As of 2023, there are more than 3 billion gamers worldwide and more than 3,000 esports players in the US alone. So, if you’re a tech business and haven’t yet tapped into partnerships with gaming influencers, you’re missing out.
Gaming influencers are more than just people who play video games online. They’re both entertainers and educators in their specific gaming niche, with a highly engaged and dedicated audience.
Partnering with gaming influencers can be a game-changing strategy for tech businesses. Here’s a look at some top gaming influencers and how your company can leverage their reach and credibility in 2024.
Table of Contents
Why partner with gaming influencers?
Which businesses should partner with a gaming influencer?
Top gaming influencers to partner with
Key strategies for successful partnerships
Final thoughts
Why partner with gaming influencers?
1. The influence of gaming on tech purchases
The gaming industry isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a tech-driven market where gamers are often early adopters of new technology. The global games market generated over USD 282 billion in 2023 and is set to reach USD 363 billion by 2027.
So, gaming influencers have sway regarding the types of tech their audience purchases by giving recommendations and honest reviews.
2. Trust and authenticity
Gaming influencers have built rapport with their audiences, offering authentic and trustworthy recommendations. A Nielsen survey found that 92% of consumers trust influencer recommendations more than traditional ads. This trust translates into higher engagement and conversion rates, making influencers a valuable asset for tech brands.
Which businesses should partner with a gaming influencer?
Just because gaming influencers have a captive, highly engaged audience doesn’t mean every tech business will benefit from partnering with them.
Here are the types of tech businesses that would be best suited for a partnership with a gaming influencer:
1. Gaming hardware and peripheral retailers
Key products: Gaming PCs, laptops, graphics cards, processors, keyboards, mice, headsets, and gaming chairs.
Of course, businesses specializing in gaming hardware and peripherals are a natural fit for partnerships with gaming influencers. Influencers can provide detailed reviews, unboxings, and gameplay sessions highlighting the latest products’ performance and features. This generates excitement among their followers and provides potential customers with valuable insights into the products.
Example: Newegg’s collaboration with top influencers to showcase the latest gaming hardware. Influencers demonstrate the capabilities of these products in real-time gameplay, offering viewers a firsthand look at the product’s performance and driving traffic to Newegg’s online store.
2. Mobile device retailers
Key products: Smartphones and tablets.
With the rapid growth of mobile gaming, businesses that sell mobile devices can also benefit from influencer partnerships. Influencers can showcase the gaming capabilities of the latest smartphones and tablets, highlighting their enhanced graphics, battery life, and processing power.
For example, Gadget 10 released a video in 2023 listing the top gaming smartphones to purchase that year. In April 2024, Armando Ferreira released a video on the best Android gaming phone, which got over 6,000 views in the first month.
3. Tech gadget marketplaces
Key products: A wide range of tech gadgets, including gaming consoles and accessories, such as controllers, headsets, gaming chairs, and more.
Tech gadget marketplaces can collaborate with influencers to promote a variety of products, such as those listed above. Like with gaming hardware, influencers can provide unboxings, product hauls, and shopping guides, driving traffic to your online store and boosting sales across different product categories.
4. Networking equipment retailers
Key products: Routers, modems, and other networking equipment.
Fast and reliable internet is crucial for gamers, especially those who stream gaming content. Businesses that sell networking equipment can partner with influencers to emphasize the importance of strong internet connections and the benefits of their products.
5. VR/AR technology companies
Key products: VR headsets, AR glasses, VR/AR software.
As VR and AR technologies continue to gain traction, more people are looking toward influencers to determine if this technology is worth the investment. Partnerships with influencers specializing in these areas can be particularly impactful as they can showcase the immersive experiences and provide honest, in-depth reviews.
Top gaming influencers to partner with
1. PewDiePie
PewDiePie, also known as Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, is a Swedish gaming YouTuber renowned for his Let’s Play videos, vlogs, and comedy shorts. With one of the oldest channels on YouTube, PewDiePie offers an extensive reach and a highly engaged audience. His humorous commentary and unique style make him an excellent partner for tech businesses looking to market gaming hardware and accessories.
2. Total Gaming
Total Gaming, managed by Ajay (Ajju Bhai), is a leading Indian gaming YouTube channel known for live-streaming Garena Free Fire and other popular games. Ajay’s rise from mobile gaming to PC and back to mobile makes his channel versatile and appealing to a broad demographic.
Tech businesses selling mobile gaming accessories, smartphones, and gaming laptops would benefit from his influence.
3. Markiplier
Markiplier, or Mark Edward Fischbach, is an American YouTuber who is celebrated for his playthrough videos and sketch comedy. His significant viewership and dedicated fanbase make him ideal for promoting a wide range of tech products, from high-end gaming PCs to advanced gaming peripherals. His content often includes heartfelt engagement with his audience, which can build trust in the products he endorses.
4. SSSniperWolf
Alia Marie “Lia” Shelesh, or SSSniperWolf, is an English-American YouTuber famous for her reaction videos and gaming content. Her versatile content includes DIY, vlogging, and commentary, appealing to a wide audience. Due to her broad reach and engaging personality, brands selling gaming accessories, high-tech gadgets, and lifestyle tech products would find a partnership with SSSniperWolf beneficial.
5. Jacksepticeye
Seán William McLoughlin, or Jacksepticeye, is an Irish YouTube artist known for his energetic let’s play and game review videos. His co-ownership of the clothing brand Cloak and the Top of The Mornin’ Coffee company highlights his entrepreneurial spirit. Jacksepticeye’s influence is powerful among younger audiences, making him a great fit for promoting gaming peripherals, gaming chairs, and other related accessories.
6. DanTDM
Daniel Robert Middleton, or DanTDM, is a British YouTuber known for his video game commentaries, especially Minecraft. His live streams on Twitch and YouTube make him a key influencer in the gaming community. Given his substantial influence and fan engagement, businesses selling gaming consoles, games, and related accessories would benefit from his endorsement.
7. VanossGaming
VanossGaming, managed by Evan Fong, is a Canadian content creator known for his montage-style gaming videos and original sketches. His content features games like Grand Theft Auto V and Black Ops II. Brands selling gaming consoles, games, and high-performance peripherals would find a collaboration with VanossGaming effective in reaching a dedicated and enthusiastic gaming audience.
8. Ninja
Tyler Blevins, known as Ninja, is a prominent Twitch streamer and YouTuber famous for his Fortnite gameplay. His high-end streaming setup and professional gaming background make him an ideal partner for tech businesses selling top-tier gaming gear, such as high-performance PCs, gaming monitors, and advanced streaming equipment.
9. Jelly
Jelle van Vucht, or Jelly, is known for his humorous gaming videos on Grand Theft Auto V, Minecraft, and Fortnite. His engaging content and engaged subscriber base make him a strong candidate for partnerships with brands selling gaming consoles, games, and fun, interactive accessories.
Key strategies for successful partnerships
- Identify the right influencer: Choosing the right influencer is crucial. Look for influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic. Analyze their engagement rates, the type of content they produce, and their credibility in the tech community.
- Develop authentic campaigns: Authenticity is key in influencer marketing. Work with influencers to create campaigns that feel natural and genuine. Whether it’s a product review, a giveaway, or a collaborative event, ensure the content resonates with the influencer’s audience.
- Leverage multiple platforms: Gaming influencers are often active on multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Utilize these platforms to maximize reach and engagement. Multi-platform campaigns can provide comprehensive coverage and more touchpoints for potential customers.
- Track and measure success: Set clear objectives and KPIs for your campaigns. Use analytics tools to track engagement, conversions, and ROI. Adjust your strategies based on performance data to optimize future campaigns.
Final thoughts
The gaming industry is booming, and partnering with top gaming influencers can significantly boost your business’s visibility and sales. But remember, it’s not always necessary to partner with the top influencers, the most important thing is building a relationship with an influencer who is the right fit for your brand and has a highly engaged audience. And finally, don’t forget to follow Alibaba.com Reads to stay updated with the latest developments in online marketing and ecommerce.
