How to Start a Gaming Podcast

Podcasts provide a platform for gamers to engage with like-minded individuals and be part of a broader gaming community. In the gaming community, listening to podcasts allows gamers to get game reviews of new and favorite games, share their opinions on video game news, and participate in discussions about events within the gaming industry.

A great podcast has good production quality, engaging discussions, talks about the latest gaming news, and could be kinda funny from time to time. This article covers how to make a gaming podcast and how to make money from it, where to host one, and the best gaming podcasts around.

How To Make A Gaming Podcast

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create the best video game podcast:

1. Formulate a solid idea -Before you think about anything else, you need to ask yourself, “why should anyone listen to my podcast over someone else's?”. If your podcast isn’t unique and cannot separate itself from everything else in the market, you need to go back to the drawing board. All great gaming podcasts have something unique to offer to listeners.
2. Choose a reliable Podcast Hosting Service - An important part of your podcast business plan is choosing a podcast hosting service that suits your needs and fits your budget. You can stream your podcast on services like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, among. You can then distribute your podcasts from these hosting services to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
3. Find a co-host - The best podcasts have multiple hosts. It gives the viewer a diversity of opinions, thoughts and perspectives. Finding a co-host shouldn’t be done without proper thought. They need to gel with you to produce a synergy that is enjoyable and entertaining for your guests and listeners.
4. Invest in good hardware and software - A great podcast has certain expectations when it comes to production quality. You should invest in decent hardware, particularly audio equipment, since bad audio quality will instantly detract listeners. Headsets like the Logitech ClearChat USB Comfort H390 Headset is a great choice, while the Blue Yeti Microphone is the most popular pick due to its dependability.
5. Have a few test runs - Before you kick off with a new episode, you’ll need to do a whole lot of tests to get the correct audio levels, camera angles, desk setups, and other production elements. You want to make sure your first episode attracts the maximum number of audience and not draw them away due to quality hiccups.

How to Make Money by Hosting a Gaming Podcast

Making money from your gaming podcast is important to build it’s size and make it so you can continue to pursue this hobby and eventually convert it to a full-time career.

Here are a few ways you can monetize your gaming podcast:

• Advertisements and Sponsorships - One of the most common ways to monetize podcasting is to run ads or insert sponsor segments into each episode. You can partner with brands that sells products which you think are relevant to your audience.
• Patreon or Membership Programs - Patreon and similar membership programs allow creators to receive monthly donations from ardent fans in the gaming world in exchange for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and other perks. This can be a good monetization method once you have a sizeable following.
• Guest Appearances and Collaborations - Collaborating itself may not directly lead to a growth in revenue, but it can open the doors for limitless opportunities that do. Socializing and networking are very important aspects of content creation. Having a joint episode with other gaming podcasts to discuss game reviews and video game news can also attract their audience to your podcast.
• Affiliate Marketing - Affiliate marketing is when you promote certain products or services from other companies, who make games or products for games, on your podcast and offer an affiliate code to your audience. People who use this code to make purchases earn you a cut every time.
• Merchandise Sales - This should generally be the last step in truly increasing the revenue generated from your podcast. If you have a good number of hardcore fans who tune in to listen to your podcast every week, you can sell them merchandise based on your brand's theme.

Top 10 Best Video Game Podcasts

If you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best. Here are the top 10 best gaming podcasts today:

1. Giant Bombcast - A round-table podcast with passionate gaming enthusiasts sharing video game news and gaming reviews from industry experts.
2. Retronauts - A retro take on the gaming podcast scene discussing the history of video games and the development of the gaming industry.
3. What’s Good Games - A refreshing take on video game news from two highly-experienced industry experts on all things gaming.
4. Game Scoop! - Get the scoop on the latest video game updates from the highly reputable people at IGN. Covers news on AAA titles for both console and PC gaming.
5. GamesIndustry.Biz - If you’re interested in the global economic, labor, and socio-political trends that affect the gaming world, this one’s the pick for you. Receive fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes info on complex topics related to gaming.
6. Get Played - A more light-hearted comedy podcast that’s sure to make you laugh. Join for some hilarious talk on some of the weirdest and worst games in history.
7. Sacred Symbols - Sacred Symbols is specifically a PlayStation podcast, that serves a unique niche for people who are fans of PlayStation platforms, whether it’s the PS3, PS4, PS5, PSVR or PS Vita.
8. Axe of the Blood God - This is a podcast all about RPGs that offers an entertaining an informative look on the particular genre. Don’t worry, there’s even talk of JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest!
9. Spawn on Me - A more serious podcast that tackles some of the current socio-political issues faced by the gaming community. They’ve also got news, reviews and in-depth interviews with underrepresented groups and journalists of color.
10. Kinda Funny Gamescast - Hosted by former IGN presenters, this podcast brings in veteran guests from the industry who help us with unique commentary and inside news on what’s going on in the world of gaming.

Keep Pressing Play

The game industry is massive, with a wide scope for the types of talent it can employ and careers you can build in it. Creating a gaming podcast is just one of them.

One thing’s for sure, no matter what you do or how you plan to do it, you need to be well-connected with people in the industry, and well-informed on video game news to stay on top. Identifying trends and understanding what people are talking about allows you to create content they desire.

This is where Metafy comes in. Metafy is a global community hosting esports coaches, professional players and game experts for practically every competitive game out there today. But it has grown beyond just that. It is a central hub for players from all backgrounds to discuss anything gaming related under one roof.

And if you’re just a casual player looking to connect with others who play the same game you do, you’re welcome all the same! Ask questions on what everyone thinks about the latest update, or share your opinions on the same! Start your journey at Metafy!