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[elegantgamer]

I've been pondering this question lately because if I really wanted to, I could do that. At least when it comes to making videos. Of course, I'm not delusional enough to think that it will be an instant money-maker but if I'd start putting out videos then over time I think I'd eventually get somewhere with it. And I'm not trying to toot my own horn here, really. I'm just conscious about what I'm capable of. I'm a decent writer and I've been doing it for decades now, even professionally. I'm not a novelist but I can put out a decent review or essay. I also know my way around editing and I could even do some design work for those videos since I'm also a sketch artist and know my way around Photoshop (or Gimp for poverty editing). The only thing I'm not really good at is narrating but there are some ways around that too and I have resources.

The one thing that's stopping me, really, is that I don't actually want this to become a job.

I mean, making a video review or essay is a LOT of work. I did a few of those in the past already and it usually required a substantial amount of time. It took weeks of working during afternoons and nights to put everything together and it wasn't even that good because I was just starting out back then. But it was at least enough to make me realize that I don't want to do this on a regular basis because then it sucked away all the fun and passion out of gaming for me and I don't want to turn gaming into work. I have a day job that has nothing to do with gaming, writing, or editing, and I'm perfectly happy developing my skills in all those areas that aren't related to what I enjoy doing in my free time as a hobby, but on the other hand I know that I have something to say about what I'm passionate about and I'd like to put it out there for everyone to see. And I know that simply writing for a blog isn't really enough because I've done that and it never got anywhere because it's just difficult to get people to read shit on the internet these days, or get yourself noticed among the sea of other blogs. At least with videos, you can do something that's more stimulating and easily digestible if you have a halfway decent idea and style.

But again, I look at all those youtubers and streamers, and I started noticing that a lot of them really lost their passion for gaming and became highly cynical about them, or even outright hate them. I don't wanna be that guy.

Honestly yeah I would make it my job and frankly, I'm working on doing it. For me, I've always wanted to stream and just see how it goes and perhaps even review games but I'm not too sure when it comes to that part. I've seen Youtubers like Hollow and I'll love to do something like that for sure. Just being able to work from home would be great.

 

[Dick Jones]

I'd rather staple my balls to a burning log.

 

[hemo memo]

No. I would hate the hobby this way. I don’t want to be forced to play games to live. One day you have the numbers, the next day you are cancelled because of something you’ve said. I would rather be under the mercy of a company HR than the loud ready to be offended part of the Internet that can ruin your carrier.

 

[SmokedMeat]

If I ever put videos out it’d be like a friend does, and they would be when I felt like doing so.
Unfortunately that’s not how you really make the bucks and I wouldn’t want to have to play shit I wasn’t interested in (or play in general), just to keep a fanbase happy.

And that’s not even wading into the drama end of things.

 

[Fbh]

The only sort of content I'd find interesting to do is something like Noclip. Getting into how certain games were made, doing interviews with the creators, the ocasional editorial style content, etc.
Maybe I could get into something like Last Stand Media does, which is more about podcasts and interviews.

But being a Streamer sounds absolutely horrible. Same as being a regular gaming "journalist" just regurgitating press releases and having to rush through games to get reviews out early.

 

[Topher]

Hmmm, do I want to have to suck to all of you to make a living?

 

[digoutyoursoul]

If I was to go that route I would try to be as independent as possible, keep out of the publishers path in particular. No review copies or accept invites to events, i would avoid that stuff and do my own thing and not feel obliged to anyone.

 

[Celcius]

Sometimes I think about it, just as a way to meet more people. But then I'm not sure I want to get semi-famous and have people stalk me or hack my stuff or constantly criticize me and all that...

 

[qwertz12345]

I mean, making a video review or essay is a LOT of work.

Yeah... I did a Youtube intro about 10 years ago that lasted 30 seconds. I was up for 3 solid nights editing all of that.

Afterwards, I just remember thinking as to whether I'd consider wanting to making videos "full time" and on an ongoing basis, and I just "noped" out of that decision.

I'm the sort of person who likes meeting / talking to people in real life. Being cooped up all day (on a sunny day) is not something that I'd ever want to do.

This "working from home" stuff... It's not for me... It's also not good for one's mental / physical health.

I say that because in order to be successful you have to regularly and continually churn out content.

And that's another problem with being a Youtuber... You have to abide by the algorithm and the rules of the platform.

No content churn equals no Youtube exposure and no money.

No, because then I am beholden to appeasing my audience including conforming to or sharing their radical opinions. Girlfriend Reviews is an example of this.

This is one of the biggest problems with the ad revenue model... And why content creators can't really protect themselves from abuse.

And I know that simply writing for a blog isn't really enough because I've done that and it never got anywhere because it's just difficult to get people to read shit on the internet these days, or get yourself noticed among the sea of other blogs.

You're on Neogaf... And I'm reading you (along with a few dozen other people). There's also Reddit, and that's one of the biggest sites in the world.

Plenty of ways to get noticed as a writer.

There are all sorts of types of video game content creators.

And like Sakura says... You don't need to be a "videographer / Youtuber"... You can be a writer / blogger who creates content on Neogaf / Reddit etc. Granted, you don't make any money out of it, but the option is there.

I’ve always wanted to write about games or do something about games even if I never got paid for it.

And that's exactly what this guy is doing... Creating content on Neogaf.

Nah, I'd rather put my energies into developing a videogame rather than that.

There's also the option of doing other creative endeavours... Such as writing a book, or learning an instrument and making an album. They're far more rewarding, and there's more substance to accomplishing those feats too.

 

[Henry Panic]

When did you need skills to become a YouTube creator?

Most of the popular long running YouTubers had zero skill, some even imitated others, but got lucky in early YouTube and now have 100,000 to over 1M subs.

Even now while there is a barrier now because of YouTube's policy changes, you can still build a channel that's popular without the best equipment or any effort in content. Some guys get thousands of subs ranting into a camera about games at 11fps.

 

[Lyrical]

Surprised so many people are anti. If I could make what I make now just by playing video games then I am 100% in.

 

[Garibaldi]

Nah, I'm too opinionated. I'm also shit at games largely. Seems a shit load of graft to hit the threshold of making a proper living out of it.

 

[TintoConCasera]

There's also the option of doing other creative endeavours... Such as writing a book, or learning an instrument and making an album.

Sure okay, but the thing is I prefer developing games than doing any of that.

They're far more rewarding, and there's more substance to accomplishing those feats too.

Speak for yourself.

 

[lh032]

If i have the opportunity and the fanbase?

I rather be streamer than working at a stupid desk job.

 

[Lunarorbit]

When I bought my ps5 it was a bundle and at first they were sending a ps camera with it. I thought it might be fun to stream or do a video essay on stuff but before I could get to far day dreaming they switched what was being included in the bundle cause they ran out of cameras.

I think it'd be fun to do if you weren't relying on making any money from it.

 

[qwertz12345]

Sure okay, but the thing is I prefer developing games than doing any of that.

Speak for yourself.

I wasn't disagreeing with you... I was agreeing with you, and adding to your argument.

I was stating that developing a videogame, writing a book, making an album, making a movie... There's a timeless appeal to those endeavours... One that is far more rewarding that being a Youtuber who has to churn out a certain number of videos per year so as to be successful.

 

[hemo memo]

I'd rather staple my balls to a burning log.

That’s oddly specific.

 

[MadchesterManc]

I wouldn't wanna be responsible for breaking the internet streaming so much Senran Kagura, so no.

 

[kaizenkko]

I believe you have to evaluate what content you want and can do. I, for example, would never streaming, because my favorite games are single player and I think that wasting time with chat would influence my experience with the game. However, videos on YouTube talking about some specific topics would be something more functional for me.

 

[Morrie’s wig shop]

If it’s something your really pondering, you should give it a go. Set hardline and boundaries for yourself.
Give yourself 30 - 60 days and if you feel like it’s burning you out then stop.

What’s the old saying, your profession should always be something you enjoy doing. But the majority of the people just can’t hack the mental part of not making the cash flow instantly as they conjure some ridiculous images in their mind of what a video game content creator should be making.
You should always do what you wanna do especially if you feel a pull towards it, that’s your gut feeling.

 

[poodaddy]

I've often considered streaming, but then I remember that I'm bad at video games, very ugly, and completely lacking in any form of charisma whatsoever.

Somewhere in that statement seems to be a subtle indicator that I wouldn't exactly take off like a rocket.

 

[Draugoth]

All it takes is 5 minutes for a content creator to destroy their reputation, so no.

No because I'd rather be a pornstar and fuck endless lines of women in the ass.

As a begginer you would be more likely to get fucked in the ass instead

 

[FoxMcChief]

No.

 

[Dick Jones]

That’s oddly specific.

I was going to say ...again at the end of the sentence to see what reaction I'd get.

 

[Kacho]

Streamer? Absolutely not. That seems like slave work to me. Couldn't imagine spending my days in front of a computer entertaining strangers.

YouTube videos would be fun as a side hobby I guess. But as my main gig? Nope. Way too much uncertainty about the long term viability. Plus it seems like most channels are successful when they stick to a specific thing and that's not my style.

 

[FoxMcChief]

I’ve always thought of the streamers as the birds that clean crocodile’s teeth. Feeding on others hard work, while also, ever so slightly, helping out the one that did actual work.

 

[Catphish]

If I didn't have to work a full-time job, I'd take a crack at it.

But when I'm done working, the last thing I want to do is work some more.

 

[AndrewRyan]

Nothing says you have to drop everything and make a career out of it. I'd encourage you to put out a video or two for a couple games that are the most interesting and see how you like it.

There are several gaming youtube channels I love who only produce a video every month or two. For those creators I subscribe to be notified whenever they release a video because it's rare, but appreciate them even more. Here's one of them:

 

[Elder Legend]

I've been pondering this question lately because if I really wanted to, I could do that. At least when it comes to making videos. Of course, I'm not delusional enough to think that it will be an instant money-maker but if I'd start putting out videos then over time I think I'd eventually get somewhere with it. And I'm not trying to toot my own horn here, really. I'm just conscious about what I'm capable of. I'm a decent writer and I've been doing it for decades now, even professionally. I'm not a novelist but I can put out a decent review or essay. I also know my way around editing and I could even do some design work for those videos since I'm also a sketch artist and know my way around Photoshop (or Gimp for poverty editing). The only thing I'm not really good at is narrating but there are some ways around that too and I have resources.

The one thing that's stopping me, really, is that I don't actually want this to become a job.

I mean, making a video review or essay is a LOT of work. I did a few of those in the past already and it usually required a substantial amount of time. It took weeks of working during afternoons and nights to put everything together and it wasn't even that good because I was just starting out back then. But it was at least enough to make me realize that I don't want to do this on a regular basis because then it sucked away all the fun and passion out of gaming for me and I don't want to turn gaming into work. I have a day job that has nothing to do with gaming, writing, or editing, and I'm perfectly happy developing my skills in all those areas that aren't related to what I enjoy doing in my free time as a hobby, but on the other hand I know that I have something to say about what I'm passionate about and I'd like to put it out there for everyone to see. And I know that simply writing for a blog isn't really enough because I've done that and it never got anywhere because it's just difficult to get people to read shit on the internet these days, or get yourself noticed among the sea of other blogs. At least with videos, you can do something that's more stimulating and easily digestible if you have a halfway decent idea and style.

But again, I look at all those youtubers and streamers, and I started noticing that a lot of them really lost their passion for gaming and became highly cynical about them, or even outright hate them. I don't wanna be that guy.

I've been doing content creation for a while. If you have any questions in regards this feel free to DM me and I'll be happy to answer.

But in a nutshell

-Burnout is a real deal
-You need to have disciple
-You WILL fail main times, but you will also succeed if you keep pushing

-it's very good if you can learn video editing and photoshop at a decent level for yourself. Fantastic skill to have for future projects as well and the current reality of our digital world.

-You'd also need to become a full time social media manager and understand how it works if you want to succeed

-Eventually, you can hire others to do the work for you (for a fee of course) while you focus on writing the scripts

 

[deriks]

Yes, but I would keep my videos like GamingBrit does. It's like four or five a year, and it's good shit

Or I could do something like the old days of Inside Gaming. Those were the best times

 

[MirageMew2]

I’m noticing a lot of popular channels my feed’s been showing me lately have been started well within the last year or two, and that’s somewhat encouraging in that respect. Consistency is really all there is to it, personally, as there’s a growing audience for mostly everything these days.

 

[ViolentP]

Eh, not my deal. I try to have higher expectations of myself than being entertaining to others.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

If I had the money to retire, I’d do a video game first impressions type YouTube channel. I’d hate to have to rush through games for timely reviews though. I wouldn’t want my hobby to feel like real work.

 

[Bragr]

I'm pretty sure it's practically impossible to make it at this point, there are hundreds who start-up game channels every single day. If you weren't there a few years ago when there was less saturation, I don't think you got much of a shot.

 

[Cattlyst]

Nope. Absolutely and categorically no. Like OP I have the creative skills to do it. Choose not to and have a career that gives me a comfortable lifestyle that isn’t dependent on trends or whether I say the right things.

 

[Whitecrow]

I discovered Smii7y recently. He got kinda big on youtube, but the streamings he does, is just him and his friends creating content, with little interaction with the chat, as far as I've seen.

You dont have to think that you have to entertain. You just goota do what you love, putting some work on the public side of things to get some cash. That's all. I mean, "All".
What I mean is, you dont have to be like anyone else, you have to be you, doing what you love, and upload it. Your audience, if the content is good, will come eventually.

On the other side of the coin, maybe you just arent as passionate about it as you think you are. I've been on both sides. That really happened to me. But as the passion came again, a started to work on it again.

 

[simpatico]

Imagine the audience you'd have to cater to. It's just not worth it. Especially for said audience to know exactly what you look like. There are easier ways to make money and better ways to die.

 

[64bitmodels]

sure but fuck streaming

EDIT: oh wait, you meant make a living. Fuck no

Youtube's monetization is abhorrent and if i abided by that my content would lose all its charm real fast
making money doing videos would make me lose steam and passion fast, and id likely hate it down the line

If im gonna become a video essayist or an animator or some shit im gonna do it on my own time while i already have a nice, stable comfy job that enables me to do such stuff on my off time. I dont want to get paid for it because its a pure passion thing and getting paid for it would dilute my content too much with how terrible youtubes monetization policies are. I don't want to upload on a weekly or consistent schedule considering that im super duper lazy and also would like to have more time to make my stuff. Plus streaming is bad, I dont have the charisma or the mental fortitude to just stream my face in front of a bunch of people watching youtube videos or playing games all day

trust me the idea of content creation and putting your thoughts out there is super cool but making money off of it is a no go for me

 

[Surf Ninja]

Maybe at first, but then I bet it would become like a millstone weighing down my very soul.

 

[Drizzlehell]

Nothing says you have to drop everything and make a career out of it. I'd encourage you to put out a video or two for a couple games that are the most interesting and see how you like it.

There are several gaming youtube channels I love who only produce a video every month or two. For those creators I subscribe to be notified whenever they release a video because it's rare, but appreciate them even more. Here's one of them:

That was a good video, I enjoyed it especially since I never looked into the behind-the-scenes of this game.

 

[DevilMayFlyForAWhiteGuy]

About the only thing I could maybe see myself doing is streaming Speedrunning 2D Metroid and Resident Evil games. But I’m not autistic enough to be amazing at Speedrunning. Also my opinions on things would likely disallow me from participating at anything like GDQ or what have you.

I’d rather just do it on my own time like all my other gaming.

 

[remember_spinal]

no, i dont like people in my business and needing to put on a character every day.

I also don’t want to feel obligated to play video games, i need breaks from the hobby to do other things

 

[Danjin44]

No, gaming is hobby, similar to watching movies and reading comics...nothing more and nothing less. I dont needed to be anything more than that.

 

[bluecowboys]

I have no problem posting reviews, game play videos, etc. However, I don't like streaming games I play.

 

[DeVeAn]

Yeah it seems like it would be fun especially if you have a lame job but, video games are my time to have fun. Constantly trying to be on top of it and pleasing “followers” sounds awful long term.

 

[-Minsc-]

This is a hard question to answer as I neither have the skills, resources or mindset to do so. I just wouldn't have the commitment.

Honestly, I'd rather do something like I did on the old NeoGAF Minecraft server. Have some other streamer showcase what I've done in game. I've tried cutting together videos in the past. Way too much work.

If someone wanted to pay me to learn and do video editing I can see myself enjoying that aspect.