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As India����ֱ�� creator economy continues its meteoric rise, there is one genre in particular is stealing the spotlight – gaming. According to a report by Influencer Marketing Intelligence Platform Qoruz, India’s creator economy has expanded from 962,000 influencers in 2020 to 4,060,000 in 2024. Among them, gaming has been one of the fastest-growing categories, witnessing 213 percent growth between 2020 and 2022 and reaching 467,000 influencers by the end of 2024.

But while the spotlight is brighter, the path to success remains complex. What does it really take to stand out in such a crowded space? How do you turn a passion for games into a full time sustainable career?

On the occasion of International Creators Day, some of India����ֱ�� leading gamers, part of S8UL, which is a global name in esports and gaming content, share their advice, experiences, and lessons for aspiring creators looking to make it big in 2025. From finding your style to building your career, here����ֱ�� what they have to say.

Building your unique identity in a crowded space

In a digital landscape overflowing with content, it is tempting to follow trends or copy popular formats. But India����ֱ�� top creators all agree on one thing — authenticity is what makes you stand out.

“Focus on what makes you truly unique,”�����������Payal Dhare, widely known as PayalGaming��and one of India����ֱ�� leading female gaming creators. “Whether it is your personality, your sense of humour, or your gaming style, stay consistent and authentic. Creating meaningful content will always hold more value than chasing short-term popularity.”

Salman Ahmad, popularly known as 8Bit Mamba,��echoes this sentiment with a nuanced perspective.��“Aspiring creators should draw inspiration from established names but avoid direct imitation. Study how they structure their content and engage with their audiences, then add your own perspective and creativity. That����ֱ�� how a distinct identity is formed, and that is what will engage a unique set of audience”

For Raj Varma, also known as Snax,��authenticity is non-negotiable.��“You do not need to go out of your way to stand out. Be honest and comfortable with who you are. Audiences resonate most with creators who are genuine, both on and off the camera. Your content and persona are the key drivers for your audience.”

Gulrez Khan, better known in the gaming community as Joker Ki Haveli,��reinforces the importance of consistency and engagement.��“Building a strong identity begins with developing your own voice. Interact meaningfully with your audience, be consistent in your storytelling, and collaborate with others to grow your presence organically.”

Common mistakes to avoid

Every creator makes mistakes in the beginning, but learning from them early can make all the difference.

“Many new creators tend to jump straight into livestreaming as their entry point,”���Dz�������������8Bit Mamba.��“However, starting with edited videos or short-form content can often be more effective. It allows you to refine your storytelling skills, understand your audience better, and gradually build confidence on camera.”

Joker Ki Haveli, highlights the importance of consistency and content quality.��“Irregular uploads, poorly designed thumbnails, and clickbait titles can dilute your brand and confuse your audience. It is essential to maintain a structured content schedule, focus on a specific niche, and invest time in presentation to establish trust and credibility.”

PayalGaming, advises against shortcut strategies.��“Chasing trends in the hope of overnight growth can backfire. While it is natural to draw inspiration from others, staying true to your own voice and originality is far more sustainable in the long run. Create content that you yourself would enjoy and would love to share with your community as well!”

���Բ�����addresses the common misconception that professional content creation requires significant financial investment.��“There is a belief that high-end equipment is necessary to begin, but that is simply not true. You can start with basic tools—even a smartphone camera. Whether your budget is fifty rupees or five lakh rupees, it is the strength of your concept and content that ultimately makes the impact.”

Turning gaming into a career

Turning a passion for gaming into a career takes more than just skill. It requires discipline, patience, and strategy.

“Approach gaming with the seriousness of a professional career,”�����屹���������Payal.��“It is not merely entertainment. You need to be consistent, disciplined, and prepared for the days when growth feels slow. Those who treat it as a job are the ones who are able to sustain success.”

Gulrez��highlights the importance of cultivating a strong online presence across platforms.��“A successful creator must be visible beyond just YouTube or Twitch. Engaging with communities on other platforms like Instagram, Discord, and other platforms helps build connections—not only with audiences but also with brands and fellow creators.”

�鲹����offers a pragmatic perspective.��“As exciting as this industry is, it remains unpredictable. It is essential to give it your all—but also wise to have a backup plan in place. Financial and career stability matters, especially in such a dynamic space.”

“The creator economy is still evolving, and gaming itself is incredibly diverse. Aspiring creators should explore a wide range of titles and content styles. We need more versatility in the community—creators who are open to experimentation and can adapt to different gaming genres,”��Salman adds.

So, whether you’re just starting out or thinking of taking it full-time, be real, consistent and community-focused. But above all, keep playing.