Get paid to play video games: the all encompassing guide

Should you have previously been resting, there's some dough to be made playing video games. Look into it, several avid gamers are already doing it one way or another. If you read my previous editorial (or even should you have a good understanding of the gamer marketplace), you'd probably realize that some people are certainly not profiting from their devotion and natural talent. Thus how come not you?

It may just be an opportunity to add that added energy.You never know, you may have what it requires to get compensated to game.

So just what exactly alternative ways are gamer's reaching out over the gaming market to seize some money? Can it be some sort of black magic?

Not quite. Gamer's are merely taking advantage of the majority of the stuff that various other online entrepreneurs have used. Here is a great set of ways to make money, and where to get access to this stuff:


Vlogging/Streaming

If you would like make money from your own gameplay then this is essential. Showcase that unique character of yours topped off with your insane skill and ta-da, you could have some viewers.

Take Honcast for example. BreakyCPk took total benefit from the Dota structured game Heroes of Newerth and developed a casting service entirely based on video. Worked out quite beautifully, didn't it?

Here are some great streaming resources:
Youtube
Justin TV
FilePlay
Dailymotion
Blip TV

And some great recording resources:
CamStudio (free but not the best for recording in game)
Fraps (not free but great for games)
NCH Software
TechSmith


Podcasts

Videos are those of you that like to watch. Podcasts for individuals that desire to hear. Big websites have speedily hopped on the podcast train, but they also aren't the only people running the show. The Brainy Gamer has done a great job of developing a following as a result of much aid of his podcast.

Just how do you make a podcasts? It's definitely not as simple as videos, so now are a few tutorials and products to help you get up and running:

How-to-Podcast-tutorial
Howstuffworks
About.com
MacWorld
And finally Podtrac (For connecting your podcasts to advertisers)


Compete in Tournaments

If you have nothing but great dedication to your game, then why not elect to compete for cash? There are many possibilities to game for major competing video games in your area, nationally, but most significantly, on the internet. Start off in the easier tournaments and work your way upwards. You can gain lots of money winning tournaments, but tournaments typically require an entry charge that you may not feel at ease sacrificing. Make certain you are not a total noob or you may return home empty handed.

Great online Tournaments to start competing in:
Game Battles (Need a team to compete)
Fragged Nation
Gamer Saloon <<< My favorite
Gamer Coliseum
GGL
Virgin Gaming (easy to use)


Create your own Tournament

If you can't find a tournament which you like, you most likely are not on your own. I bet that there are plenty of local people who'd like to contend casually as well. Aid your gaming community by developing your personal tournament. The websites in the above list did exactly that.


Create a Forum

Forums are a good way to take advantage of a new game’s community. Starcraft2forum.org is a wonderful instance of this. Gamers will need a spot outside of the main site to dicuss with similar gamers. If you can produce a sellable one, advertising can earn extra income for you.

Here is some great forum software
PhpBB (free)
Vanilla (free)
vBulletin (costly but easily the best)


Game Testing

Oh great. You must arise each morning to go play games. Your life will be so hard. To be serious though, game testing can often mean testing games rigorously for several hours, even outside of your "work". On the good side, it is a great way to get your foot in the door of a video game developing career.

Here are some great links to get you started:
Gamestester.com
GameTestingParadise
ProGameTester
or cut directly to the chase at GameCareers.biz

Don't have the time, youth, or setting to contend for any large video game testing job? Or possibly you're a young man or woman who has little idea what you would like to do with your existence? Relax. There are ways to test games from the convenience of your house. And you could gain a livable income if you take it as seriously as a occupation, as well. Please though, this program is for 18 year olds.

Great websites that have home gametesting programs:
GamerTestingGround
GamingJobsOnline


Massive Multiplayer Online Games

Do not pretend that you MMOers around haven't ordered gold before. It's one of the MANY approaches to earn money by means of MMO's, nevertheless it is usually outlawed normally, so be careful. Korea however, enables electronic funds to become swapped for real money. They might be in front of the times.


E-Books and Gamer Guides

I know you've been to GameFaqs before. Gamers are trying to find cheats, tips, tricks, pro strategy, everything to provide them with an edge of their game. There is a Web site wholly dedicated to selling ebooks and guides. Create value for your gaming community and your gaming community can create value for you personally.

How do you create an e-book or manual? Simple. Compose it in Microsoft Word or Notepad. Change it to PDF form then upload it to Scribd or Tinyload and then put it wherever you'll be able to bring site visitors. Exactly where do you attract visitors to? That might be your..


Blogs and Websites

Gaming blogs and websites could be a gamer's core income. Blogs can deal with game tactic, evaluations of several games, guides, and for entertainment functions inside of the gaming community. Websites are a great way of handling cashflow. Ads compensate for most bloggers earnings. Blogs and websites are the "anchors" for earnings. Most other income generators can't go without a good blog.

Great places to start out
Blogger
Wordpress
Tumblr
LiveJournal
TypePad

If you believe you are ready for the major leagues then buy your very own domain and hosting and have to it, champ.


Create mods and addons

You may need some code abilities for this one. If not, someone you'll be able to pay with coding knowledge. Elance is a fantastic place to hire a coder swiftly. Look around the game you play. Discover anything that could be improved or added to make the game go a bit smoother?

Maybe it's time to generate an addon. The problem with addons is game's will generally claim the rights of them when they are implemented into the game. However, they can still be used to draw traffic to your site. And they will draw A LOT of traffic if it's something your fellow gamer's are fond of.


You now have a single reference to everything you will need to start making money from gaming. So get out there and start getting paid to play video games. The gaming community needs you.

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