The video game industry has hit an all-time high, with revenue coming in at a record $142.5 billion in 2018. But even before the pandemic, the industry was in a bit of a transition, moving away from the console and more toward online and mobile games. This shift has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in video games.
One of the perks of this transition is that now more than ever, there are thousands of jobs available for writers and creative types of all sorts. It might be a good idea to look into the various opportunities within the video game industry if you’re looking to make the jump into creative writing or simply want to land a job in a related field.
The Evolving Role Of The Video Game Journalist
When it comes to video games, the first thing that comes to mind is probably reviews. It wouldn’t be uncommon to read review after review about a game, all with glowing comments and plenty of praise. While this type of content is still prevalent, critics are no longer necessary, thanks to the wonders of online review platforms like Gamepedia and Metacritic. These review sites allow for anyone with an internet connection to voice their opinion about a game, making it much less intimidating to take the plunge into the world of video game reviewing.
As much as reviewers used to be the be all and end all when it came to video game journalism, the role of the journalist has evolved, and continues to evolve even as we speak. Thanks to tools like the internet and video game review sites, the ability to seek out news stories and compile them into articles has become much easier. What was once an expensive and time-consuming endeavor has become a relatively simple task thanks to the information age, allowing even the smallest video game websites to flourish.
The Rising Video Game Journalism Star
Some of the best video game journalists work for small sites that have only a couple of articles per week. While it’s not uncommon to find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content on many big news websites, these small sites often have the advantage of being able to put out more content than they can handle. If you’re looking for an easy way to get into video game journalism, working for a small site can prove to be a great starting point.
The Downsides Of Blogging
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either a) a gamer yourself or b) someone who knows one. If you’re the former, then you know what the downsides of blogging are: nothing! While it’s true that you have to keep up with all the mechanical aspects of blogging (creating content, scheduling, etc.), you don’t need to have any specific knowledge to get started. Simply find a niche, build your audience, and start making money off your blog. If you’re the latter, then you know what the downsides of blogging are: everything else! Even with the mechanical aspects of blogging being somewhat easy, the rest of it is anything but. Establishing yourself as an authority in your chosen field is a difficult task, one that doesn’t come with a few dollars signs over he head.
Why Should You Be Thankful For The Evolution Of Video Games?
It’s only natural to want to jump at any opportunity that comes your way, but perhaps it’s a good idea to be a bit thankful for the evolution of the industry. While there are certainly challenges and uncertainties that come with being a member of this ever-changing world, it also holds a lot of promise. Since the dawn of video games, this industry has always been a world of change and progression, with new platforms, technologies, and ways of playing games ever emerging.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the change, but it’s important to keep in mind the positive aspects that this industry has to offer. When it comes down to doing your research, choosing the right major, and securing that all-important job, maybe it’s not such a bad idea to be grateful for what you have.