Can Video Games Be a Legitimate Way To Build a Career?

The idea that video games can serve as a legitimate career path has gained significant traction over the past few decades, as the gaming industry has evolved from a niche entertainment medium into a global economic and cultural force. What began in the 1970s and 1980s with arcade games and early consoles has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry encompassing game development, professional esports, streaming, content creation, and game-related services. In the early 2000s, professional gaming—also known as esports—emerged as an organized, competitive scene with structured tournaments, sponsorships, and global audiences. At the same time, platforms like YouTube and Twitch gave rise to gaming content creators and streamers, who built careers by sharing gameplay, reviews, tutorials, and entertainment. Game development itself also expanded, with opportunities in design, programming, art, storytelling, and audio production becoming more accessible through specialized education.