TRANSLATING TECH

Get in the Game!

Matthew Heafy Livestreaming. Esports. Twitch. Gaming. These are phrases we keep hearing in different facets of our lives, but what does it all mean? Here’s a simple primer to get you in the game.

For more info on Growing Bolder’s upcoming BolderX iGen gaming tournament, see page 81

Esports

Esports, (electronic sports), refers to competitive gaming. It began with people playing console video games against each other in houses and stores and then eventually moving to halls, and most recently, arenas. There are several games recognized as professional league games; there are all kinds of sizes of competitive esports. There are organizations that have multiple players across many games. Think of esports as team sports—such as basketball or football—on a professional level. It’s similar to any competitive sport.

Gaming

Playing any game for fun or hobby—solo or with friends —is gaming. Gaming runs the gamut, from online word games to “Call of Duty” and everything in between. Games are only considered e-sports when it’s played in an established league or competitive environment. Some of the most popular professional esports leagues will have teams in games like Counter Strike, League Of Legends, Overwatch, Call Of Duty, and Starcraft 2.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming involves people streaming themselves live. It’s unlike YouTube, because a normal YouTube video is pre-filmed and edited, meant to be consumed at any time. A livestream is meant to view live, in the moment, allowing the person filming and viewers to experience the activity at the same time. Livestreamers do not have to be esports pros, nor do esports pros need to livestream. You can livestream practically anything—from gaming, cooking and exercise to a podcast chat between host and guest. The most important aspect of livestreaming is the host and viewer relationship. That is what truly makes a livestream a reciprocal experience.

Twitch

Twitch is the social media platform that brought livestreaming gamers to the spotlight. Twitch was initially known as the platform where professional esport players, casual gamers and serious gamers alike could go to livestream. Twitch has recently exploded into a powerhouse of a social media platform after it was acquired by Amazon and grew into a destination where millions of viewers tune in daily. Twitch is a platform where people can choose to simply watch for free or pay monthly to their favorite channel(s) as a subscriber. Subscriptions, donations, merchandising and endorsements are some of the ways streamers make money off of Twitch.

Anyone who thinks they have a skill to perform or knowledge to teach can become a livestreamer. People coming from successful paths, or looking to build something entirely new, are turning to livestreaming for the experience and extra income.

Craftspeople, musicians, yoga teachers, hobby gamers, talk show hosts, DJs, woodworkers—there is an audience for nearly every craft imaginable. So, why not build an amazing community of your own viewers, have fun doing what you enjoy, and earn a living at the same time?

DO YOU HAVE A PASSION YOU’D LOVE TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD? CONSIDER LIVESTREAMING!