary, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Sites like English-language GameJournalismJobs.com may help you in your job search, since you may find orders from big companies like Activision Blizzard and Riot Games.
Keep in mind: just because you’re interested in games doesn’t mean you can succeed in the industry as an author. Writing articles and opinions is fun, but rewriting game news can be pretty boring. Article writers often have to promote their work through social media and understand popular online publishing platforms like WordPress, for example. Most of the work is pretty routine, as sites will squeeze as much quality content out of you as possible.
Streamer
These days, anyone with a more or less decent PC and a reliable network connection can stream thanks to services like Twitch and Youtube Gaming. The development of these streaming sites in the past few years has given rise to unprecedented opportunities for players to create their own shows or streams. Most users of the services stream “for fun,” but for a growing number of people streaming is becoming the main method of making money, not a bad one, by the way. Jeffrey Sheen aka “TrumpSC” (Hearthstone streamer) was quoted in Forbes stating that popular streamers make over $100,000 a year just from streaming, not counting Youtube videos, sponsorships, etc.
Where to start: The great thing is that getting into professional streaming is pretty damn easy. Just download some streaming software (like OBS – Open Broadcast Software), set it up, and you’re good to go. Remember: Finding an audience on Twitch isn’t easy, it takes patience. You also have to be devilishly good at the game you’re broadcasting, or entertain your viewers (both ideally). Don’t expect instant success, and try to stream regularly to get subscribers.
Youtube
Just like streaming, creating video content about gaming is available to almost anyone. All you need is a video-capture program like Fraps (OBS will also do) and a decent PC. Any kind of video content is fine, as long as it brings you views. Creators of quality content get, on average, $1 per 1,000 views: not very much, but it is an average. However, just like streaming, creating new content on a regular basis is a tough job that few people can handle.
Where to start: Create a channel and start uploading videos. That’s how easy it is! It’s hard to find subscribers and attract an audience: it can take years. The best way to get up fast is to create unique content that viewers will share with friends.
Keep in mind: make good videos! There are countless channels on Youtube with lots of videos and no views at all. Creating a simple gameplay video of the new Call of Duty isn’t the best way to stand out, because bigger channels have probably already done that for you.