The idea of being able to log into your favorite games and play all day is thrilling enough for the dedicated gamer. Now imagine how incredible it would be if you were getting paid for those moments of virtual fun? Being paid to the game might have seemed like a pipe dream a few years ago, but it’s quickly emerging as a more realistic option in today’s digital-first age. In fact, there are a lot more ways to earn money as a gamer as you might think, from making your own games to streaming, and so much more. Today, we’re going to take a look at the realities of turning your love of gaming into a source of income. 

Your Skills Need to Match Your Dream Job

The first step in getting a career as a gamer is committing to building the right education. Ultimately, while you don’t always need a degree to succeed in gaming, it’ll help in most career opportunities. This could mean you need to seek out a personal loan from a private lender so you can put your money where your passion is and go back to college. To figure out what kind of education you need, start by researching the job you like the idea of doing. 

For instance, if you’re going to be developing games for a living, you’ll need some programming skills and a good knowledge of computers. It also helps to have plenty of creativity, some good communication skills, and the ability to hold yourself out as an industry leader. Aside from going to college to earn more experience, you can also get involved with hackathons and online events to put your skills to the test. Alternatively, volunteer to work on projects so you can build a portfolio that makes you more attractive to future employers.

Know Where to Look for Opportunities

Once you’ve got the skills required to succeed in your new career, don’t just focus on applying for roles within the biggest gaming companies. While it might be a dream come true to work for a major name, you can also find some amazing opportunities when applying for indie companies or up-and-coming startups. Explore your options carefully and know where to apply to get the best experience. 

Remember, while a large company might be able to offer you more stability, smaller brands will give you more freedom to make your mark on games and develop new skills. Smaller companies are also more likely to consider your application even if it doesn’t include all the right qualifications – provided that you show the right value and attitude. Do your research before applying to any position, and try to tailor both your resume and cover letter to the specific needs of the company you’re applying for. 

Commit to Constant Growth

While it’s definitely possible to get a career and develop a profession out of your gaming passion these days, it’s important to remember that gaming as a career isn’t always the same as gaming for fun. You won’t always be relaxing on a sofa testing whatever you want. Even if you get a career as a freelance game tester, you’ll still have to play specific games (not always the ones you’re most drawn to) and deliver specific outcomes. You may know a lot, but they’re also might be times where you need to consider IT support services to be able to complete your assignments and testing projects.

You’ll also be expected to continue working on your skills by getting involved with learning opportunities, taking online courses, and attending relevant industry events. While a gaming career can be a lot of fun, it also requires a lot of commitment and dedication. Make sure you’re committed to constant growth before you dive in, and you’ll be more likely to outshine the competition.

Similarly, consider reading: How to Build a Career as Sport Enthusiast

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