Gaming is no longer just a hobby; it’s a booming industry with career opportunities in various fields. Gamers have skills that can be valuable in many professions, from marketing to design to economics. Here are five jobs for gamers:
Merchandise Seller
Many gamers love to collect merchandise related to their favorite games, from t-shirts to action figures to posters. Merchandise sellers specialize in creating and selling game-related merchandise, both online and in retail stores. This job requires creativity, marketing skills, and an understanding of what gamers want.
A merchandise seller specializes in creating and selling game-related goods. This job can involve creating designs for t-shirts, creating collectibles such as action figures, or working with manufacturers to develop products that appeal to gamers.
Since this niche has a long and rich history, a seller in this industry can easily become a vintage shop owner. However, the difficulty level is not a walk in the park, as there are many challenges around selling vintage toys. Despite the demands, a gaming merchandise store is not that easy either.
To succeed in this business, a merchandise seller needs to be creative and understand what gamers want. They need to keep up-to-date with trends and new releases in the gaming industry and have knowledge of design software and manufacturing processes. Social media and online marketplaces are important channels for merchandise sellers to reach customers.
While you don’t have the funds to launch a business, you can work for gaming companies, retailers, or as independent creators selling their products through online platforms such as Etsy or Amazon. This job offers flexibility in terms of working hours and location and can be a great option for those who want to combine their love for gaming with their creativity.
Game Economics Expert
Game developers increasingly rely on microtransactions, subscriptions, and other monetization strategies to generate revenue. Game economics experts specialize in analyzing the economics of games, including pricing strategies, revenue models, and player behavior. This job requires analytical skills, an understanding of game design, and a knowledge of economics.
The field of game economics is becoming increasingly important as game developers look for ways to generate revenue beyond the initial sale of the game. Game economics experts specialize in analyzing the economics of games, including pricing strategies, revenue models, and player behavior.
A game economics expert must have strong roots in economics and game design. They need flair and enough interest in data analysis to identify patterns and make recommendations to improve revenue. A game economics expert can be a graduate of an economics degree, or you can also be a graduate of masters in financial planning. After you graduate, you can work for a game developer or publisher or as a consultant to multiple companies.
Game economics experts can help game developers determine the most effective pricing strategies for their games, analyze player behavior to identify areas for improvement, and help design and implement monetization strategies. This job offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of the gaming industry and shape the economics of the industry as a whole.
Game Designer
Game designers are responsible for creating the concept and mechanics of games. They work with artists, programmers, and writers to develop characters, levels, and gameplay. This job requires creativity, communication skills, and knowledge of game development tools.
Udemy and Coursera offer a multitude of courses for aspiring game designers. You don’t need to be a Computer Science graduate to succeed in this field, though it would give you the foundation you need for an easier transition.
Video Game Tester
Video game testers play games to identify bugs and glitches, ensuring the game is free from technical issues before it’s released. This job requires attention to detail, patience, and an understanding of game design and mechanics.
Upwork, Fiverr, and other job marketplaces have hundreds of listings searching for video game testers. If you want to make something out of this hobby, now’s the time to visit these websites and earn while doing something you love.
eSports Coach
Esports coaches train professional gamers and teams to improve their skills and compete at a higher level. This job requires knowledge of game mechanics and strategies, communication skills, and the ability to analyze gameplay.
Many eSports academies have launched during the pandemic, and more will open their doors for coaches and those who plan to beat the biggest names in the world of eSports.
The gaming industry offers a range of career opportunities for gamers, from merchandise sellers to game designers to game economics experts. These jobs require a combination of skills, including creativity, communication, analytical skills, and gaming industry knowledge. By pursuing a career in the gaming industry, gamers can combine their passion for gaming with a rewarding and fulfilling career.