Gaming has moved beyond a simple hobby to become a lifestyle for many, including full-time careers. Creating content, streaming, and having an impact on the gaming community are all characteristics of this lifestyle. Communities have sprung up around gaming influencers, streamers, and content creators, offering support, resources, and exposure for those pursuing a lifestyle in gaming. Platforms such as Twitch, Mixer, YouTube Gaming, and Reddit cater to the different segments of this ecosystem. Additionally, communities such as GamerGoo and Gaming World Entertainment Network offer networking opportunities, sponsorships, and resources to those looking to establish themselves in the gaming industry.
Introduction
Gaming has evolved over the years from just a hobby to a lifestyle for many individuals. The rise of technology and easy access to the internet has enabled people to take gaming beyond just a leisure activity to a full-time career that can sustain them. Gaming as a lifestyle is not just about playing games but also about creating content, streaming, and influencing others in the gaming community. In this article, we will explore various communities that cater to streamers, content creators, and gaming influencers.
Communities for Streamers
Streamers are individuals who stream their gameplay on various platforms, and these communities cater to their needs in terms of support, resources, and exposure.
Twitch
Twitch is one of the biggest streaming platforms globally, with millions of active streamers and followers. Twitch has an extensive community that caters to the needs of streamers, such as providing resources, tools, and events like TwitchCon. Twitch also has a partner program that enables streamers to earn money through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships.
Mixer
Mixer is a streaming platform owned by Microsoft that has a smaller community compared to Twitch. However, Mixer caters to the needs of streamers by providing them with various features such as co-streaming, interactive streams, and a feature called sparks that enables viewers to reward streamers for their content.
Communities for Content Creators
Content creators are individuals who create gaming content such as YouTube videos, articles, podcasts, and social media posts. These communities provide support, resources, and exposure for content creators.
YouTube Gaming
YouTube Gaming is an extension of YouTube that caters to the gaming community. It enables content creators to post gaming-related videos and interact with their audience. YouTube Gaming provides various features such as live streaming, monetization, and analytics to help content creators grow their brand.
Reddit
Reddit is a social media platform that has various communities or subreddits that cater to different topics. The gaming subreddit has over 1.6 million members and caters to gaming content creators. Reddit enables content creators to share their content with a vast audience, receive feedback, and gain exposure.
Communities for Gaming Influencers
Gaming influencers are individuals who have a substantial social media following and engage in sponsorships, reviews, and promotion of games and gaming-related products. These communities provide networking opportunities, resources, and support for gaming influencers.
GamerGoo
GamerGoo is a community that caters to gaming influencers. It provides gaming influencers with networking opportunities, sponsorships, and collaborations with brands looking to promote their products in the gaming community. GamerGoo also provides influencers with resources such as guides on how to create engaging content and grow their brand.
Gaming World Entertainment Network (GWEN)
GWEN is a community of gaming influencers with a vast audience that engages in gaming content. GWEN provides networking opportunities, sponsorships, and resources to gaming influencers to promote their brand and engage their audience. GWEN also provides a talent agency that helps gaming influencers find paid sponsorship opportunities.
Conclusion
Gaming as a lifestyle is no longer just a hobby but also a full-time career for many individuals. The communities discussed above provide different types of support for streamers, content creators, and gaming influencers. These communities enable individuals to grow their brand, receive resources, and connect with others in the gaming community. To succeed in gaming as a lifestyle, one needs to create engaging content, promote their brand, and build a rapport with their audience.