How Do I Start A Professional Gaming Career? Get Paid to Play Video Games

Become a Professional Video Game Player

Gaming has come a long way since the days of Pac-Man. Although competing against other gamers has always been a part of the fun, gamers of today are turning that competition into a profession.

From Major League Gaming to professional streaming, gaming is a serious business. But if you’re trying to make a career out of it, you’ll need a lot of dedication. Most professional electronic sports, or eSports, players practice for 10 hours a day.

So where do you start a career in professional gaming? Begin by finding like-minded people.

Find your niche and network

Networking is a crucial part of building your career no matter which industry you’re interested in. By building your connections with like-minded professional gamers, you’re not just preparing yourself for your careers goals but also getting your feet wet.

But don’t just network with anyone who plays video games professionally. Start by finding those who play at your level and a little higher. This way you’ll learn specific gaming nuances without being discouraged.

Learn from more advanced players by watching their gameplay and listening to their discussions. Absorb it and apply it to your own gameplay. If you’re looking to do eSports professionally, you’ll need to hone your skills and practice.

Join some tournaments

Tournaments are a great way for gamers at different skill levels to compete against each other locally and internationally. After you’ve practiced and honed your skills, it’s time to test your mettle and join one.

The tournament experience, no matter how small, is a vital part of getting into competitive gaming. By joining a tournament, you get a well-rounded idea of the gaming industry and you get to network in person.

You won’t just be playing with gamers who are at your skill levels, but also with eSports teams that receive salaries, sponsors, endorsements, and advertising. You’ll see what really skilled players look like and where you can be with the right amount of determination, practice, and skill.

Stream your gameplay

Twitch and YouTube Gaming are popular social platforms where gamers can interact and make money streaming their gameplay. Streaming is a great way for gamers to combine their technical skills with commentary, which can be entertaining for viewers if the gamer is incredibly personable or comedic.

Consider starting with Twitch to stream your gameplay. Learn to be approachable and market yourself. You might just gather a following.

If live-streaming isn’t for you, that doesn’t mean you need to completely discount your gaming skills. You can use your gameplay to create gaming guides for interested viewers and subscribers, too.

There are thousands of gamers out there trying to improve their skills just like you are, which means educational content can gather just as big a following as other types of streaming. Just be sure that you build a solid walkthrough for the game you’re streaming educational gameplay for before you stream.

Remember that it won’t be easy

Professional gaming is very different from gaming as a hobby. It’s important to remember that getting into the industry isn’t easy. You’ll need to clock in the hours, practice, and hone your skills in a competitive environment.

Network, use your social media and video gaming platforms and branch out. But, most importantly, stay driven and focused.

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