Do you have what it takes to be an esports influencer? Being an esports influencer can be a lucrative and financially rewarding occupation, even if you’re not a professional gamer. Let’s talk about influencers and how they impact the world of esports and online gaming.
Before influencers and content creators became buzzwords in mainstream society, playing video games was mostly seen as a solitary pastime or as a great way to spend time with friends. Nobody thought that it’s even possible to stream or broadcast your games for the rest of the world to see. Back then, video games were confined to the four corners of the living room.
Enter Twitch. When Twitch was launched in 2011, it ushered in a new era of online gaming – that of being an influencer and content creator. Anyone with a computer can join Twitch and start streaming their gameplay online, regardless of their skill level.
Thousands of gamers, both young and old alike, are already earning a decent living as streamers and content creators, making money doing what they love. You don’t have to be a world-class professional gamer to become an esports influencer. In fact, most Twitch streamers don’t even join esports tournaments and leagues.
The Roles of Influencers in Esports
Esports influencers, specifically streamers and content creators, have become the face of gaming, attracting millions of viewers on streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and Facebook Gaming. Some influencers, such as Ninja and Shroud, make millions of dollars every year just playing and streaming games.
Streamers make games more interesting through their own commentary and personality that keep their audience engaged. In some cases, most followers are more interested in the personality of these streamers than in their gameplay and playing skills.
Aside from streamers, there are also content creators who produce gameplay videos, tutorials, reviews, and other forms of content. These creators offer unique insights on games and educate their viewers on the correct way to play these games.
If you’re not an influencer, you can still participate in esports through ggbet which is an online platform that lets you support your favorite pro gamers and esports teams.
How Influencers Drive the Popularity of Esports
Influencers contribute to the growth and popularity of esports through several ways.
Firstly, esports influencers are usually the first ones to try out new games. They play the game first-hand and then give an objective review of it so that their viewers can decide whether to buy the game or not. Streamers and content creators can make or break a game due to how influential they are.
Secondly, influencers promote strong and engaged communities – both online and offline. Good esports influencers create a sense of belonging and community among fans by facilitating discussions and organizing events such as fan meetups, contests and charity streams.
Lastly, influencers, through collaborations and personal appearances, can boost viewership numbers for esports events. They bring in casual fans who might not be otherwise watch competitive gaming.
How Esports Influencers Make Money
As an esports influencer, you can earn income through sponsorships, advertisements, donations, and merchandise sales.
Twitch streamers, for example, earn money from advertisements shown during streams. Popular streamers earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per month from advertisements, while the lesser-known ones make a few thousand.
Influencers can also make money by accepting sponsorships from companies who need publicity and marketing. For example, an influencer can mention a company’s product during their streams and videos in exchange for a fee.
Usually, advertisements and sponsorships are not enough to make a living, so many influencers have resorted to selling merchandise (such as T-shirts) to their supporters and followers.
Final Thoughts
Before you dream about the millions of dollars that you can make as an esports influencer, bear in mind that the vast majority of streamers and content creators don’t earn enough. But with enough luck, patience and determination, you can join the ranks of popular esports influencers.
You, too, can become an esports influencer and make money doing what you really love. So what are you waiting for?
