Greetings.

As many of you know, several people have become famous on the internet for posting and streaming videos on their own websites, as well as on such sites as Youtube.

I sadly do not know much about how it actually works behind the scenes, when one tries to make an actual living through just making popular videos.

For example, if one wanted to become a Starcraft commentator, what would it all require? Advertising, I presume, would be the main source of income, but what about sponsors? Would EA sponsor the person? Could it actually be possible to live only on the videos, would the person have to have some other job for support, when things aren't kicking it?

The reason for this inquiry is, that one of my friends threw up an idea of playing a Starcraft -commentator in a World of Darkness, or more specifically, a Vampire: The Requiem game. His previous mortal life would have consisted of hosting and/or being the commentator for Starcraft-events, publishing youtube videos and handling Starcraft -themed merchandise.

While the idea sounds good, I am not sure if living solely on Starcraft-specific events would be good enough, or would he have to generalise more.

So I ask thee, Great Spirit of the Community Discussion, to spread your enlightenment on the topic!

Just remember, if you end up like PewDiePie, just take a moment to step back and realize that you deserve none of what you gained.

Advertisemants come after you build up a fanbase, generally. Nobody would want to pay you for an ad on their video if you're only getting 20 views.

I see people that make a living just playing games on the Internet as really unjust. People work hard shifts and long hours for half of what some people earn. It's utterly unfair, and I'd never want to stoop so low myself. I'd do it for fun, but I'd hate myself if I came to depend on it.

However, your idea for commentating seems original and interesting. Go with my blessing, for all it's worth

I'm mixed on making money off game videos. Developers worked hard to create the games and other people making money off it seems unjust. But, I also feel that if someone works hard to edit it and actually provided decent commentary, then maybe they can have a bit of profit. Using that as a living seems weird though. I for one don't monetize my game videos, I didn't make the games so I don't think I deserve the money. If you do commentary and become successful then by all means, make a little profit if it helps you continue to do what you love. I did read somewhere though that some game companies don't like their videos monetized. If you become popular, don't be like PewDiePie, that guy is annoying. But that's just my two cents.