Earning a little extra money on the side by writing video game reviews, walkthroughs, or guides can be a fun and rewarding way to make some extra cash. It can also be a great way to learn more about how video games are made and how the journalism and content creation communities operate. (Plus, it's a great way to improve your writing skills!) But before you start pitching yourself to game publications, there are a few things you should know to help you make money with video game writing gigs.
Apply to gigs on a daily basis
When looking for work as a video game reviewer, it's important to look for and apply to gigs every day. It's a numbers game, really, as most of the jobs you apply to end in rejections. That's just part of the process, don't take it personally! But the more you apply to the more gigs you'll land, meaning the more work you'll have on your plate. You also never know when one of these clients will want repeat work, too.
Small, low-paying jobs can make you more money
It's a common misconception that high-paying jobs are the only way to make good money. In reality, there are a number of low-paying jobs and smaller gigs that can make you more money in the long run. How? Two main reasons:
- A lower number of hours committed to working.
- Regular pay adds up over time.
Small jobs often require a much smaller commitment but can be repeated with very little effort. Larger jobs can require lots of research, which eats up precious hours. This means that with small lower-paying jobs you can spend more time working on tasks that pay.
Because you spend more time working for pay rather than preparing to work, lower-paying gigs will add up quickly over time. Most people would rather write one review and get paid $200 for it, but if you can knock out ten reviews at $20 a piece, each of which requires a fraction of the work, you get the same amount of pay with less effort. You also add more samples to your portfolio and gain more writing experience.
Where to look for video game review writing gigs on freelancing sites
If you're interested in writing video game reviews, there are a number of ways to find freelance writing gigs. One of the best places to start is by looking on freelancing websites. There are many websites that list freelance writing gigs, and most of them have sections specifically for video game reviews. This is a great way to get started because it exposes you to a variety of potential clients.
The best place to find video game writing jobs and game journalism gigs is, of course, right here on VGJobs. We focus exclusively on game writing gigs -- nothing else. That means you know that anything that appears on the job board will be in your industry and could very well be your next paying job.
Pitch yourself to game publications
Another great way to find work is by pitching yourself to video game publications. Many of these publications are always on the lookout for new writers, and they may be willing to give you a chance if you can prove that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job.
To make a successful pitch, make sure you provide all of the necessary information and not a sentence more. Show your experience with 2-3 links to published content (even if it's content on your own blog). Talk specifics about the publication to show you know
Don't be afraid to start your own blog or website
If you're having trouble finding work as a video game reviewer, consider starting your own blog or website. This can be a great way to showcase your skills and attract attention from potential clients. In addition to writing reviews, consider creating walkthroughs and guides. Both of these are highly sought after by publications, as they tend to be some of the most searched queries on search engines.