The rise of gaming in Latin America: from hobby to profitable profession

The revolution that video games have experienced in the last decade is undeniable, and their impact in the economic sphere has become significant. In Latin America, the gaming industry reached an impressive figure of $8.6 billion in 2023, and global projections for this year point to a value of $187.7 billion. This growth not only reflects the increase in the number of players but also the growing acceptance of video games as a legitimate way to generate income. For many, being a gamer and content creator on platforms like YouTube is no longer just a hobby but a professional career. Content creators have found in gaming a way to combine their passion for video games with the possibility of earning income. According to reports from YouTube, the gaming category is one of the most engaging among viewers, highlighting the importance of this niche in the digital market. But how is a gaming channel on YouTube monetized? The conditions are clear and accessible to many. To be part of the YouTube Partner Program, creators must have at least 500 subscribers, three videos uploaded in the last 90 days, and meet some of the viewing thresholds required by the platform. This democratizes the opportunity for any talented and dedicated gamer to turn their passion into a source of income. Monetization methods are varied and may include advertising revenue, merchandise sales, as well as donations through super chats and stickers. Santiago Baranda, head of gaming creators at YouTube, emphasizes that gaming has entered the mainstream, capturing the attention of younger generations, where a significant majority of Gen Alpha and Z identify with this culture. In addition to YouTube, gamers have other options to monetize their content. In games like Roblox, Peruvian YouTuber RoxieCake has found an innovative way to generate income through her Video Stars program, which allows her to create and monetize items within the game. This approach not only provides a platform for creators but also enables them to interact more effectively with their followers. Argentine Matías Ángel Cersosimo, known as Cerso, takes this idea even further by creating worlds in his games that can be sold, offering a new source of income. This trend highlights a crucial aspect of gaming: the ability to innovate and generate wealth from the creativity and skills of players. It's not just these two cases; there are multiple titles like Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, and Fortnite that have implemented creator programs, each with its own eligibility criteria. This diversity of options allows gamers to explore different avenues to monetize their content, further expanding the possibilities for success in this field. The gaming community, in turn, benefits from this monetization. Creators can collaborate with other YouTubers internationally, allowing them to grow and expand their audience. This interaction among creators not only strengthens their communities but also enriches the experience of followers, who gain access to diverse and quality content. Thus, the activity of playing video games and creating content has transformed into a serious and viable job in the current context. The convergence between the passion for video games and the possibility of earning income has turned many gamers into professionals in digital entertainment, marking the beginning of a new era where gaming is a career and not merely a pastime. In this environment, more and more people are discovering that the path to success can be, literally, just a click away.