The Truth About Starting a Gaming YouTube Channel This Year is that it’s a lot of hard work. Just yesterday, I uploaded another video on my gaming channel. When I was a kid I thought being a gaming content creator was recording yourself playing video games. The reality paints a different picture. It might have been that way 10-20 years ago, but even back then the entire gaming landscape was different. Does anyone remember when you needed a Happague HDPVR to capture gameplay footage? Making gaming content has never been so accessible.
Previous Experience
From my endeavors with LaidbackMarco, I’ve learned that it’s bad to try to do too much. It is more important to find and immerse yourself in a niche. I’ve had my share of days in college, eagerly streaming, anticipating an audience that remained elusive. I might not have the personality to be a streamer. I doubt I’ll have a great one for Let’s Plays either. But with YouTube, I believe there’s a spot for me here.
Perhaps a more thoughtful video essay-style approach would fit me better. I’ve never really been that funny, but I love to analyze stuff, break it down, and wonder why it works.
The Truth about Starting a Gaming YouTube Channel is Living in Your Cringe
Occasionally, I glance at my content and a wave of self-consciousness hits. Putting yourself out there always feels a little bit cringy. The more you do something, the more you get used to embracing your unique flair. Thus, I’ve begun splicing my gaming videos into shorts for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, drawing inspiration from trending formats.
Being okay with being silly and putting myself out there has led to some content for me. The way I rationalized being able to play a game was to use a trending format for thought pieces which places gameplay in the bottom half of a vertical screen while the talking stays in the top.
The Truth about Starting a Gaming YouTube Channel is creating Shortform Content
I get a lot more views on my Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram reels. And like all my effort I’m hoping one day all that small progress will collate into something bigger.
I recently toyed with After Effects, crafting a video centered on Mona from Genshin Impact. I’ve always been intrigued by animation, and technically using After Effects is motion design and animation. What is the community’s response? Varied, but invaluable.
The Truth about Starting a Gaming YouTube Channel is it takes a lot of effort
Creating gaming content isn’t just about gaming; it’s about dedication. It’s balancing a 9-5 job, followed by an editing marathon — all for the love of the game.
Through games, I’ve discovered more than just entertainment. Drawing inspiration from content creators like Healthy Gamer GG, I’ve started seeing that gaming could be used as a tool for self-development. Be it the thrill of wins in amateur tournaments, reigning as the ‘Initial D arcade machine king’ at the local bowling alley, breaking into the top 1% in Battlefield 3, or clinching Diamond in Apex Legends, each milestone holds a special place in my heart.
The Truth is I Feel too Old
Sometimes I muse over whether being born in 1994 puts me at a disadvantage in today’s gaming ecosystem. When I was a kid being good at Call of Duty meant that other kids bullied and made fun of you. Sadly I’m too old to be a competitive gamer at this point and due to being an adult I’m losing time to do the one thing I want to do. On top of that wanting to be a gaming content creator means you spend less time playing the game.
But instead of dwelling on it, I’m keen on carving my niche in this expansive realm. Perhaps watching my own gameplay can help me learn where my weak points are and where I can improve. Maybe it’s not about chasing other people’s mountains but trying to walk your own path.
As I navigate the world of content creation, I’m also channeling this How to Learn Skills mindset into other pursuits, be it music, art, or finance. Success might be a step away or a mile, but I’m in it for the long run.
Thank you for being a part of this ride with me. Until next time! Warm regards, LaidbackMarco 🎮❤️
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