India’s digital arena is buzzing, and the gaming creator space is leading the charge. With a staggering 213% growth between 2020 and 2022, reaching an impressive 467,000 influencers by the close of 2024, the spotlight on gaming creators is brighter than ever. But how do you cut through the noise and transform your passion for gaming into a thriving career in 2025?
On International Creators Day, the titans of Indian gaming, from the renowned S8UL collective, share their invaluable wisdom, experiences, and crucial lessons for those aiming to make it big. From carving your unique niche to building a sustainable career, prepare to take notes.
In a digital universe saturated with content, the temptation to chase trends or emulate popular creators is strong. However, India’s elite gamers unanimously agree: authenticity is your ultimate power-up.
“Focus on what makes you truly unique,” advises Payal Dhare, the celebrated PayalGaming. “Whether it’s your personality, your humor, or your distinct gaming style, stay consistent and authentic. Meaningful content will always triumph over fleeting popularity.”
Salman Ahmad, the strategic mind behind 8Bit Mamba, adds a nuanced perspective: “Aspiring creators should definitely study established names – how they structure content, how they engage. But avoid direct imitation. Absorb their techniques, then inject your own perspective and creativity. That’s how a distinct and engaging identity is born.”
For the steadfast Raj Varma, known as Snax, authenticity isn’t just important; it’s non-negotiable. “You don’t need to bend over backwards to stand out. Be genuinely yourself, both on and off-screen. Audiences connect most deeply with creators who are real. Your honest content and true persona are what will attract and retain your audience.”
Gulrez Khan, the charismatic Joker Ki Haveli, reinforces the power of consistency and genuine engagement. “Building a strong identity starts with finding your unique voice. Interact meaningfully with your community, maintain a consistent storytelling approach, and collaborate authentically with others to fuel organic growth.”
Every creator stumbles at the beginning, but learning from the experiences of those who’ve paved the way can be a game-changer.
“Many newcomers make the mistake of diving straight into livestreaming,” observes 8Bit Mamba. “Often, starting with edited videos or short-form content is more effective. It allows you to hone your storytelling, understand your audience’s preferences, and gradually build your on-camera confidence.”
Joker Ki Haveli emphasizes the critical importance of consistency and content quality. “Irregular uploads, poorly designed thumbnails, and clickbait titles can erode your brand and confuse your viewers. A structured content schedule, a focused niche, and investing time in presentation are essential for building trust and credibility.”
PayalGaming cautions against the allure of quick fixes. “Chasing trends for rapid growth can often backfire. While inspiration is natural, staying true to your unique voice and originality is far more sustainable in the long run. Create content that you yourself genuinely enjoy and would be excited to share with your community!”
Snax tackles a common misconception about the financial barriers to entry. “There’s a widespread belief that you need high-end equipment to start, but that’s simply not true. You can begin with basic tools – even your smartphone camera. Whether your budget is fifty rupees or five lakhs, the strength of your concept and the quality of your content are what truly matter.”
Transforming a love for gaming into a viable career demands more than just skill with a controller or keyboard. It requires discipline, patience, and a strategic mindset.
“Approach gaming with the seriousness of a professional career,” advises Payal. “It’s not just a hobby. You need consistency, discipline, and the resilience to push through periods of slow growth. Those who treat it like a job are the ones who build lasting success.”
Gulrez underscores the necessity of a strong multi-platform presence. “A successful creator needs visibility beyond just YouTube or Twitch. Engaging with communities on platforms like Instagram, Discord, and others helps build deeper connections – not just with your audience, but also with brands and fellow creators.”
Raj offers a pragmatic perspective on the industry’s volatility. “As exciting as this space is, it’s still inherently unpredictable. Give it your all, but also be wise and have a backup plan in place. Financial and career stability are crucial, especially in such a dynamic environment.”
“The creator economy is still evolving, and gaming itself is incredibly diverse,” Salman concludes. “Aspiring creators should explore a wide spectrum of games and content styles. Our community needs more versatility – creators who are open to experimentation and can adapt to different gaming genres.”
So, whether you’re just hitting start or contemplating going full-time, remember to be authentic, consistent, and community-focused. But most importantly, never stop playing.
Credit: This article is based on information from Influencer Marketing Intelligence Platform Qoruz and insights shared by S8UL creators Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Salman Ahmad (8Bit Mamba), Raj Varma (Snax), and Gulrez Khan (Joker Ki Haveli).
Summary:
- India’s gaming creator economy is experiencing rapid growth, with 467,000 influencers by the end of 2024.
- Top Indian gamers emphasize the importance of authenticity, consistency, and genuine engagement for aspiring creators.
- Common mistakes to avoid include jumping straight to livestreaming, inconsistent uploads, and chasing trends instead of originality.
- Turning gaming into a career requires a professional mindset, building a multi-platform presence, and having a backup plan.