Turning your gaming hobby into a career is a dream for many gamers. Jordan Smith, also known as Peeceful, successfully transformed his passion for gaming into a sustainable job. Starting with Call of Duty 4 on a laptop, he progressed through competitive gaming, streaming, and eventually leading a games company. Building a strong portfolio, maintaining consistency, and networking are key strategies he recommends for aspiring gamers.

Creating a diverse portfolio of work is essential for gamers looking to transition from a hobby to a profession. This can include showcasing your skills through streaming, participating in competitive gaming events, and collaborating with other gamers or industry professionals. By demonstrating your abilities across various platforms, you can attract a wider audience and potential opportunities for career advancement.

Consistency is another crucial factor in turning gaming into a job. Regularly engaging with your audience through streaming, uploading content, or participating in tournaments helps to build a loyal fan base. By establishing a predictable schedule and delivering high-quality content consistently, you can increase your visibility in the gaming community and attract potential sponsors or partners.

Networking plays a vital role in the gaming industry, offering opportunities to connect with other gamers, content creators, and industry insiders. Attending gaming events, joining online communities, and collaborating with fellow gamers can help you expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities. Building strong relationships within the gaming community can lead to partnerships, sponsorships, and career growth.

In conclusion, turning gaming from a hobby to a job requires dedication, strategic planning, and a proactive approach. By following tips such as building a diverse portfolio, maintaining consistency, and networking with industry professionals, aspiring gamers can increase their chances of success in the competitive gaming industry. With perseverance and a passion for gaming, it is possible to turn your hobby into a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Original news source: Five tips for turning gaming from a hobby to a job (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Select key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., gaming, streaming, networking, portfolio). One student from each team will come to the board and draw the word while their team tries to guess what it is. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to summarize the article in their own words in 3-5 sentences. Encourage them to focus on the main points and key strategies mentioned in the text. Afterward, have a brief discussion about the challenges and opportunities of turning a gaming hobby into a career.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Create a spectrum line on the board with “Strongly Disagree” on one end and “Strongly Agree” on the other. Present statements related to the article (e.g., “Networking is the most important factor in turning gaming into a job”). Ask students to place themselves on the spectrum according to their opinion and then discuss their reasons with a partner.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Write discussion questions on cards related to the article (e.g., “What challenges do you think gamers face when trying to turn their hobby into a career?”). Have students think about the question individually, pair up to discuss their thoughts, and then share their ideas with the class.

– Keyword Hangman
Instructions: Select key terms from the article and write them with dashes on the board to represent the number of letters in each word (e.g., _ _ _ _ _ _ for “networking”). Have students guess letters to try and uncover the keywords. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary and spelling from the text.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are some key strategies Jordan Smith, also known as Peeceful, recommends for aspiring gamers looking to turn their hobby into a career?
2. Why is creating a diverse portfolio of work important for gamers transitioning into a profession?
3. How can consistency in engaging with an audience help gamers build a sustainable career?
4. Why is networking considered a vital factor in the gaming industry for aspiring professionals?
5. What are some ways in which gamers can expand their professional network according to the article?
6. How can building strong relationships within the gaming community benefit aspiring gamers?
7. What are some potential opportunities that networking with industry professionals can lead to for gamers?
8. According to the article, what qualities and approaches are necessary for aspiring gamers to successfully turn their hobby into a career in the competitive gaming industry?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Turning your gaming hobby into a career is a dream for many gamers. Jordan Smith, also (1)______ as Peeceful, successfully transformed his passion for gaming into a sustainable job. Starting with Call of Duty 4 on a laptop, he progressed through competitive gaming, streaming, and eventually leading a games company. Building a strong portfolio, maintaining (2)______, and networking are key (3)______ he recommends for aspiring gamers.

(4)______ a diverse portfolio of work is essential for gamers looking to transition from a hobby to a profession. This can include showcasing your skills through (5)______, participating in competitive gaming events, and collaborating with other gamers or industry (6)______. By demonstrating your abilities across various platforms, you can (7)______ a (8)______ audience and potential opportunities for career advancement.

Consistency is another crucial factor in turning gaming into a job. Regularly engaging with your audience through streaming, uploading content, or participating in tournaments helps to build a loyal fan base. By establishing a predictable schedule and delivering high-quality content consistently, you can (9)______ your visibility in the gaming community and attract potential sponsors or partners.

Networking (10)______ a vital role in the gaming industry, offering opportunities to connect with other gamers, content creators, and industry insiders. Attending gaming events, joining online (11)______, and collaborating with fellow gamers can help you expand your professional network and open (12)______ to new opportunities. Building strong relationships within the gaming community can lead to partnerships, sponsorships, and (13)______ growth.

In conclusion, turning gaming from a hobby to a job requires (14)______, strategic planning, and a proactive approach. By following tips such as building a diverse portfolio, maintaining consistency, and networking with (15)______ professionals, aspiring gamers can increase their (16)______ of success in the competitive gaming industry. With perseverance and a passion for gaming, it is possible to turn your hobby into a fulfilling and sustainable career.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on turning a hobby like gaming into a full-time career?
2. How would you feel if you had the opportunity to turn your current hobby into a sustainable job?
3. Do you think consistency is important in any profession? Why or why not?
4. What do you believe are the benefits of networking in any industry, not just gaming?
5. Do you think showcasing skills through streaming is an effective way to attract a wider audience? Why or why not?
6. How do you think collaborating with other gamers or industry professionals can benefit someone looking to make gaming their career?
7. What challenges do you think aspiring gamers might face when trying to transition from a hobby to a profession?
8. Do you think passion alone is enough to succeed in the gaming industry, or are other factors more important?
9. How important do you think it is to have a predictable schedule when trying to build a career in gaming?
10. What are some other hobbies or interests you think could potentially be turned into a successful career with the right strategies?
11. How do you think the gaming industry has evolved in terms of career opportunities over the years?
12. Do you believe that the gaming industry offers equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or experience?
13. Why do you think networking is emphasized as a key strategy for success in the gaming industry?
14. How do you think the perception of gamers as professionals has changed in recent years?
15. What advice would you give to someone who is considering turning their passion for gaming into a career?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. sustainable
2. portfolio
3. consistency
4. visibility
5. sponsors
6. proactive
7. perseverance
8. strategic
9. diverse
10. collaborating
11. aspiring
12. engaging
13. opportunities
14. advancement
15. dedication

Meanings:
(A) A collection of work or documents that represent a person’s skills and accomplishments
(B) Working together with others to achieve a common goal
(C) Favorable circumstances or chances for progress or success
(D) Desiring or aiming to achieve a particular goal
(E) The quality of being committed to a task or purpose
(F) Showing a great variety or range
(G) The process of moving forward or improving in status or position
(H) Taking initiative and acting in anticipation of future problems or needs
(I) Carefully designed or planned to serve a particular purpose
(J) The state of being easily seen or noticed
(K) The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way
(L) Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties
(M) Actively participating or becoming involved in something
(N) Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources
(O) Individuals or organizations that provide financial support in exchange for advertising
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is Jordan Smith’s gaming alias?
(a) Peeceful
(b) GamerPro
(c) MasterGamer
(d) GamingLegend

2. What was the first game Jordan Smith played competitively?
(a) Fortnite
(b) Call of Duty 4
(c) League of Legends
(d) Minecraft

3. What is a key strategy recommended for aspiring gamers to turn their hobby into a profession?
(a) Playing games casually
(b) Avoiding networking
(c) Inconsistency in content creation
(d) Building a strong portfolio

4. How can gamers showcase their skills to attract a wider audience?
(a) By playing games alone
(b) By avoiding competitive events
(c) By not engaging with industry professionals
(d) Through streaming, competitive gaming, and collaborations

5. What is a crucial factor in turning gaming into a job?
(a) Inconsistency
(b) Randomly streaming content
(c) Consistency
(d) Avoiding tournaments

6. What role does networking play in the gaming industry?
(a) Isolating oneself from the gaming community
(b) Connecting with other gamers and industry insiders
(c) Avoiding online communities
(d) Not collaborating with fellow gamers

7. How can gamers expand their professional network?
(a) Attending gaming events and joining online communities
(b) Avoiding gaming events
(c) Playing games in isolation
(d) Not collaborating with fellow gamers

8. What can aspiring gamers do to increase their chances of success in the gaming industry?
(a) Avoid building a portfolio and consistency
(b) Not engaging with industry professionals
(c) Follow tips such as building a diverse portfolio, maintaining consistency, and networking
(d) Play games casually without any strategic planning

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. By ignoring tips like building a diverse portfolio, maintaining inconsistency, and avoiding networking, aspiring gamers can decrease their chances of success in the competitive gaming industry.
2. Networking is a vital aspect of the gaming industry, providing opportunities to connect with other professionals and potential partners.
3. Inconsistency in engaging with the audience through streaming, content creation, and tournaments is detrimental for career growth in gaming.
4. Avoiding gaming events, excluding from online communities, and refusing to collaborate with fellow gamers can hinder one’s professional network.
5. Building a repetitive portfolio of work is crucial for gamers looking to transition from a hobby to a profession.
6. Jordan Smith, also known as Peeceful, successfully turned his passion for gaming into a sustainable career.
7. Starting with Call of Duty 4 on a laptop, Peeceful progressed through competitive gaming, streaming, and leading a games company.
8. Turning gaming into a job requires dedication, strategic planning, and a proactive approach.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the key strategies recommended by Jordan Smith for aspiring gamers looking to turn their hobby into a profession?
2. Why is creating a diverse portfolio of work important for gamers seeking to transition into a career in the gaming industry?
3. How does consistency play a crucial role in the process of turning gaming into a job, according to the article?
4. Why is networking considered a vital factor in the gaming industry for those looking to build a career in gaming?
5. What are some of the benefits mentioned in the article for aspiring gamers who successfully turn their gaming hobby into a sustainable job?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are some key strategies Jordan Smith, also known as Peeceful, recommends for aspiring gamers looking to turn their hobby into a career?
– Building a diverse portfolio of work, maintaining consistency, and networking with industry professionals.

2. Why is creating a diverse portfolio of work important for gamers transitioning into a profession?
– It helps showcase skills across various platforms, attract a wider audience, and potential opportunities for career advancement.

3. How can consistency in engaging with an audience help gamers build a sustainable career?
– Regular engagement through streaming, uploading content, or participating in tournaments helps build a loyal fan base, increase visibility, and attract sponsors or partners.

4. Why is networking considered a vital factor in the gaming industry for aspiring professionals?
– Networking offers opportunities to connect with other gamers, content creators, and industry insiders, leading to partnerships, sponsorships, and career growth.

5. What are some ways in which gamers can expand their professional network according to the article?
– Attending gaming events, joining online communities, and collaborating with fellow gamers.

6. How can building strong relationships within the gaming community benefit aspiring gamers?
– It can lead to partnerships, sponsorships, and career growth opportunities.

7. What are some potential opportunities that networking with industry professionals can lead to for gamers?
– Partnerships, sponsorships, and career growth opportunities.

8. According to the article, what qualities and approaches are necessary for aspiring gamers to successfully turn their hobby into a career in the competitive gaming industry?
– Dedication, strategic planning, and a proactive approach are necessary qualities and approaches for success.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) known
(2) consistency
(3) strategies
(4) Creating
(5) streaming
(6) professionals
(7) attract
(8) wider
(9) increase
(10) plays
(11) communities
(12) doors
(13) career
(14) dedication
(15) industry
(16) chances
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. sustainable
Answer: (N) Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting resources

2. portfolio
Answer: (A) A collection of work or documents that represent a person’s skills and accomplishments

3. consistency
Answer: (K) The quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way

4. visibility
Answer: (J) The state of being easily seen or noticed

5. sponsors
Answer: (O) Individuals or organizations that provide financial support in exchange for advertising

6. proactive
Answer: (H) Taking initiative and acting in anticipation of future problems or needs

7. perseverance
Answer: (L) Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties

8. strategic
Answer: (I) Carefully designed or planned to serve a particular purpose

9. diverse
Answer: (F) Showing a great variety or range

10. collaborating
Answer: (B) Working together with others to achieve a common goal

11. aspiring
Answer: (D) Desiring or aiming to achieve a particular goal

12. engaging
Answer: (M) Actively participating or becoming involved in something

13. opportunities
Answer: (C) Favorable circumstances or chances for progress or success

14. advancement
Answer: (G) The process of moving forward or improving in status or position

15. dedication
Answer: (E) The quality of being committed to a task or purpose
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is Jordan Smith’s gaming alias?
Answer: (a) Peeceful

2. What was the first game Jordan Smith played competitively?
Answer: (b) Call of Duty 4

3. What is a key strategy recommended for aspiring gamers to turn their hobby into a profession?
Answer: (d) Building a strong portfolio

4. How can gamers showcase their skills to attract a wider audience?
Answer: (d) Through streaming, competitive gaming, and collaborations

5. What is a crucial factor in turning gaming into a job?
Answer: (c) Consistency

6. What role does networking play in the gaming industry?
Answer: (b) Connecting with other gamers and industry insiders

7. How can gamers expand their professional network?
Answer: (a) Attending gaming events and joining online communities

8. What can aspiring gamers do to increase their chances of success in the gaming industry?
Answer: (c) Follow tips such as building a diverse portfolio, maintaining consistency, and networking
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. By ignoring tips like building a diverse portfolio, maintaining inconsistency, and avoiding networking, aspiring gamers can decrease their chances of success in the competitive gaming industry. (Answer: False)
2. Networking is a vital aspect of the gaming industry, providing opportunities to connect with other professionals and potential partners. (Answer: True)
3. Inconsistency in engaging with the audience through streaming, content creation, and tournaments is detrimental for career growth in gaming. (Answer: False)
4. Avoiding gaming events, excluding from online communities, and refusing to collaborate with fellow gamers can hinder one’s professional network. (Answer: False)
5. Building a repetitive portfolio of work is crucial for gamers looking to transition from a hobby to a profession. (Answer: False)
6. Jordan Smith, also known as Peeceful, successfully turned his passion for gaming into a sustainable career. (Answer: True)
7. Starting with Call of Duty 4 on a laptop, Peeceful progressed through competitive gaming, streaming, and leading a games company. (Answer: True)
8. Turning gaming into a job requires dedication, strategic planning, and a proactive approach. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧