Turning Your Gaming Passion into a Business with Social Media in New Zealand
There’s an ever-growing digital universe in the gaming world. If you use social media strategically, that dream may become a reality. This guide shows you how to mix gaming and business to create a career from your hobby.
Gaming has moved from living rooms to immersive virtual realities and competitive esports arenas. How about making your gaming passion a business right here in New Zealand? Content creators have found ways to monetize their love for gaming by reaching fans on social media. Find out about which platforms their seeing success on, including Snapchat, and how you can get in on the action too.
The Kiwi and Global Gaming Landscape
The game landscape is varied. That extends far beyond console wars and competitive online shooters. See the different facets of this dynamic industry. Esports has taken off, with professional leagues offering huge prize pools. That competitive scene needs fast reflexes and strategic teamwork. Casual as well as hardcore mobile gaming is now commonplace on smartphones and tablets. It is an accessible sector.
Online casinos are regulated for those who want something different – from classic table games and exciting slots. This sector hinges on responsible gambling practices. Its growing independent developer scene produces original and sometimes local games. With the increasing popularity of casino games in New Zealand, content creators can claim some of the top online slot bonuses and promos to test out if the games would be a hit with their fans.
New Zealand’s gaming is growing fast and showing force. New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) says its revenue increased by 25% year on year to over half a billion dollars in revenue. Such strong performances in difficult economic conditions show the industry’s resilience and potential. The NZGDA encourages this vibrant ecosystem by recognizing established studios like PikPok and promising new players alike. Executive Director Joy Keene points to the industry’s strength and the bright future for New Zealand’s gaming sector. This gives rise to new gaming entrepreneurs.
Social Media is Your Gateway to Success
You know the size of the gaming industry – now you know how social media can help you launch your own business. Each platform has advantages. Twitch and YouTube let you be a content creator – stream your gameplay to a worldwide audience. You can share strategies, reviews and secret tips. Instagram and Twitter let you show off your skills and expertise in short, impactful posts. Share screenshots and game news with other players and potential customers. You can create a Discord community for your gaming niche. You can hold discussions, share resources and create a friendly environment.
Social media is a great tool – but a business takes work and planning. And remember that you have to stay the course for the long haul. Consistency is key. Post frequently, respond to comments and messages and establish a content schedule. This builds trust and keeps your audience interested. Embrace authenticity. Let your personality show. Your genuine interest in gaming will draw other gamers along. Deliver value to your audiences. Be it informative content, useful tips or just fun gameplay – make something that people relate to.
Snapchat and the Power of Friendship Ranking
Snapchat puts a ranking on your interactions with certain friends in its “Planets” feature. Higher rankings, such as Supernova, indicate a connection. This feature creates opportunities for a gaming business. You can curate engaging Stories with exclusive gameplay clips, behind-the-scenes development info and teasers of upcoming projects. This keeps friends and potential customers interested. So ask questions, hold polls about game preferences or discuss upcoming releases. This creates community within your Snapchat circle. Giving your top Snapchat friends early access to your services or products builds loyalty and encourages more interaction.
You have to create an account before using Snapchat for your gaming content. Using a mobile device or a computer is easy. For mobile: download Snapchat from your app store and tap “Sign Up.” Enter your name and date of birth, your desired username and a strong password. A phone number is optional but recommended for account recovery. Computers can sign up through the Snapchat website. You enter similar information and then you must verify your account on a mobile device. But remember, usernames are not refundable for a year after creation – pick wisely. After creating an account, you can change your display name and Bitmoji avatar to reflect your brand. For those who want to change their password or reset a forgotten one, Snapchat provides clear instructions for email and phone number verification.
Navigating the Legal and Regulatory Stuff
Before you dive headfirst into your gaming business – learn about the legal landscape – especially in New Zealand. This involves several key areas. Copyright law covers game code, artwork and music. Seek out copyright protection when creating content or developing your own games. Online casinos or similar gambling activities are especially important under gambling regulations. Familiarise yourself with the Gambling Act of 2003 and relevant licensing requirements.
Advertising standards also apply to social media promotions of games or related products. Be truthful in your ads and follow the Advertising Standards Authority codes. It’s often recommended to consult with an intellectual property and business law attorney. It can assist with understanding these areas and avoiding legal traps. Knowing these legal considerations is about more than just avoiding trouble. It is about building a long-term ethical business.
Turning Passion into Profit with Monetization
Once you have a solid social media presence and following you can look into monetization. Affiliate marketing involves partnering with game developers or retailers and earning commissions for sales made via your content or social media outlets. Your expertise as a game tester, consultant or content creator can work for established studios or for private clients by offering freelance services. Development of your own game is more ambitious, but it lets you tap into your own knowledge and community to create something that resonates with your target market. This path takes time and money.
Gaming offers many opportunities for those who have passion and entrepreneurial drive. Combining your love of games and social media you can make your hobby a business in New Zealand. So go ahead, rise to the challenge, build a community and watch your gaming career explode. That way, winning the game becomes only part of the reward.