The internet has revolutionised almost every aspect of our lives. It makes sense then that it has had a dramatic effect on the world of gaming, from board games to game consoles, to PC gaming via CD ROMS and now, to streaming. Gaming isn’t simply about playing anymore. It’s a social network in its own right.

The gaming industry has expanded enormously in the last decade, making it the most profitable form of entertainment. An increasing number of regular game players have opted to become full-time gamers making a decent living out of it. The potential is there for any player. Read on for more details.

Gambling

Many people can earn a steady stream of income from online gambling, and some people earn an outstanding amount. However, it is not an easy process. There is more to it than luck. Some games require a strategy whilst some require calculated risks consider online slots, the odds can be lower, but they can sometimes be the only game that will pay out larger amounts.  For success in online gambling, you must do your research beforehand, learn the rules and the odds of the games in depth. Research the casinos online to see which ones offer the best experience and likelihood of success.

Streaming

Players of all ages broadcast their gameplay to thousands – sometimes millions of rapt viewers. Twitch and YouTube are the most well-known platforms. Creating content around popular games generates real money in views and ad revenue. Building a big enough community to earn the big bucks can take a lot of time and effort, but the process itself can be relatively inexpensive. It isn’t even necessarily all about skill levels. Some players who aren’t as good have built a following simply by being likeable and relatable to viewers. 

Tournaments

Gaming in tournaments is another way to make money through cash prizes. However, you often need to be an expert to make it to this level. There are many tournaments for different games, whether it be single-player or teams. Some players have been known to win millions from tournament success. Tournaments are becoming so popular that they are held in stadiums and arenas; they are also streamed over the internet, such as viewers’ demand. 

In-game Currency

More often than not, in-game currency is only redeemable within the game. They don’t have any real-world value. However, there are exceptions, for example, the online game SecondLife. In the game, players can get a job or set up virtual businesses in exchange for the in-game currency, which is exchangeable for real-world cash. Nowadays, these exchanges of currency are becoming scarce, but there is a market on some platforms to see your items to other users for real money.

Playtesting

Jobs as playtesters are arguably the most popular and sought-after ways to make money in gaming. Because of this, the competition is rife, so it can be hard to secure a position. Playtesting puts you at the forefront of the game industry, and you get to play games in their initial iterations before anyone else. However, it can be somewhat isolating as you work alone, remotely, without much opportunity for direct contact with developers.

Considerations

It is definitely possible to make a career out of gaming professionally but, it might be wise to start off with a smaller time commitment until you gain traction, and then you can go full time. Starting with a minor commitment allows a better assessment for success; it also shows you the areas you need to focus on to ensure this. If you want to specialise in one specific video game, consider that the game will eventually lose popularity and become outdated. Each game is designed with planned obsolescence in mind to encourage people to continue spending money on new games. Try to diversify your interests. Or consider having a backup plan. Give yourself a time frame; if you haven’t reached the level of success you wanted to by a certain age or year, then step away and make sure you have something on the back burner that you can go back to. 

Conclusion

The concept of being a professional gamer is still in its infancy, relatively speaking. It has only been in the last few years where famous figureheads have really begun to gain massive audiences and earn mega money. There also isn’t just one route to success, meaning there are more opportunities. Something will continue to happen in the future as the gaming industry continues its expansion. It isn’t wild to assume that gaming tournaments will be as global as football tournaments in a few years, maybe even with similar amounts of views. The fact is that you can make a living out of gaming if you persevere and approach it the right way.