HOW TO GET PAID TO PLAY Getting started in the rent to pwn business

It seems simply incredible to us that some people actually get paid to play video games (especially to our mothers), but if you are good enough, you could actually make a nice living from-that's right-gaming. But even Walshy, Fata1ity and T-Squared didn't become highly paid superstars overnight. The road to success is paved with thousands of hours of practice, failure, and (maybe just maybe) a triumphant payday. So if long odds and even longer practices sound like good times to you,then read on.

First things first: don't waste your time by asking for cash before you've made a name for yourself. Winning a couple of matches on the GameBattles ladder is a good start and a fine accomplishment, but follow that up with a couple of dozen more before you start shopping for matching Rolexes.

Have something significant to talk about with potential sponsors before you begin making the rounds. The internet is a wonderful place, but potential sponsors want you to participate in live tournaments rather than existing completely online. Live tournament play is where you'll have the opportunity to be seen and meet the most people-even if it's just a local LAN or regional tournament.

Most importantly, live tournaments and events are the only place where you'll meet potential sponsors and partners. This is where you'll meet with company representatives and develop personal relationships-do this well before asking them for dollars. Spamming companies' inboxes with solicitations without a direct personal relationship will only succeed in putting you on their email blacklist.

After you've won some live tournaments and shaken some hands, always remember that you are entering into a mutually beneficial marketing arrangement. The upside to you is that you'll potentially receive free gear and travel expenses-but there has to be a return on investment for the company as well. Be prepared to show exactly how you plan to do that, in terms of cost per impression. Having a team website with an active fan community is a natural place to start since you can give potential partners actual data on unique visitor traffic, page views, and site ranking.

Your team's image is absolutely crucial to any potential sponsor relationship. You'll be an extension of the company's brand. Today's world-wide corporations won't touch you with a ten-foot contract unless you project a mature, responsible image-no matter how good you are. Start by removing racist, homophobic, and drug references in your Gamer Tag and other avatars or signatures that you use in forums and social networking sites. Bigoted behavior online or in person will quickly earn you a negative reputation, and that's game over. Drugs and alcohol are a non-starter, period. This includes inappropriate behavior at events but extends to MySpace and Facebook photos-or wherever you keep a public profile. Ask Michael Phelps about his Kellogg's contract if you are unsure about how important this is.

Even if your team has a carefully crafted image, you probably don't have a real shot at taking down Str8 Rippin' on MLG's main stage-at least right away-but there might be more ways to make your team marketable beyond raw skill. What makes your team interesting? Is your team comprised of former high school football stars (or the cheer leading squad)? Does one of your players have 6 fingers? Look for an interesting angle-are you all from the same small town in Iowa, or from the four corners of the globe? Be sure to keep this in mind when you are looking for teammates who you might otherwise pass up.

Most of all, when you are playing and searching for great teammates, remember to have fun and enjoy the rigors of competition, but always treat both your teammates and other players with respect. The professional gaming community is an extremely tiny subset of gamers and you'll be sure to meet and network with the same people again and again.

In closing, there are few occupations in life that are as incredible as being a paid, professional gamer. Given the right attitude, skill, and dedication you could be one of the proud elite that can say:"I get paid to play videogames."