Do you find yourself sitting in front of a computer playing video games for hours on end? Do you feel the same way with consoles? Ever wanted to make money gaming? You might already have the gaming gear (i.e. console, gaming chair, games, etc.), but what else do you need to build a career in gaming?
If you ever wondered how you can make a living off of this wonderful hobby, then you’re in luck! Gaming has evolved over the years to where gamers are making good careers out of it. So, if you’re looking to score big on making gaming your career, then read on in this quick and essential guide to having a career as a professional gamer.
Learn What It Takes
While gaming itself is fun, it’s still important to learn is by “watching the pros.” In other words, learn from other professional gamers, when it comes to tactics, strategies, etc.
You may also consider studying game design. When it comes to gameplay, graphics, etc. there’s a lot to learn about video games, besides playing them. Luckily, there are plenty of schools that offer degrees in Game Design.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now, being a professional gamer isn’t just playing a game; it’s about being really good at playing. Like any professional athlete, it takes time to develop the skills you need to do something right. That means that practicing your sport (or gaming, in this case) is key. “Therefore, you’ll need to commit to playing video games for several hours a day, or at least every day. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at gaming” says Michael Baker, a career blogger at Resumention and Write my Australia.
Create The Ultimate Gaming Resume
You heard right! It’s possible to build a resume around gaming!
Just keep in mind: Like any resume, you’ll need to talk about your experience, your qualifications, etc. If you have any references, then add them as well.
Here’s an example of what your gaming resume should look like:
(If you wish to apply for, say, a video game tester position)
[Opening Statement] As an IT specialist and a gamer with 10 years of experience, I have working knowledge of glitches, lag, and bugs; and I can assist in game development.
Experience
- 6 years’ experience as a computer IT specialist
- Averaging 40+ hours of gaming per week
- 5 years’ experience in Playstation and mobile games (iOS and Android)
- 10 years’ experience in Sega Genesis games
- Familiar with more than 40 games
(Or, if applying for a video game league position)
[Opening Statement] Holding a successful win rate of 63.57%, and currently garnering a large Twitch following over the past two years, I wish to extend my gaming career by joining your professional league.
Experience
- A combined social media following of over 100,000 followers across YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Instagram
- Ranked in the top 100 players of last year’s Evo tournament
- Streams weekly on Twitch
- Posts weekly player walkthroughs on YouTube
- Experience in more than 20 first-person shooter games, 5 third-person shooter games, and 50 other games
By detailing your experience in gaming, companies and brands (or other hiring professionals) can get a sneak peek of your gaming experience, and how valuable you are as a professional gamer.
Embrace The Gaming Community
“The truth is, with gaming, you’re not alone. In fact, there are so many communities (online and in-person) that enjoy gaming. There are even conventions that celebrate gaming, and invite gamers from all over to join in on the fesitivities” says Robert Furr, a tech blogger at Big Assignments and Australian Reviewer.
Make it your job to join some gaming communities, so that you can get your name out there. Here’s how you can get involved in these communities:
- Post on social media about your gameplay.
- Post on gaming forums.
- Befriend other pro gamers (online and in-person).
Gaming communities are an enriching way to not only get your name out there, but also get to know some of the pros in gaming.
Reach Out To Recruiters
Like joining gaming communities, you must also join recruiters in their discussions and recruitments. The good news is, there are plenty of recruitment opportunities, especially for gamers. Many gaming leagues want to extend their player base – this can be the perfect opportunity to get your name out there!
You can even get in touch with gaming recruiters online, and ask them to meet you at gaming conventions like E3 and GDC. Gaming conventions are a win-win for both candidates and recruiters.
Conclusion
So, if you feel that you’re pretty good as gaming, consider making a career out of it! While it may take some time and effort to launch your career in gaming, it’ll still be worth it!
With the gaming industry and communities growing at a rapid pace, there’s no better time than now to leave your mark as a gamer. As a gamer, it should be easy to turn gaming into a healthy lifestyle for you. No what your favorite game, genre, etc. is, the possibilities in gaming are virtually endless! All you have to do is this:
- Keep learning.
- Invest in the games that you’re good at. AND,
- Get the word out.
By following these great tips in our quick guide, you’ll soon be making money off your hard work gaming. So, what are you waiting for? Game on!
Elizabeth Hines is a writer and editor at Top essay writing services and Academized review. She is a contributing writer for online publications, such as Student writing services. As a content writer, she writes articles about the latest tech and marketing trends, innovations, and strategies.
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