by Jeremy Davis, reporter
OMAHA – A juggernaut of an industry, according to a report by Nielsen-owned SuperData, with home to almost four million employees with an estimated revenue in 2019 of one and half billion dollars is continuing to grow.
Live streaming is something that wasn’t possible until 13 years ago but is now one of the most popular career goals for children.
“Some people view it as you get paid to play videogames all day you know what I mean but like at the end of the day I think it’s more about making a connection with the people that are viewing you,” said Connor Anderson. “You can play any game you want and as long as you make it entertaining that’s the most important thing right, that people come back and watch you.”
According to a study done in July of 2019 by the toy production company, Lego, in the United States and United Kingdom children’s top career aspirations are to become streamers or vloggers.
“I mean I don’t see a problem with it as long as their not spending all they’re time playing videogames obviously you know like stand up, stretch, go outside, go do something. Videogames are great but it’s not something you should do all throughout your day,” said Anderson.
Another Twitch streamer, KeSean Peter relates the dream of being a Twitch streamer to children who want to become athletes.
“So as long as like their not banking their entire future on being a Twitch streamer, like you would be as an athlete, you should put some time into it,” said Peter. “It’s possible but you shouldn’t drop everything for it, and put all your hopes into it.”
Peter has been an avid Twitch watcher since it’s conception, and enjoys being able to watch something while working on their own projects.
Like most gamers when Anderson was younger, he was told he could never turn his favorite past time into a career but in today’s world he is now able to. “With the E-sports scene, and everything with how viable streaming is as a job I would say that’s kind of a goofy statement in retrospect but you know,” said Anderson.
