Now society has made a lot of progress, and there are also many ways to entertain, and many people like games. There are many ways to turn your hobby into a career. It’s just that you haven’t discovered it.
The Internet gaming industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the entertainment and media field. A report by PwC in 2023 showed that global video game revenue is close to US$228 billion.
The Esports Innovation Lab at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub is one of the country’s leading spaces for video game research, competition and fun. We spoke to lab supervisor Gianna DiMona about the various job trajectories in reach for those who don’t want to give up gaming for their careers:
1. Content creation
An esports player focuses on a game in UC’s Esports Innovation Lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
There are many gaming-related avenues that fall under the category of “content creation,” but they are often grouped into three categories: comedy, instructional, or competitive. Live streaming is currently the preferred way to watch video game-related content, with platforms such as Facebook Gaming, Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and TikTok all having large followings.
Many people are obsessed with games, including tutorials. You’ve probably watched a tutorial or two, and watching highlights from top players is probably a must-see. Why not join in the fun and post your own highlights? If you’re good at finding Easter eggs, have an impressive kill streak, or think you could teach a beginner about the game, give it a try!
Content creation for individual live streams can be lucrative, something former Bearcat player Mark Fischbach, more commonly known as Markiplier, knows all too well. In 2022, he became the third highest-paid YouTube star in the world for his gaming skills. Some platforms pay out a lot per viewer, while others offer extra revenue for every additional ad you allow during your live stream. Either way, particularly talented, knowledgeable, and entertaining gamers can find a career here.
2. Game design
Careers that fall into this category include game directors, voice actors, producers, multimedia artists, graphic designers, special effects artists, and sound designers. Essentially, game design involves the creative and artistic roles that go into making an engaging game.
DiMona recommends these careers for people who love games and have a creative flair.
“While books and movies are pre-set stories,” she says, “video games can bring a sense of engagement through choose-your-own-adventure. Well-designed games can entice audiences to experience things on a personal level.” Everyone is curious and likes to see others do things they can’t do themselves.
There are many different kinds of work that go into making the perfect video game, and a bachelor’s degree in gaming and animation is a great place to start. People who love gaming can consider joining UC’s program to seamlessly turn their passion into work. Now there are also some stories that are made into animations, game screens, and can also make for great viewing.
3. Game development
Game design focuses on the creative aspects of game production, while development focuses on the technical aspects. Computer programmers, technical writers, technical support specialists, audio engineers, and video game testers all fall into this category.
Developers and beta testers are the hidden heroes of our favorite games.
Gianna DiMonaSupervisor, Esports Innovation Lab
Those who love gaming and have a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields might consider a career in game development.
“Developers and beta testers are the unseen heroes of our favorite games,” DiMona said. “They help solve frustrating problems that can cause players to quit and never come back.”
Without a game developer, you’d likely be stuck with low-quality, buggy video games. If you’re ready to elevate the world of video games while earning a profit, consider careers in game development and simulation.
4. Game marketing
Popular video games like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto are fun and have huge audiences, but it takes work to get them to the top of the charts. That’s where game marketing comes into play.
Workers perform strategic planning in UC’s Esports Innovation Lab. Photo/Alex Dudash
The gaming community must be excited about a game’s launch in order for it to be a success, and this requires a multifaceted marketing approach. From promoting your product on YouTube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Reddit to working with influencers and game reviewers, the opportunities to showcase your work will continue to grow.
People who market video games often promote movies, television shows, and other forms of entertainment. Because there is crossover between these marketing strategies, you may be exposed to forms of entertainment other than video games.
5. Professional gaming
You may have been waiting for this topic. It is possible for highly skilled gamers to get into professional game streaming, although this group is relatively niche. You have to be an elite gamer to be a pro gamer – after all, you’ll be competing in esports tournaments!
In addition to winning championships, professional gamers can also make money through content creation. Gamers of all ages who are skilled in a particular game may want to live stream their gameplay, show off their best moments, or create tutorials for less skilled players. Again, advertising revenue and income from live streaming platforms will become a major source of income for your bank account.
In summary
Since this is a relatively new career path, people are still finding ways to make money playing video games. This rapidly growing field offers a lot of hope and innovative opportunities for avid gamers to succeed.
The University of California is one of the leading educational institutions that recognizes the value of a career in video games. That’s why UC has launched a BS in Games and Animation and a major in Game Development and Simulation. Whether you’re a creative, a marketing expert, or a STEM enthusiast, there’s a video game career for you.
Any industry can bring benefits to ourselves, it just depends on how we change our thinking and master the password of traffic. For example, if you are a professional player, you can broadcast live on several live broadcast platforms simultaneously to show your game control ability and attract others to watch.
When your technology is loved by the audience, they will bring you gifts and more audiences. You can also decide whether to promote your products to others or your own community based on the number of audiences.
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