If you’ve been playing video games for some time and have decided to try to make a career out of it, you may be wondering how to start. It can be daunting to think of turning your favorite hobby into a job, but it’s far from impossible. With the right combination of dedication, hard work, and creative thinking, you can successfully transition from recreational gaming to professional gaming. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies to help you start your gaming career. From understanding the competitive gaming landscape to networking with the right people, these tips will help set you on the right path to launch your career in the gaming industry. With careful planning and execution, you’ll be able to make your dreams of becoming a professional gamer a reality.
- Step 1: Choose Your Game, Platform, and Genre. …
- Step 2: Practice Makes Perfect. …
- Step 3: Join a Gaming Community. …
- Step 4: Invest in Good Gaming Gear. …
- Step 5: Attend Local Gaming Events. …
- Step 6: Find a Team. …
- Step 7: Compete in Leagues and Tournaments. …
- Step 8: Get Sponsored.
Types of gaming careers
Find a gaming career that best suits your interests, background, and skill set by exploring these categories:
Esports
Esports is a sector of the gaming industry that emphasizes and encourages playing online against other players in order to make money. Because it’s online, viewers can participate and occasionally provide commentary as avid gamers Some of the positions in esports you may find include:
Cosplay
Cosplayers don costumes and stylish accessories to participate in a performance-based play with other people. Cosplayers who are portraying characters can join contests, form groups, and practice dressing up to achieve a level of realism that fans find appealing. As a cosplayer, you may also become a:
Game studio work
Working in a game studio is one way to get into gaming. This will give you the chance to learn about game development and use that knowledge to improve your play. You might hold one of the following positions while working in a gaming studio:
Game development
As you gain experience in gaming, development may be one area where you shine. A gamer can work effectively as a developer’s assistant by providing feedback on games, testing upcoming releases, and contributing the technical expertise they do have to make the game better, even though traditional game development typically requires some knowledge of programming, designing, and testing. With some additional skills, gamers can find work in:
Video game live streaming
Video game live streaming, which involves using online video broadcasting to record yourself playing a game for others to watch, is a popular way for gamers to make money. Ads and the number of viewers who watch their broadcast at any given time are two factors that determine how much money gamers can make. In exchange for the gamers’ endorsement of their products while streaming, brands sponsor the players. Companies might give gamers shirts, headphones, or other specialized equipment to help them succeed. Some of the other positions in live streaming include:
What is a gaming career?
In a gaming career, you are compensated for your performance in video games. While there are a variety of jobs in the gaming industry that you could hold with the right training and experience, such as software testers and video game developers, a career in gaming typically entails making money as a professional gamer through revenue sources like sponsorships and tournament winnings. Depending on the competition you’re in and the team you’re playing with, it’s likely that you’ll work odd hours and from different places as a gamer.
Benefits of gaming jobs
Like most jobs, being a professional gamer has a number of advantages, such as:
Opportunities to be creative
Since video games are inherently creative, it’s common to have to come up with original solutions to puzzles or enemies. It’s also possible to write game guides, instruct beginners on how to master a game, or host your own tournaments, so being a gamer doesn’t always mean playing for money. Before a game is made public, video game companies and developers may pay you to play a beta version in exchange for your feedback.
Job outlook
Once you achieve success as a gamer, you might discover that your employment prospects are promising. You may continue to succeed in your career and receive compensation for your efforts with more practice and the ability to get to know the up-and-coming rivals. Additionally, take into account how many games are released annually. You’ll always have the opportunity to pick up a new game and succeed by applying your learned and honed skills.
Versatility
You can probably make your career as versatile as you want it to be as a gamer because your working hours, place of employment, and coworkers can all change. You might take part in a competition away from home, or you might meet new players who are quickly developing their skills and looking for a team to play on. Additionally, you have the option to practice your sport according to your own schedule, which can support a satisfying work-life balance.
How to start a career in gaming
Consider taking the following actions if you want to become a professional gamer:
1. Decide which game you want to excel at
The majority of seasoned players concentrate on honing their abilities in a specific game. Decide which game you enjoy playing the most, are the best at, and can see yourself pursuing professionally. You’ll be more successful competing against others who are also pursuing careers in the game if you can narrow your focus on that particular game.
Remember that choosing a game you enjoy is just as important as choosing one that offers more competitions and opportunities for winning. This may increase your motivation and encourage you to keep improving your game skills while still having fun.
2. Purchase quality gaming accessories
A step you can take to develop into a professional gamer is to purchase the gear and supplies you need. Consider buying a desktop PC with lots of open memory, is quick, and can support a large game and what you need to run it effectively and without lags, for instance, if you’re gaming on your computer. Investigate the various mouse options as well to make sure your computer movements are accurate, quick, and supportive of your gaming.
If you’re playing on a console, think about investing in good speakers, a clear television, and a controller that fits your hands comfortably. How well you play and how successful you are at becoming a professional gamer can be greatly influenced by the equipment you use to practice your chosen game.
3. Practice your game
Spend a lot of time practicing once you’ve decided which game to play and which gaming platform you want to be the best at. You can play for fun, but you should also think about participating in local leagues, starting competitions with friends, or joining a national team of players who play online. You can develop your abilities, learn tricks, and learn more about how the competition operates by playing frequently.
4. Immerse yourself in gaming-related content
Explore content from professional gamers who have achieved success in their chosen game, including blogs, podcasts, articles, interviews, and more. Read through their strategies and how theyve built their career. This can inspire you as you choose your own career path in addition to giving you advice and tested methods. To get very familiar with gaming, you can also:
5. Join a network
The right network will put you in touch with gamers who are interested in pursuing careers in games so you can practice with them and possibly compete against people who are close to your skill level and can be a real challenge. Your network may provide you with advice and techniques, and you’ll also get to have fun while reinforcing your desire to pursue a career in gaming.
6. Join a team
Joining a team is the following step to turning into a professional gamer. You can compete against other teams with similar skills and abilities with the help of your team, and they can also support you in your career. Determine which leagues and events your team is eligible to participate in, then sign up for those that will either help you develop your skills or present a challenge that you can use to learn from.
You can alternate playing against members of the opposing team in long-form competitions that last for days on end so that all of you can stay at the top of your game.
7. Apply for sponsorship
Many professional gamers have sponsorship agreements that either pay for new equipment and competition entry fees, or give them an annual salary. Sponsorship organizations request that you promote their brand, use their products, and perhaps even mention them in interviews in return.
HOW TO START A CAREER IN VIDEO GAMES
FAQ
How much do beginner gamers make?
eSports Salaries At A Glance CyberAthletics. com offers a rough estimate of professional gamer salaries as a place to start. If you are talented enough to join an official team, you can anticipate receiving a monthly salary of between $1,000 and $5,000. That translates to an annual salary between $12,000 and $60,000
What qualifications do you need to be a gamer?
One needs good hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and in-depth game knowledge to be a good gamer. These abilities can be developed through diligent practice and training. A professional gamer practices and develops his abilities for at least 12 hours each day.
Is gaming can be a career?
Today, anyone can successfully pursue a career in gaming. The industry is actually more open than it has ever been. There are many ways to turn your passion for gaming into a career if you’re one of those people.
How much do gamers get paid?
Salary Ranges for Professional Gamers The median annual salary for professional gamers in the US is $44,680, with salaries ranging from $19,910 to $187,200. The middle 50% of Professional Gamers makes $28,400, with the top 75% making $187,200