Esports and streaming have become a legitimate part of the entertainment ecosystem, and many gamers are wondering whether or not they can take advantage of this new cultural shift. Gaming used to be considered an individual activity, with the majority of games being offline and designed as single-player experiences. Now, online multiplayer and competitive games are some of the most popular on the market, and esports tournaments are offering millions of dollars in prizes. The streaming industry has also taken off, helping gamers make big money through subscriptions on Twitch. If you’re interested in making a living as a gamer, keep reading to learn how realistic of a goal it is.
How realistic is it to become a professional gamer?
The first thing any aspiring professional gamer should do is learn more about the competitive scene and the online ecosystem, which can include streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Websites like Hotspawn will also be invaluable, as they provide a wide variety of content that is particularly useful for professional gamers. They have how-to guides that will help you improve your skills, as well as in-depth analysis of all the major tournaments. If you want to learn more about esports and professional gaming in general, you definitely need to make use of resources like Hotspawn.
How easy it will be to become a professional gamer depends entirely on what you want to do within the gaming world. Competing in esports at a high level is incredibly difficult, and you need skills that very few players have if you want to succeed. That said, you shouldn’t let it discourage you from trying. The only way to get better is to compete against great players. However, there are other ways to make money in gaming, even if you aren’t ready to head to the next League of Legends championship.
Streaming is one of the best ways to make money as a gamer, in addition to being the most accessible. You don’t need to be the most accurate or elite player to gain an audience on a streaming platform like Twitch. The biggest streamers can bring in millions of dollars a year, so it has the potential to be even more profitable than competing in esports.
What equipment should aspiring pros invest in?
One thing that every serious gamer should have is a gaming chair. Long play sessions can have a serious impact on your body and your posture, especially if you’re playing on a couch or a basic office chair. Gaming chairs are designed to provide ergonomic support and have features like adjustable back and headrests that can make your entire gaming experience more comfortable. There are plenty of styles at a variety of price points, so you should shop around and see which one you like best.
You should also invest in a headset. Multiplayer online games rely on being able to talk to your squad and strategize on the fly. You don’t want to lose a match because you weren’t able to communicate properly. There are both wired and wireless headsets, as well as models that offer noise-canceling features in addition to excellent sound quality.
There’s no denying that professional gaming is a competitive industry. While it can be tough to make money in the long-term as a gamer, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Diversifying your revenue streams is one of the best ways to stay profitable, like getting into streaming and YouTube. You should also make sure you’re keeping up with all the latest news and analysis. A lot of successful gamers got where they are in large part due to the amount of knowledge they have. You shouldn’t let the difficulty discourage you. There’s no harm in giving professional gaming your best shot, especially if it’s your dream career.
