Video Games started out entertainment media and it is mainly a way to pass the time but with the rise of the internet, multiplayer, and competitive gaming, many people have found ways to earn money playing video games.
E-sports vs. Streaming
One obvious way to make money is to become a competitive e-sports gamer. This involves dedicating one's self to practicing one genre, if not just one game.
This is a great choice, as tournaments like DOTA2's "The International" have prize pools amounting to tens of millions of dollars. However, this takes serious dedication and focus that is not likely achievable for most people who just have limited time to play games.
Enter streaming:. With faster internet speeds and the innovation of platforms like YouTube and Twitch, players can now just stream their playthroughs. Streams like these have an audience because people can learn a thing or two from those knowledgeable enough to play the games competitively, but can't dedicate the time to actually pursue an e-sports career.
There is also the fact that the casual nature of streaming can be more entertaining, as the players can easily connect with the audience through chat. This makes the show more fun and engaging; depending on the personality of the one doing the streams.
Pro gamer or not, streaming offers avenues of success
Lately, The Verge found out that streaming (particularly on Twitch) has been a viable source of income for students who need to pay for tuition and other expenses. One of these players is Kaitlyn Richelle, who resolved to stream her playthrough of "Dead Space" for 24 straight hours.
"[Kaitlyn] watched in shock as a $250 donation flashed across her screen," Megan Farokhmanesh of The Verge writes.
Apparently, the aspiring medical school student had just raised the $5,000 amount that she needed to pay for her college tuition. She thought that the $5,000 goal was just a "pipe dream," and she had tears in her eyes as she achieved it.
Kaitlyn is a pro at "StarCraft," and her streams garnered fans most likely because of her skilled play. But, as far as streaming fans are concerned, one does not really need to be a "pro" to be successful.
Josh Caron is another streamer who started as a fan. He is a good player, but what really sells his stream is his fun, chatty nature. It's like playing video games was just a gateway to the real goal: meeting new friends. Caron gained a following because of this, and he reported that he earned $8,000 last year through Twitch donations alone.
It is reassuring that the internet has given rise to alternative jobs like these, and it's nice to see that people are actually earning money from doing something they love.