If you love video games, you’ve probably given some thought to becoming a game-related content creator. As a streamer or YouTuber, you could hypothetically make a living simply engaging with your favorite hobby.
But how exactly do you get started with video game content creation? And how do you maximize your chances of success in this competitive industry?
Starting With the Right Mindset
First, it’s important to start with the right mindset. Video game content creation is an attractive field to many, because it affords you an opportunity to indulge in your favorite hobby while simultaneously making money. On top of that, there are examples of people who have made millions of dollars in this pursuit.
However, this is a very crowded market and it’s very hard to be successful in it. Even if you are successful, you probably won’t be one of the select few capable of making millions. You need to be realistic in your goals and expectations as you begin this venture.
Investing in the Basics
If you want to be successful, you need to be capable of creating high-quality content. This demands some measure of investment in tools and platforms like the following:
- Screen recording software. Most video game content creators should use screen recorder software to capture their output. It’s vital for you to be able to capture and record your live gameplay in a reliable way, while simultaneously recording your voice and preferably getting access to editing tools once the capture is completed.
- A microphone. Your voice is part of what will make your video game content creation worth watching, so invest in the best microphone you can afford. There are many factors to consider with microphone acquisition, so do your research before finalizing your selection.
- A camera. You may also want to have your face on screen during your gaming sessions. It adds personality to your content and helps viewers engage with you. But to be successful here, you’ll need a good camera.
- Video editing software. Your screen recording software will likely come with tools that allow you to trim, edit, and mark up your work. However, you may want additional features available in full-fledged video editing software.
Making a Plan
Whether you want to make a career of this or you’re just having fun, it’s a good idea to sit down and come up with a business plan, or something similar.
- Goals. Are you trying to make as much money as possible? Are you trying to build an audience? Or are you just trying to entertain your friends and extended connections? Your goals should dictate how you plan your strategy.
- Unique differentiators. There are literally millions of video game streamers out there, and there are streamers for every conceivable game and category. What’s going to make you unique in this field? What value can you add that’s currently missing?
- Target audience. Who is your target audience and what are the best ways to appeal to them? Sincerity and authenticity are important in video game content creation, but you also need to be mindful of the people who will be watching your videos.
- Competition. You also need to look at your biggest rivals. What types of people are making the content that you want to make? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can you learn from them?
- Scale and future. How are you going to attract an audience and grow your channel? What are you going to do if you stagnate?
Creating Your First Videos
At this point, you’ll be ready to create your first videos. You should be ready to put effort into these, but remember that they don’t need to be perfect. Every video you make is a bit of practice that will make you a better video game content creator.
Setting a Course for Improvement
What separates the excellent content creators from the mediocre ones is refinement. You need a plan to get better and grow if you’re going to be successful.
In this pursuit, pay especially close attention to the following:
- Ratings. How are people rating your videos? Which videos seem to perform best and why is that the case? What do your weakest videos have in common?
- Engagement metrics. You can also look to other video engagement metrics. Do people stop watching after a certain point, or do they consistently fail to leave comments?
- Community involvement. Engage with your community directly. Ask your viewers what types of content they’d like to see. Talk to other content creators to collaborate or generate new ideas. Almost everyone in your community has something to offer you.
Video game content creation isn’t for everyone. And even if you love it, there’s no guarantee you’re going to be successful in it.
Still, if you have a plan and you’re willing to invest the money and effort, you’ll stand a better chance than most.