Video games are a nice and relaxing way to spend your time, but some people believe they are good enough to become professionals and make money.
The idea of a career as a video game player might have been far-fetched before, but things have changed in recent years.
Thanks to the growth of the esports scene, you have an industry that is in its golden age, and the projections are positive for the future.
Titles like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Valorant, and DOTA 2 are carrying the gaming community and attracting both players and fans, which helps with the overall growth.
So, since the idea of making money as a gamer is no longer a pipe dream, how should you approach it? This article offers some insights on the subject.
Optimize Your Computer
Let’s start with optimizing your setup. You are more than likely going to be playing on a custom-built PC because most popular video games are played on that.
High-end desktop computers are not necessary for games that are not too demanding. However, it still feels nice to play on a device that functions smoothly.
What are potential hogs that could prevent you from an optimal gaming experience? Well, for one, you want to make sure that there is enough free space on the drive. A few gigabytes will not cut it.
You will have to organize your files on the computer so that you know what to delete permanently and what you can keep on external storage, such as the cloud or an HDD.
Other than storage, you also want to keep an eye on the dust inside. Try to clean the filth that accumulates inside the computer at least once every few months.
Next, check background processes and quit applications that you do not need for the time while playing.
Finally, make sure that the operating system and other elements of the computer are up to date. Otherwise, you will miss out on performance upgrades, not to mention potential security holes that need patching up.
Use Proper Gaming Accessories
A computer is one thing, but you will also need proper gaming accessories. A mouse, a keyboard, and a pair of headphones from a well-established gaming accessory manufacturer take your gaming to another level.
Since you are going to be sitting a lot, you will also want a gaming chair. Hurting your back long-term is not worth it as you will have to pay for it in the future.
Spending money on gaming accessories as well the computer might feel expensive, but if you are set on becoming a professional, you need the best equipment you can get, so think of it as an investment for yourself.
Create a Training Schedule
A training schedule will make you feel like gaming is a job rather than a casual pastime. However, treating it like a job is precisely what you need to succeed. There are plenty of other players who are already dedicated and are spending hours practicing every day.
Waking up and playing early in the morning is not for everyone, and you might feel more comfortable playing late into the night or starting around noon and playing until the evening.
The important thing is to find and establish a schedule that works for you so that you can practice regularly and improve over time.
Stay in Shape
Sound body and sound mind might seem like a cliche, but it applies when we are talking about professional gaming. You need to be in top shape to feel good both mentally and physically.
Professional gaming is exhausting, and it is crucial to be ready for grueling training sessions. And when you are competing against other players, the nerves can get the better of you.
Staying in shape and working out regularly helps with these issues. Not only that, but you can also get a chance to take a break and have a nice change of pace from all the gaming that you have to do.
Seek Competitive Environment
Improving in a casual environment is hard. If you aim to become a professional, you need to look for opportunities that present competitive players you can go up against. LAN tournaments might not be as easy to organize right now because of the pandemic, but it does not mean that you cannot replicate tournaments online.
Another suggestion is to play simple games and try to get a high score. Doing so would give you that mindset of trying to overcome yourself and get better with each attempt or at least attempt to get better.
At the end of the day, professional gaming is about competing against other players and yourself to become better, and you have to make the most out of the opportunities that present themselves.
