# How Video Games Shaped My Money-Making Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The Grind
For as long as I can remember, video games have been a significant part of my life. I started on my cousin's N64, eventually moving to my own GameCube, and later transitioning to PC gaming. This journey through various genres, from First Person Shooters to MMORPGs and Super Smash Bros., has equipped me with invaluable skills, notably in making money.
In this article, I will explore how gaming has enabled me to earn and save money, and how you can harness these lessons as well.
In the early days, my introduction to "gold farming" in World of Warcraft and dungeon runs in Final Fantasy taught me a fundamental truth: achieving your goals requires dedication and effort. At around age ten, I immersed myself in MMORPGs like Runescape and Maplestory, where leveling up, acquiring powerful gear, and maximizing your in-game wealth were the primary objectives. To secure the best rewards, you had to battle formidable foes, earning loot and currency with each victory.
I recall spending countless hours battling the same creatures, collecting small amounts of currency with each success. The grind was enjoyable because I understood that every effort brought me closer to my goals—buying the most coveted items in the game.
Fast forward to today, and I maintain a similar grind outside of gaming. I juggle side projects alongside my full-time job. My post-work hours are often spent on various ventures, including writing for Medium, developing trading algorithms, and creating sports betting models. This commitment to hard work has led to additional income streams beyond my salary, mirroring the effort I put into my gaming grind.
Section 1.1: Investing
An essential aspect of any video game is the gear you possess. Superior equipment empowers you to tackle challenging quests, acquire rare items, and defeat stronger enemies. However, to achieve this, you must invest your time and money wisely.
When starting a new game, you typically begin with nothing—no currency, no gear. As you grind to build a foundational set of items, you can challenge tougher foes. However, constantly seeking new gear isn't always the best strategy; sometimes, enhancing your current equipment is more beneficial.
In my Maplestory days, I opted to invest heavily in upgrading my gear rather than purchasing new items. This choice allowed me to face stronger adversaries and reap better rewards without the need for constant spending.
The same principle applies in real life. Always seek ways to invest your resources for greater returns, whether through stock purchases or entrepreneurship. Recently, I've focused on educating myself in cryptocurrency—a volatile yet potentially lucrative investment.
Moreover, investing in your education can yield long-term financial success and career growth. Although it may feel daunting, the rewards can be significant, akin to facing a challenging boss in a game—high risk often leads to high reward.
Section 1.2: Exercise Caution
A crucial lesson I learned early on is that not everyone has your best interests at heart. I vividly remember a time when I attempted to sell a rare item in Maplestory. After some intense negotiations, I thought I had struck a fantastic deal, only to later realize I had been scammed and lost a fortune in-game.
This experience mirrors real-life scenarios, particularly in my cybersecurity career, where I witness numerous scams and data breaches. It's vital to stay vigilant and not fall prey to malicious individuals—like I did.
Chapter 2: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Another valuable skill I gained from gaming is the importance of efficiency. Many games offer opportunities to streamline tasks, such as automating resource collection or battle sequences.
In Runescape, I crafted my weapons and armor through a tedious process of mining, smelting, and crafting. Initially, I did everything manually, but I soon realized I could automate parts of the process using my skills, saving time and energy that could be redirected toward making money.
Today, I've implemented similar automation in my side projects. For instance, I utilize a sports betting algorithm that generates predictions for upcoming games, allowing me to place bets without constant monitoring. Additionally, I have stock trading algorithms that alert me when optimal trading conditions arise, freeing me from the need to analyze charts constantly.
Thank You!
Video games have played a pivotal role in teaching me how to earn money. By applying the skills I've developed over the years in gaming, I've established a steady stream of both active and passive income. The same principles I utilized while grinding in Runescape now inform my approach to trading algorithms. I hope that by sharing my journey, you too can discover how video games can contribute to your financial success.
In this insightful video, I share my journey of earning $300K through video games, detailing the lessons I've learned along the way.
This video provides guidance on how to start generating income while playing video games, offering practical tips for aspiring gamers.