If you’re launching a new game, accessory, or service, having a gaming influencer promote it can skyrocket your exposure and trustworthiness.
Gaming influencers have the magic touch when it comes to capturing the hearts and minds of gamers. They’re the ones sitting at the cool kids’ table in the vast cafeteria of the internet, discussing which upcoming title is worth the hype and which game flopped harder than a failed speedrun attempt. And you want them on your side.
But how do you find the right gaming influencer? And more importantly, how do you approach them without sounding like a pushy marketer who’s read one too many “how to sell” books? That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about. Whether you’re an indie dev trying to make a splash or a brand looking to tap into the gaming audience, this guide will walk you through finding, reaching out to, and building long-lasting relationships with gaming influencers
What Exactly Is a Gaming Influencer?
Let’s start with the basics. A gaming influencer is an individual who has built an audience on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, mainly through creating gaming content. They stream games, share reviews, drop memes, and interact with their fans—all while building a loyal community that hangs onto every word (or meme).
But why should you care about them? The simple answer: influence. And lots of it. For gamers, these influencers are akin to rock stars, and they have the power to make (or break) your brand. If they say a game is “lit,” trust that their followers are probably already pre-ordering it, talking about it, or gearing up to stream it themselves.
For example, take Ninja, one of the most well-known gaming influencers. He doesn’t just play games; he commands an audience. When he picked up Apex Legends for the first time, he brought millions of eyes with him. And those eyes turned into downloads, followers, and cash money for the brand.
Why Work with Gaming Influencers In 2025?
Let’s start with a quick reality check. The influence of gaming personalities has skyrocketed over the last decade. These days, a single shoutout from a gaming influencer can get your game or product in front of millions, making traditional ads look like those old dial-up connections (slow, uninteresting, and outdated).
Here’s why:
- Authority and Authenticity: When a gamer vouches for a game, their audience listens. Unlike banner ads or sponsored posts, gaming influencers provide authentic content that their followers trust.
- Engagement That’s Off the Charts: Gaming audiences don’t just watch—they interact. Live comments, donations, sharing gameplay tips—it’s a two-way street, and that level of engagement is hard to find anywhere else.
- It’s Not Just About Games Anymore: Gaming influencers talk about more than just video games. They discuss everything from the newest snacks to wearables, tech gadgets, and even energy drinks, making them versatile marketing partners for multiple products.
- Boosted Sales and Downloads: Partnering with the right influencer can lead to higher downloads, pre-orders, and sales.
Different Types of Gaming Influencers
Before you go out and start collaborating, it’s important to understand that gaming influencers come in all shapes and sizes. Here are the main types to look out for:
1. Mega Influencers (The Gaming Celebs)
These influencers are massive. Think millions of followers, sponsorship deals with gaming companies, and partnerships with brands like Red Bull or Monster. They’re gaming celebrities, and working with them is like getting the Michael Jordan of esports to endorse your game.
But a word of caution: they’re expensive. If you’re thinking of reaching out to folks like PewDiePie, Dr DisRespect, or Valkyrae, prepare to have a significant budget, as their influence comes with a hefty price tag.
Pros: Massive reach, mainstream appeal.
Cons: High costs, limited availability, risk of brand dilution if the influencer isn’t closely aligned with your game.
Example: When Ubisoft wants to promote a new Assassin’s Creed title, they often partner with mega influencers for large-scale campaigns to build hype.
2. Macro Influencers (The Genre Experts)
Macro influencers have between 100,000 to 1 million followers and are typically known for their deep expertise in a certain game genre. Whether it’s FPS (First-Person Shooter, for those not in the know), RPGs (Role-Playing Games), or indie titles, these influencers are the go-to experts for niche gaming communities. They might not have a multi-million reach, but they command a dedicated and loyal audience that sees them as credible sources for all things gaming.
Pros: Niche audiences, relatively affordable, high engagement rates.
Cons: Limited cross-genre influence.
Example: A macro influencer might be someone who’s known for deep-dive lore videos on RPGs, like “Skyrim Grandma,” whose authenticity and niche appeal resonate with a dedicated audience.
3. Micro Influencers (The Up-and-Comers)
These influencers are usually in the 10,000 to 100,000 follower range. They may not have celebrity status (yet), but micro influencers have a die-hard fan base. You’ll often find them on Twitch or TikTok, doing deep dives on indie titles, streaming hours of gameplay, and making funny memes. Because they’re more relatable and connected to their audience, they often see higher engagement rates compared to their larger counterparts.
Pros: High engagement, cost-effective, authentic partnerships.
Cons: Smaller reach, less polished content (sometimes).
Example: Micro influencers are perfect for indie games, like how Hades leveraged smaller streamers to create buzz before it exploded in popularity.
4. Nano Influencers (The Enthusiastic Ones)
Think of these as the grassroots fans who are just starting to make their mark. With under 10,000 followers, nano influencers may not have massive reach, but their followers are super engaged. They’re great for brands looking to run grassroots campaigns or target local markets on a more personal level.
Pros: Highly authentic, affordable or even willing to collaborate for free products.
Cons: Minimal reach, varying content quality.
Example: If you’re an indie game developer, sending out review copies to a handful of nano influencers could generate grassroots excitement within specific gaming circles.
5. Streamer Influencers (The Real-Time Content Kings)
Streaming is the bread and butter of many gaming influencers, with platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming leading the charge. Streamer influencers have real-time interaction with their audience—imagine an interactive TV show where viewers can chat, comment, and react live to whatever’s happening on screen. These creators are the perfect partners for brands looking to build instant hype or run live competitions.
Pros: Immediate audience engagement, interactive content.
Cons: Live content is unpredictable; you don’t control the narrative.
Example: When Among Us blew up in 2020, it was primarily due to streamers who created spontaneous, entertaining content with their real-time reactions, leading to a surge in downloads.
How to Find the Best Gaming Influencers for Your Brand (Step-by-Step)
Finding gaming influencers can be like finding the right gaming mouse—it’s all about precision and the right fit. Here’s how you can narrow down the best influencers for your brand:
Step 1: Define Your Campaign Goals and Audience (No, Really, Do This)
Before diving into the world of gaming influencers, ask yourself:
- What do I want to achieve? (Brand awareness? Game downloads? Product sales?)
- Who is my target audience? (Are you targeting casual gamers? Hardcore esports fans? Parents of young gamers?)
- What’s my budget? (Be realistic about what you’re willing to invest, as influencer rates can vary wildly.)
Having clarity on your goals and audience is like choosing the right class in an RPG—it makes everything else easier.
Step 2: Choose Your Platform (Because, Yes, It Matters)
Gaming content isn’t exclusive to one platform. Depending on where your audience spends the most time, you might want to consider:
- Twitch: Home of live-streaming. Perfect for instant engagement, live reactions, and real-time promotions.
- YouTube Gaming: The go-to for game reviews, walkthroughs, and VOD (video-on-demand) content. YouTube influencers often produce more polished, longer-form content.
- TikTok: Short-form video content rules here. If your brand is looking for quick, catchy clips and memes, TikTok is your playground.
- Instagram & Twitter: While these aren’t the core platforms for gaming, they’re fantastic for cross-promotion, behind-the-scenes content, and community-building.
Step 3: Search and Vet Potential Influencers
So how do you actually find these gaming wizards? Here are some tried-and-true methods:
- Social Media & Hashtags: Use hashtags like #gamingcommunity, #streamerlife, or even specific game titles (e.g., #AmongUs) to find relevant influencers.
- Influencer Marketplaces: Platforms like Revenue Dealer (shameless plug, I know) streamline the process by letting you search influencers by category, engagement rate, and audience demographics.
- YouTube & Twitch Directories: Search for top gaming channels or most-watched streamers in your game’s genre. Many platforms have a trending or “Recommended for You” section that can also lead you to potential influencers.
- Google Searches & Reddit: Believe it or not, the old “best gaming influencers 2025” Google search works! Reddit communities like r/gaming or r/streamers can also help you find under-the-radar creators.
Step 4: Look Beyond Follower Count—Check Engagement
A follower count of 1 million means nothing if only a handful of followers are engaging with content. Instead, pay attention to:
- Engagement Rate: This includes the likes, shares, and comments relative to the total follower count.
- Community Interaction: How often does the influencer respond to comments? Do they host Q&A sessions? A strong community bond often indicates a loyal following.
- Content Quality & Style: Is the influencer’s content high-quality and in line with your brand? Imagine your product being featured in one of their posts or streams—does it fit naturally, or does it feel forced?
Step 5: Run a Quick “Reputation Check”
A gaming influencer might look great on paper, but make sure their brand and values align with yours. Check past posts, watch some of their streams, and even skim Reddit threads or Twitter mentions for any red flags.
Reaching Out to Gaming Influencers (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
So, you’ve got your influencer shortlist. Now it’s time to hit ‘send’ on that message and cross your fingers. But wait—let’s make sure you’re crafting that message like a pro. The last thing you want is for your email or DM to get lost in their inbox like a needle in a haystack. Here’s how to approach it:
1. Personalize Your Message
Ever received one of those, “Hi [Your Name], we love your content and want to collab!” messages? Yeah, influencers hate those too. Instead, take the time to:
- Mention something specific about their content. (“I loved your review of Cyberpunk 2077 and how you broke down the gameplay mechanics.”)
- Make it clear why you think they’re a good fit for your brand.
Example of an Outreach Message:
“Hey [Influencer Name],
I’ve been a fan of your [specific type of content] for a while now, and your recent stream of [game title] was hilarious! I’m working on a new game called [Your Game’s Name], and I think your audience would love it.
Would you be interested in doing a quick gameplay review or first impressions on stream? We’d love to send over a review copy and discuss details.
Cheers,
[Your Name]”
2. Highlight the Value Proposition
Be upfront about what they’ll get out of the collaboration. Is it a paid gig? Will they receive free products or early access to your game? The clearer you are, the easier it is for the influencer to say “Yes, let’s do this!”
3. Be Prepared to Discuss Details & Terms
Once they’re interested, influencers will want to know the nitty-gritty: compensation, content expectations, timelines, and creative guidelines. Don’t leave these discussions to the last minute—be prepared to go into details.
4. Be Clear, But Not Pushy
No one likes pressure. Avoid coming off as desperate or overly controlling with your expectations. Instead of saying, “We need three posts about our game this month,” frame it as, “If you enjoy the game, we’d love to explore potential content ideas together.”
Advantages of Working with Gaming Influencers (And Why You Should Care)
There’s no denying the advantages of collaborating with gaming influencers. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits they can bring to your brand:
1. Reach and Credibility
Gaming influencers can reach audiences that you might otherwise struggle to engage. They have a built-in trust with their followers, so when they say, “This game is awesome!” their fans believe it.
2. Authentic Content Creation
Rather than using traditional ads, gaming influencers produce content that feels organic and native to their platform. A live stream review, a TikTok reaction video, or an Instagram story—all feel natural, not like a scripted commercial.
3. Immediate Feedback & Interaction
One of the biggest perks of influencer marketing in gaming is real-time feedback. Live Streams, for example, allow viewers to comment and ask questions as the content is being shared, providing immediate insights into audience sentiment and reception.
4. Multi-Platform Exposure
Gaming influencers don’t just stick to one platform—they repurpose and share their content across multiple channels. A YouTube review might be teased on Instagram, streamed live on Twitch, and clipped for TikTok, multiplying your reach.
Precautions to Take When Partnering with Gaming Influencers (Avoid the Potholes)
While influencer partnerships can be a game-changer, it’s not all sunshine and “game over” screens. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your collaboration goes smoothly.
1. Pick the Right Fit (Avoid Mismatches)
Partnering with an influencer just because they have a large following can backfire. Make sure their audience aligns with your target demographic and that their content style matches your brand’s tone. A family-friendly puzzle game probably won’t resonate well with an influencer who primarily plays mature FPS games.
2. Set Clear Guidelines, but Allow Creative Freedom
While you want to have some guidelines (no spoilers, accurate game representation), don’t be a backseat gamer. Let the influencer showcase your game in their unique style, as that’s what their audience is there for. Remember, influencers know their community better than you do.
3. Be Ready for Honest Feedback
If your game has a few glitches, or if there’s something that doesn’t sit right with the influencer, they’re likely to point it out. Embrace that honesty—it’s what makes influencer content trustworthy. Work with influencers who genuinely want to see your game succeed, and who will provide constructive feedback rather than unwarranted criticism.
Example: A few streamers criticized Cyberpunk 2077‘s bugs during its initial release, which led to a lot of negative PR. However, open communication with these influencers afterward allowed the developers to share updates and fixes directly through their channels, helping rebuild some lost trust.
4. Track Campaign Performance
Make sure you have systems in place to track the success of your influencer campaign. This could be through unique discount codes, UTM tracking for links, or monitoring spikes in downloads/views right after the content goes live. Metrics like engagement rates, conversion rates, and overall reach will help you understand what worked and what didn’t.
Gaming Influencer Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2025
The gaming influencer world is ever-changing, and what worked last year might not be as effective today. Here’s a look at some of the trends shaping the gaming influencer landscape in 2025:
1. The Rise of Short-Form Gaming Content
TikTok continues to reign supreme for short, engaging content. Expect more gaming highlights, challenges, and quick tips from influencers, condensed into 15-second clips that go viral before you even blink.
2. Interactive Streams & Live Shopping
Live shopping is becoming huge, especially in the gaming world. Influencers are hosting real-time streams where viewers can purchase the products they’re showcasing directly from the live feed. Imagine watching your favorite streamer play a new game and being able to buy it on the spot—yep, that’s 2025.
3. AI and Virtual Influencers in Gaming
Welcome to the future: AI-powered influencers are starting to take over the gaming world. These aren’t just bots—they’re full-blown personalities created by artificial intelligence. Brands are collaborating with these virtual influencers for unique, highly customizable campaigns.
4. Gamified Brand Collaborations
Gone are the days of simple shoutouts. Brands are gamifying their collaborations, turning promotions into challenges, giveaways, and events that involve audience participation. Whether it’s live Q&A sessions, “beat the influencer” competitions, or in-game events, interactive campaigns are taking center stage.
5. Rise of Indie Influencers
As indie games gain popularity, so will influencers who focus on this niche. These creators often have a strong bond with their audience, making them great partners for brands looking to tap into a more authentic gaming experience.
Boost Your Game Marketing with RevenueDealer’s Expert Touch
Finding the right influencer can feel like an epic quest, but that’s where platforms like Revenue Dealer come in. We’ve made it our mission to connect brands with the perfect gaming influencers, no matter the genre or target market.
Revenue Dealer streamlines the influencer matchmaking process, allowing you to filter by follower size, genre, platform, and more.
And the best part? We handle everything from contracts to campaign management, so you can focus on what really matters—making a kickass game that gamers love.
Conclusion
Finding the right gaming influencer for your brand can feel like navigating a maze—there are so many options, considerations, and strategies to weigh. But with a little research, thoughtful outreach, and the right platform to back you up, you’ll find the perfect influencers who can take your brand from “just another game” to “must-play.”
The gaming community is one of the most passionate, engaged groups out there. Collaborate with the right influencers, and you’ll not only reach them—you’ll win their hearts (and thumbs-up emojis).
Start your influencer search today, and let the game-changing marketing begin.
