Gaming and social media: The combo helping gamers level up

Compared to the gaming industry, social media is a fairly new phenomenon. However, these two industries are becoming increasingly entwined.

More developers than ever are embracing social media platforms to promote releases and engage with audiences. Meanwhile, social media channels provide the perfect platform for video gaming communities to connect. 

By the end of 2022, it’s estimated there will be more than 3 billion gamers worldwide. With many of these gamers also being active social media users, social media will certainly continue to shape gaming communities and the industry as a whole. 

Social Media Lets Gamers Monetize Their Streams 

In recent years, streaming networks like Twitch have made it possible for video game enthusiasts to earn money from doing what they love.

Expert streamers can earn an average of $4,000 every month, providing they deliver around 40 hours of content on a weekly basis. This level of income can be boosted further by securing additional advertising revenues.

While Twitch is considered a streaming network, rather than a social one, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Many of the most lucrative Twitch streamers, including Ninja and Tfue, actively use their Twitter and social media channels to promote their Twitch streams. 

Social Media Cultivates Online Communities 

Gone are the days when video game enthusiasts had to meet in musty basements and backwater messageboards. The gamer of today is only a tweet away from connecting with legions of fellow enthusiasts. 

Social platforms not only facilitate online discussion and friendships but also allow like-minded players to connect to form online teams and leagues. As the esports market continues to boom, social media channels will remain a key line of communication for budding professionals looking to connect with potential teammates and sponsors. 

While the most established esports tournaments like the EVO Championship Series and Fortnite World Cup require little introduction, smaller tournaments will continue to capitalize on social media to promote fixtures and results.

Social media will have a crucial role in promoting more minor tournaments, helping facilitate a broader spectrum of playing leagues that encompass all skill levels. Looking to follow the action yourself?

You can watch esports favorites like CS:GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends live at 1337pro.com today. 

Connecting Players with Developers 

In the past, the success of a game largely hinged on physical sales. While digital downloads have largely supplanted physical formats, social media is also changing the way we think about success metrics. 

Social media has redefined the relationship between gamers and developers. Developers can leverage social channels to generate buzz for new releases and upcoming DLCs.

Likewise, it also allows unhappy gamers to express their issues with half-baked gameplay and problematic bugs. In the worst cases, social media uproars can snowball and prove devastating to the reputation of a developer.

However, developers can also take heed of this feedback and engage with their audience. Several developers have been able to save themselves from disaster after releasing lackluster launch editions by listening to complaints from players and providing downloadable upgrades for free. 

The Future of Gaming and Social Media 

More than anything else, social media has allowed gaming to become a global multiplayer experience.

For developers, it’s an incredibly valuable platform for gleaning feedback from audiences and, in an age where digital formats are the standard, the chance to remedy issues quickly.

For gamers, these platforms have transformed the very nature of gaming, turning it into something truly social.