The world of video games is one of adventure, problem-solving, and self-discovery. With every new journey, quest, or battle, your creativity runs wild and your drive to win roars.
It might sound too good to be true, but what if we told you that you could make money while feeling this way? With video game live streaming, you can build an audience and put some cash in your bank account, all while doing what you love.
Live streaming video games has become an extremely popular and lucrative career for many avid gamers in the community. But how do you break into such a saturated industry and stand out amongst so much talent?
This guide is here to help you take the first steps toward the live-streaming career of your dreams.
Step 1: Choose the Game (or Games) of Your Choice
No matter your streaming platform or style, you’ll need to choose which games to start with. While many popular streamers play a wide array of games, wise beginners will focus on one or two that they think will produce the most entertaining content.
Popular choices include:
- Fortnite
- Minecraft
- Halo
- Dota Underlords
- League of Legends
If you have chosen for streaming, for example, League of Legends, then you can search for information about which champions are most interesting to players, and more often play for such champions as Lee Sin or Garen.
Remember that live streaming is about much more than filming yourself playing games—you are creating improvised, off-the-cuff entertainment for a wide audience of gamer fans. In this competitive environment, being good at playing just isn’t enough (but we know you have what it takes).
Step 2: Design the Ideal Gaming Setup
When building a career in live streaming, you have to build the gaming environment to match. Designing the right gaming setup is a must for any live streamers wanting to succeed. If you’re a PC gamer, don’t neglect the importance of specialized gaming keyboards, an ergonomic mouse, and robust, optimized gaming PCs.
The technology you use will only serve to support your personality and skill as you embark on this new path. Be sure to invest in a good camera for streaming and a headset with a high-quality microphone.
Step 3: Build Your Personal Brand
Video game live streaming is as much about the individual as it is about the gameplay. Don’t neglect this key component of live streaming success—take a deep look in the mirror and figure out what you want your personal brand to be. It should be unique and genuine. While the ultimate goal is to be entertaining, you still want to be yourself, so that you attract a loyal audience.
To build your brand and get your name out there, consider these strategies:
- Network with fellow creators on social media platforms and online forums.
- Make a name for yourself by competing in Esports.
- Attend gaming conventions.
- Start a YouTube channel and post-game reviews, edited live streams, and skits.
- Come up with a catchy slogan, catchphrase, audience name, and channel logo.
- Hire a graphic designer or animation student to create your channel’s intro and outro.
- Sell cool, unique merch.
- Interact with your chat during streams.
- Offer promotions, giveaways, and meet-and-greets with fans.
Step 4: Give it Your Own Spin
With so many avid gamers stepping into the world of live streaming, it’s easy to get lost in the fold. To avoid blending in with the rest of the crowd, brainstorm a fun twist or spin that you can add to your brand to make it truly memorable.
Here are some ideas to get you ready for action:
- Do collaboration videos with bigger streamers in the game.
- Integrate animations into your streams.
- Perform impressions.
- Tell jokes.
- Showcase a new cosplay look on every stream.
- Invite a new guest to your stream each week.
- Provide original commentary or video game reviews.
Step 5: Stick With It
The algorithms of Twitch, YouTube, and other social media platforms reward those who are patient and consistent. This means that to garner attention, you’ll need to be posting regularly and predictably. You want to build an audience that knows what day they can look forward to new content. If you really stick with a solid streaming schedule, there’s no limit to where you can go with video game live streaming.
Don’t Give Up
Popularity in live streaming takes a lot of time, discipline, and commitment—don’t give up if you don’t gain followers or subscribers in the first few weeks. Instead, remind yourself of your profound interest in video games, and enjoy the process of improving your strategy and gameplay.
If you are truly passionate about this creative medium, success and fulfilment will follow.
