Reinhardt Wilhelmina styles himself as a bygone age champion living by the knightly codes of valor, justice, and courage. Though Reinhardt has gotten some changes since the original Overwatch, his playstyle remains largely the same. He still relies on advancing slowly with his Barrier Field raised, even if it can not take as much damage as before. However, Reinhardt can step outside his shield more in this Overwatch as he’s been given a second Fire Strike, and his Charge ability has improved. His Rocket Hammer is largely the same as the first game dealing massive damage across a 5-meter cone in melee range.

While Reinhardt is still a defense-focused hero, his offensive abilities help him to be a tank to be taken seriously. Let’s take a closer look at these abilities to help understand how this wall moves.

A short but telling summary of Reinhardt’s primary weapon provided by the Overwatch team. This weapon has a swing rate of 1 per second and deals 85 damage to all targets within a 5-meter cone. This is especially useful against enemies that may be packed in groups.

Combining this move with a successful charge or Earthshatter can cause a devastating blow to the enemy lines.

Charge forward and smack an enemy against a wall.

Charge rockets Reinhardt forward and causes him to pin any enemy Hero he hits. Any pinned Heroes will then take damage if he collides with a solid object. The damage output has been reduced since Overwatch’s initial installment. However some improvements have been made to the ability.

While the damage output has been reduced, Reinhardt’s turning speed while charging has been increased by 50 percent. This makes it easier to catch Heroes to pin. Also, the cooldown for Charge has been lowered, and the ability can be manually canceled at any time.

This is Reinhardt’s only ranged option. This ability can pass through both enemies and barriers, dealing 90 damage to any enemy or shield it passes through. It also comes with a second charge that can be shot right away.

This is a great ability to finish off fleeing enemies or catch opponents in choke points. Even though the ability has a large animation, it actually has an effective size of about one pixel. This means it can be sent through small gaps and tight corners.

Hold right-mouse to deploy a frontal energy barrier.

This is Reinhardt’s signature ability. He projects a large barrier in front of him that blocks almost all bullets, projectiles, and explosives. It also quickly replenishes when it is lowered.

While the Barrier Field is useful for keeping Reinhardt alive, its main focus is to provide your teammates with a safe space to attack, heal, and hide when needed. While it’s been nerfed a bit since Overwatch 1, it still remains one of the toughest barriers in the game.

This devastating hammer blow damages and stuns enemies in a large cone in front of Reinhardt. Timing is key with this one as it can be blocked by barriers and ineffective against Heroes outside of Reinhardt’s line of sight, so make sure not to waste the ultimate against a well-timed barrier or by facing the wrong direction.

This ultimate is extremely powerful and can turn a fight in an instant. The damage it induces is only for targets at close range, but it lasts several seconds, leaving opponents open to attack. Reinhardt can go in for a melee attack or Charge to cause more massive damage. The key to this ability is to catch as many Heroes in the cone for maximum effect.

Rocket Hammer is an immensely strong melee ability. Combining this with a well-timed Charge or Earthshatter can cause massive damage and be a devastating blow to enemy lines.

Charge is a great way to push enemies back, and if you get more skilled with using it, you can launch enemies off points or off cliffs and then cancel to save yourself.

Fire Strike is best used to catch hurt enemies attempting to escape or to hold choke points, as it causes 90 damage to every enemy or shield it passes through.

Barrier Field is Reinhardt’s signature ability and acts as a safe place for your team to attack, heal, and hide when needed.

Earthshatter is best used when you can catch multiple enemies in it. Once the enemies are stunned, you can use Rocket Hammer or charge to capitalize on your ultimate’s momentum for massive damage.

Reinhardt is great for players who like a slow push. He is more of a team player than other tanks who need to push in aggressively to be of use. He can keep heroes with lower health and defense safe to boost your team’s effectiveness.

Beyond his defense capabilities, Reinhardt’s Earthshatter ultimate can set his team up to clear the board while their enemies are stunned, and his Charge ability can create much-needed space in a tight situation. His melee weapon, the Rocket Hammer, is also great for pushing as it does massive damage and can sweep multiple enemies at once.

Reinhardt is a great choice for players who want to practice taking on the tank role, but may only be comfortable making aggressive pushes later. Taking it a little slower is sometimes the best move in Overwatch 2, and Reinhardt is the best Hero to pull off a slow push.

Overwatch 2 Hero Guide: Reinhardt

If you took a break from Overwatch and decided to pick it back up with Overwatch 2, you may be surprised by some of the changes. One of these major changes comes by way of Orisa was once bulky, with limited mobility and a giant shield to protect her team. However, with the launch of Overwatch 2, Orisa is more agile, and she deals more damage with the right maneuvers.

Orisa traded in her shield for a more offense-focused playstyle which does more damage at a close range. Where Orisa initially may have stayed back with her shield to protect her team, Overwatch 2 essentially makes her a DPS, having to push in to make a hole for her team. Let’s take a look at Orisa’s abilities to equip you better to make your opponents meet their fate.

Automatic heat-based weapon. Deals more damage at a closer range.

This is Orisa’s main weapon. It is a rapid-fire heat cannon that has increased damage at a close range, but a major damage drop-off at a long range. It also requires a small cooldown after a sustained fire.

With Orisa being a more aggressive build in Overwatch 2, this weapon is perfect for that aggressive playstyle. While you can still get damaged by hanging back, the Augmented Fusion Driver urges players to push in close for maximum damage to their opponents.

Launch your javelin at an enemy to stun and knock them back. More effective if the enemy hits a wall.

Orisa’s secondary weapon can do a bit of damage and disorient your opponents. On contact, it will deal 60 damage and knock your opponent back. They’ll take on an additional 40 damage if pushed back into it.

Gain temporary health, reducing all damage taken and becoming unstoppable. While active, heat generated by your weapon is reduced.

Fortify is one of Orisa’s defensive abilities to help her survive while taking massive damage. While Fortify is active Orisa receives around a 40 percent damage reduction with 125 temporary HP and a 50 percent reduction in the Augmented Fusion Driver’s heat generation. Using fortify will allow Orisa to push forward while unleashing a barrage of bullets and halving the incoming damage.

Spin your javelin to destroy projectiles and block melee attacks, while also pushing enemies and increasing forward speed.

This is another one of Orisa’s defensive abilities. It can be used to block all incoming projectiles while simultaneously giving Orisa a 50 percent speed boost while active and a 20 percent speed boost shortly after it ends. Enemies caught in the Javelin Spin will take a small amount of damage and be knocked back.

The knockback is especially handy on maps with cliffs or openings where you can catch your enemy off-guard and send them flying over the edge and back to respawn. It can also be used to push enemies off a point or out of position.

Sweep in enemies and anchor down, gaining the effects of Fortify and charging up a surge of damage. Use Q to unleash the surge early.

Terra Surge is Orisa’s new ultimate as of Overwatch 2 and is way more aggressive than her old Supercharger ability. Once this ability is activated, Orisa will pull in nearby enemies and can charge the attack to build up more damage once released. The longer the charge, the more impact the ultimate will have.

When Orisa enters her ultimate, she is granted the effects of Fortify, which will help halve the damage coming in while she’s in the ultimate’s animation. This is a tricky ultimate to pull off, as timing is key. If you unleash the ultimate too early, it won’t do nearly enough damage to be effective. On the other hand, if you wait too long to unleash, you can give enemies time to escape or even kill Orisa while she’s stationary.

If you plan to charge Terra Surge up, it is pertinent to work with one of your healers to help with the incoming damage to make sure Orisa does not go down before managing to release her ultimate.

Augmented Fusion Drive is better at close range. Don’t be afraid to push in with Orisa in order to maximize damage output.

Energy Javelin is best used when a wall is behind your opponent to deal extra damage on impact. It can also be used to knock back enemies off cliffs or off points.

Fortify is good for drawing enemy fire. Once activated, Orisa can push more aggressively while firing at a higher rate and taking less damage.

Javelin Spin is a great defensive move to block incoming projectiles, but it can also be used offensively to knock back enemies off cliffs or off points.

Terra Surge is all about timing. Releasing it too soon will provide too little damage, while waiting too long could result in Orisa getting killed, resulting in a wasted Ultimate. If you want to lengthen the time you charge the ultimate, you may need to time it with one of your healers to keep you up.


Orisa’s new playstyle may take some time to get used to. She has no barrier, and her primary method of protection is to either block attacks physically or she can draw enemy fire by being the biggest and closest target. Without an escape ability, it may be easy for Orisa players to overextend themselves if they don’t wait for their team, mainly their healers.

Try to push with your team while also doing your best to create space for your team. Don't get caught alone and leave yourself exposed with no good escape options. Use your kit to make the best of this tank's aggressive playstyle.

Overwatch 2 Hero Guide: Orisa

As a woman who has played games for most of my life, I've seen how the gaming industry has evolved. When I was a kid, gaming felt like a boys' club. Female characters were rare, and the existing ones were often sexualized or stereotyped. I remember when I first met Sarah Kerrigan in Starcraft, she tried to challenge gender stereotypes in the gaming industry. We were used to seeing damsels in distress, sexual objects, or sidekicks. 

Instead, Kerrigan was a strong, independent, powerful, and the driving force behind the game's story. One of the first female characters in a video game to be a villain, her complex personality and tragic backstory made her a character that players could both sympathize with and fear. In any case, times are changing, and nowhere is that more evident than in the growth of women's esports.

In my experience, playing Valorant as a female gamer has been an incredibly positive and uplifting experience. The community of women in gaming is growing daily, and it's wonderful to see so many women competing at such a high level. Teams like Cloud9 White, Guild X, and Dignitas Female are changing the game and proving that women have what it takes to compete in esports.

What's even more exciting to me is the support that women are receiving from the larger gaming community. There are more opportunities than ever for women to get involved in esports. Programs like the Valorant Champions Tour Game Changers are making a real difference, creating opportunities for women and encouraging young girls to pursue gaming as a profession.

Of course, there are still challenges to overcome. Women are still underrepresented in gaming, and there's still a lot of work to be done to break down the barriers that have held us back. But the growth of women's esports is a sign that progress is being made, which I find incredibly exciting.

The growing community of women in Valorant

As a new player to Valorant, I've been blown away by the community and the support for women in the game. Women's-only Discord servers and subreddits have given me a camaraderie with other female gamers I've never experienced before. The community is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive, and it's clear that there's a real sense of passion and enthusiasm for the game among women in gaming.

It's not just about the competition – it's about the community growing around it. I truly believe that gaming has the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging and community. And when we support and uplift each other, regardless of gender or background, we create an even more vibrant and inclusive community.

So to all the women who love gaming, keep playing, keep competing, and keep pushing for more opportunities. We belong here, and we have just as much right to be here as anyone else. And to everyone else, let's continue to support and uplift women in esports because together, we can create a gaming community that's truly inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

What makes Valorant women's esports scene the best

Last year, Riot Games shared their vision for the future of competitive Valorant, and they’ve kept their word. The brand new Premier mode is finally here, and it’s the pipe dream of every serious Valorant player. If you’re still confused about why Riot announced a new mode when ranked exists, then keep reading. There are many reasons why Valorant Premier is worth competing if you’re a serious player.

What’s so special about Valorant Premier?

Think of it as FACEIT and ESEA for Valorant, allowing only authorized and verified players from all skill groups to enter into match-making. Similarly, Valorant Premier will only allow players who have verified their accounts through 2FA. This ultimately improves the overall gameplay quality for like-minded players in for serious gameplay.

The 2FA verification method is best for such competitive modes since it helps screen out multi-account users, griefers, and trolls who tend to make the game unbearable.

The goal of the new mode is to provide a healthy and fair competitive environment. So, there will be no smurfs, trolls, or griefers due to 2FA. There will only be a bunch of like-minded players pitted together to win. It’ll allow players to improve their skills and communication, which is a big issue in ranked.

Unlike ranked mode, which has skill group restrictions, Premier mode allows players to play with all of their friends regardless of what skill group they’re from; so now, a player who is from the top skill group Radiant can play with their friends who are from the lower skill group.

In the announcement video, Riot said that Premier aims to “present an even higher goal beyond Radiant that provides the most competition-hungry players with a rewarding challenge beyond ranked.” So, what does going beyond Radiant mean? Simply, the reward is no longer just the coveted golden badge. It’s the ticket to VCT, the ultimate dream.

Implementing Premier mode into Valorant will definitely help grow the competitive scene of Valorant since more and more players who take the game seriously will start grinding and competing for the top spot.

According to Valorant’s Head of Esports Leo Faria, the comp mode ‘will be the path to VCT Challengers leagues’ and possibly replace the current open qualifying system. In that regard, it’s more beneficial for aspiring players to play in the premier mode instead of ranked mode since it holds a much bigger reward; spending sleepless nights grinding ranked for nothing more than a cool-looking golden badge seems like a waste of time anyway.

Valorant Premier mode seems very promising for aspiring players looking to make a career out of gaming since the system is designed to give everyone a fair chance to prove themselves. This presents a valuable opportunity for aspiring players to pursue their dreams of making a career in gaming, as the rewards and recognition associated with Premier mode far surpass those found in regular ranked play. If you excel at the game and you take the game seriously, the doors to VCT are open for you, and the prize is there for the taking.

Since there is a bigger reward attached, you’ll mostly see players who take the game more seriously, whereas most players in ranked aren’t as determined. Instead of playing with a 1v5 mentality, insta-locking agents, and barging into the enemy sites playing with barely any communication, the new mode will allow players to think together and strategize their moves.

Valorant Premier fosters an intensified competitive atmosphere where players are more focused, driven, and invested in the outcome of each match. In addition, the high-stakes nature of Premier mode encourages players to collaborate closely with their teammates, leading to improved teamwork, coordination, and synergy.

Playing in the Premier will allow players to earn recognition for themselves in the wider gaming community. By participating in Premier mode, players can establish themselves as formidable competitors, attracting attention from esports organizations and potentially paving the way to professional opportunities. In addition, the sense of accomplishment and the acknowledgment received through Valorant Premier can boost a player’s confidence, motivation, and overall satisfaction with their gaming journey.

Ultimately, playing in the Premier instead of ranked mode provides a more refined and rewarding competitive experience. It offers a pathway to higher levels of competition, increased recognition, and the chance to connect with a community of passionate players.

So, if you are serious about testing your skills, pursuing a career in gaming, and immersing in the cut-throat, competitive scene, Valorant Premier is the place to be.

Here’s why it’s worth competing in Valorant Premier

Understanding and optimizing in-game settings might seem difficult if you're new to first-person shooter (FPS) games. However, knowing that these settings can greatly improve your gaming experience is important. In Valorant, the highly popular FPS game made by Riot, making small changes to your settings can make a big difference in how you play and make you feel more comfortable and in control.

This guide is for new FPS players who are trying out Valorant. I will explain the different settings in an easy way and give some practical tips. Get ready to explore Valorant's settings and take your FPS skills to the next level!

Game sensitivity refers to how sensitive your mouse movements are in Valorant. It determines how quickly your in-game character turns or aims when you move your mouse. Finding the right sensitivity for you is one of the most important steps because it affects your accuracy and responsiveness.

You’ll need to be aware that there are two different settings to adjust. One is in-game Valorant’s mouse settings options, and the other is in your mouse’s software or DPI. Set up your mouse hardware first, and then play with the sensitivity within the game.

You can go to the settings menu in Valorant to adjust your game sensitivity. It's recommended to start with a medium sensitivity and then make small adjustments based on your comfort level. If your sensitivity is too high, it might be hard to aim precisely. If it's too low, your movements might feel clunky. Next, go into The Range and test your movement against some bots. Try to move your character around a bot while still aiming at its head. If you can keep a fluent movement while aiming at the head, that’s a good sensitivity value for you.

Experimenting with different sensitivities is the key. Find a sensitivity value that you’re comfortable with to start, play a few games, and see how it feels. If you need to make changes, do it gradually until you find what works best for you. Find the sensitivity that gives you the most control and accuracy.

For example, Tyson "TenZ" Ngo plays with the in-game sensitivity at 0.3 and 800 DPI (hardware sensitivity of the mouse), and Peter "Asuna" Mazuryk plays with the in-game sensitivity at 0.272 and 1400DPI.

The crosshair in Valorant is the small targeting reticle at the center of your screen. Customizing your crosshair can help you aim better and improve your overall accuracy.

In Valorant's settings, you'll find various options to customize your crosshair. You can change its color, size, and shape. Some players prefer a smaller crosshair for precise shots, while others prefer a larger one for better visibility.

Many factors go into making a good crosshair, but it always depends on your personal preference and playstyle. It's a good idea to start with a simple crosshair design and experiment from there. Play a few games with different crosshair settings to see which one feels the most comfortable and helps you hit your shots consistently.

One thing to note, it is important that the crosshair remains steady on the screen, no matter what happens. So I’d recommend turning off the Firing Error and Movement Error settings.

, you can find plenty of crosshair designs ready to be tried out in-game. To do this, go to Settings → Crosshair and create a new profile. Copy the code in the website of the crosshair you want to import and paste it using the Import Profile Code button indicated here:

The minimap in Valorant provides you with a top-down view of the game map, helping you navigate and gain valuable information about your surroundings. Customizing the minimap settings can enhance your situational awareness and overall gameplay. Here are some tips on minimap customization:

Rotate orients the map to the direction you are facing so you can better understand where the enemies are around you.

Keep Player Centered Off lets you have a complete view of the entire map. Turning it on will cut off a portion of the map.

The default Valorant key binds are already good and widely used by pro players and anyone who plays Valorant. As with everything else, it is a matter of personal preference.

As Valorant agents have unique abilities, each needs its unique key bind. You have to press different keys for movement, the agent’s four abilities, weapons, the use and drop controls, and communication buttons.

Try out the default keybindings and see how that feels. Maybe you like them, maybe you’d prefer to have some abilities bound to your mouse buttons. Experiment and customize your bindings as you see fit.

Enemy Highlight Color is the outline color that appears around the enemies, and it determines how well you can spot your enemies from afar.

Different outlines have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, making it primarily a matter of personal preference. However, certain colors are more commonly used than others:

Yellow is considered the most visible and vibrant.

I use yellow because it stands out the most for me in-game. Try them out and see how each color works for you.

To sum up, understanding and optimizing Valorant settings is an important step for first-time FPS players seeking a comfortable gaming experience. Tailor the gameplay to suit your preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; experimenting with different settings and finding what works best for you is the key.

So, embrace the journey of exploring and fine-tuning your settings, and get ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Valorant with newfound confidence.

Understanding Valorant settings for first-time FPS players

Visuals matter a lot in gaming. There's a reason why first-person games are set in picturesque spots that instantly lift your mood. Gamers are attracted to pretty visuals, which is why streamers and content creators spend hours adorning their stream huds and setting up their rooms. A personalized thumbnail is then the cherry on top.

If you use YouTube, you probably already know what a thumbnail is. It's one significant feature of YouTube that sets it apart from Twitch, a pure gaming platform. But it's much more than that, at least according to creators.

We firmly believe thumbnails help gain clicks, but what do the facts say?

Credible data from the best SEO companies claim that Thumbnails significantly impact clicks. Whether your thumbnail is colorful, happy, or sad has a significant influence on views and clicks. According to the data, videos with a thumbnail conveying a sad emotion swayed 2.5 million viewers to watch the video. Happy and bright thumbnails also had a high click rate, but animated and plain thumbnails didn't necessarily boost views.

These stats portray precisely how a gamer's mind works. Your typical gamer will most likely click on a stream with a human face. Meaning the colors you use for the background, facial expression, text, and visuals have much to do with why viewers aren't clicking on your content. Quality content may still get your views without a flashy thumbnail. But by not investing in a thumbnail, you might be missing out on a larger viewer base that wants to watch you.

Take Jimmy "Mr Beast" Donaldson's videos, for example. YouTube's most successful individual, Mr Beast, cashes out his face card ever so often. All his thumbnails include his face at the center with intense emotion. And it's no fluke; Mr. Beast takes his thumbnails really seriously.

The content titan pays $5000 to $10,000 for a few simple thumbnails. According to him, these images are the real difference makers. Now, Mr. Beast's thumbnails are simple but impactful, with his own face carefully placed by visual hierarchy. There has to be a reason why an established YouTuber with high face value still invests heavily in cover images.

"The thumbnail can make the difference between 50 million views or 200 million." Mr Beast explained.

Thumbnails are game-changers across all content industries, from gaming to pop culture. This is because some viewers don't even read the video headline and directly look for thumbnail text. For example, a whole section of YouTube gamers utilizes text-focused thumbnails, attracting millions of viewers. For this reason, content creators often opt for bright, bold text icons to pop on the feed.

Thumbnails are a big part of why YouTube gaming can sometimes edge past Twitch. Unlike Twitch, gaming creators have the freedom to establish a personality and convince a user to click on their video. The large images can help consumers decide whether to watch a certain creator. Conversely, Twitch may allow gaming streamers a bigger exposure to niche communities, but creators have no way to rope in fresh eyes with their personalities.

Besides conveying what the video is about and helping viewers save time, thumbnails help creators form a distinct identity, which becomes crucial as your audience grows. For this reason, you'd notice all gaming heavyweights stick to a particular style. Michael "shroud" Grzesiek, for example, has his mascot doing funny things based on the video content. Most gamers would recognize the CSGO-Valorant icon's content from a mile just by his thumbnail.

So, in summary, here are a few reasons why thumbnails have a significant impact on YouTube gaming:

They attract attention: A good thumbnail stands out and catches the eye of potential viewers. It can be the difference between someone scrolling past your video or stopping to watch it.

They convey information: A thumbnail can give viewers a sense of what the video is about. For example, a thumbnail for a Minecraft video might show the player holding a diamond sword or standing in front of a castle.

They set expectations: A thumbnail can give viewers an idea of what to expect from the video. If the thumbnail looks exciting and action-packed, viewers will expect the video to be the same.

They can help with branding: Consistent use of branding elements in thumbnails (such as logos, colors, or font styles) can help viewers recognize your videos and channel.

So, if you're new to content creation, you may want to either learn graphic designing, software like Canva or invest in a good thumbnail artist. Because, trust us, thumbnails are worth every penny if you're looking to make it big in the gaming industry.

How much do thumbnails help in YouTube success

YouTube vs. Twitch debate is decades old, but if you want to grow quicker, YouTube live streaming is your jam. Whether you're new or a pro at streaming, the red umbrella of YouTube has a space for all creators. In the last decade, YouTube has become a solid option for gaming content creators. Thanks to its broad accessibility to audiences of all types, most streamers prefer YouTube over gaming giant Twitch.

But getting started with your streaming career can be nerve-wracking. We have some tips to make your channel more popular if you are good at your niche, so grab your gear and continue reading.

Many YouTubers give up after streaming for a few months without noticing any growth. The problem isn't the platform; it's the content.

In order to grow on YouTube, your audience needs to have expectations. Random content may get you high viewership occasionally, but a pattern will ensure that you have a small but tight viewership. In order to achieve that, write down the plans for the stream hours in detail. Everything should be written in text, from the game you will play to the mood and music.

Get inside the heads of your target audience if you want to impress them, and focus on their interests to keep them wanting more.

This one shouldn’t be difficult if you’re a small streamer. Chatting during the stream can foster a close relationship with your viewers. It will boost their interest even if you answer someone randomly during the chat. Try to call them by their name to answer something to strengthen your connection with them.

If you keep your eyes peeled for some successful streamers in this forum, you may find they connect with their audience through various means, such as live chat in the stream.

In addition, you can also plan a Q&A session in the pre-stream phase to allow viewers to interact with each other. Stay moderate with your catchphrases during the stream. Injecting humor and jokes during the stream is also a good idea to keep your audience entertained.

There's no space for pixelated cameras in 2023. A viewer will quickly pass if you're streaming is low-quality.

Choosing relevant tech toys according to your need is a must in streaming. Invest in a high-resolution camera at least 720p or higher and a microphone, preferably with noise-canceling features. Some YouTubers prefer condenser mics as they are good at absorbing surrounding noises. And most significantly, the lighting effects and camera angle can make or break your show.

Ring lights have become a hot favorite among YouTube streamers. There are plenty of affordable options in various online stores. Moreover, a beefy computer is the backbone of streaming. Look for a top-notch processor, high-speed RAM, and powerful graphics card to ensure your streams run like a well-oiled machine.

Suppose your viewer expects you to come live at 7 pm. And guess what? You are planning for 9 pm. Whether you stream daily or even weekly, design a schedule you find best for viewers to join. So once you schedule your stream, make sure you stick to it.

Regular streaming does not mean streaming daily. Refrain from overdoing streaming to compromise your quality content, as it takes much energy. Instead, post a streaming schedule on your YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook regularly to ensure your viewers return. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. You can interact with your viewers on other social media platforms to inform them about any changes in the plan.

Did you know that viewers are more likely to click on your video if it has a sad/happy face in the thumbnail? Well, now you know.

Stats show you can double your view count smartly using YouTube's thumbnail feature. Not just any thumbnail, but a thumbnail that conveys a strong emotion of sadness or happiness.

Remember that the name of the game is giving your viewers what they want. That's the only secret to a winning stream! By implementing these tips, you can make your stream much better and keep your audience coming back for more. And remember, don’t hesitate to try new things in your recipe.

5 tips to get started with streaming on YouTube 

If you have a passion for gaming and digital painting skills, you can turn your hobby into a lucrative career, creating anything from concept art to game design. In this article, we’ll explore the role of digital painting in the gaming industry and give some tips on how to turn your passion into a career.

Check out our tips for beginners if you're just 

The value of digital painting skills in the industry

The gaming industry is a rapidly growing field that relies primarily on visual storytelling. This is what makes it a great field for passionate gamers who are also good at digital painting. But you'll need more than decent digital painting skills to land a job in the gaming industry.

But first of all, what is digital painting, and how are digital painting skills valuable in the industry?

Digital painting skills are valuable in the gaming industry because they allow game developers to create detailed and visually stunning artwork for characters, environments, and objects in games. Concept artists and digital painters use these skills to create original designs and artwork that sets the tone and style of a game. This artwork is used in the early stages of game development to establish the look and feel of the game, and it can also be used for marketing and promotional materials. Additionally, digital painting skills are helpful in creating textures and 3D models used to bring the game world to life and make it more immersive. Overall, digital painting skills are an essential component of the game development process, and they are highly sought after in the industry.

If you’re new to the industry, your best option is to start with small projects and move over to bigger things once you gain more experience. For artists, this usually means starting with texture and icon design, the easiest jobs for digital painters. However, given that the gaming industry is such a competitive field, even these entry-level jobs sometimes require some experience and a level of expertise.

There are, of course, certain ways you can make your job hunting in the industry easier. Like with any creative job, one of the most important parts of finding employment is showcasing your skills in the best way possible. The best way to do that is to carefully craft your portfolio.

With creative jobs, your portfolio is often more important than your actual resume since it gives your potential employers an insight into your level of skills and your personal style. While crafting your portfolio, try to focus on quality over quantity. It’s always better to show off your best art pieces instead of focusing on the number of works in your portfolio. However, your portfolio should also showcase a variety of different works. This can give your potential employers an insight into the range of your skills. Another thing you should keep track of is the current trends in the gaming industry. The best way to show your potential employers that you are adaptable and creative is by reproducing elements from what is popular then and reproducing them in your own style.

Building a strong and memorable portfolio takes time and work, but overall, it’s crucial to finding a job in the gaming industry. Many artists opt for public portfolios on various art portfolio sites or their own websites. These online portfolios are great for many reasons but, most importantly, their accessibility. Not only will a public portfolio make you discoverable to your potential employers, but you will also gain the attention of other peers and professionals. Not only will it help you improve your skills, but it is also an excellent networking opportunity.

Due to the competitive nature of the gaming industry, many artist jobs are often not posted online due to the competitive nature of the gaming industry. This is why finding job listings might sometimes seem impossible. Finding referrals and contacts will make your chances of finding new jobs easier. Not only that, but it can lead to new collaborations with better-known artists.

If you’re trying to land a job in the gaming industry as a digital painter, getting familiar with game engines and development tools can be of great service while job hunting. Not only will it make you stand out amongst other candidates, but it will also give you a chance to participate in projects more effectively. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in and if you’re looking for ways to reach out to more job listings, try getting familiar with some of the more beginner-friendly programs like Unreal Engine or Unity. Both of these programs have user-friendly interfaces, are frequently used in the industry, and are free. In short, owning these skills can make you a more desirable job candidate in the competitive world of gaming.

Finding a job in the often-competitive gaming industry as a digital painter can sometimes be hard. It requires time, dedication, and an understanding of the industry’s needs. In this line of work, just your artistic talent won’t be enough to land a good job. Besides building your portfolio and networking, the usual means of trying to get into the industry, focus on other ways that can make you stand out amongst the crowd.

In conclusion, it's crucial to start small and be patient. The most important thing is to keep learning, improving your skills, and building your portfolio, while also networking and getting feedback to increase your chances of success. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and land your dream job in the gaming industry.

How to get a job in the gaming industry with digital painting skills

“Let’s break it down,” Lucio cries as he unleashes his ultimate. He is one of the best healers in the game, as he can provide continuous support without worrying about a cooldown. He can also switch between heals and speed boost, which can come in handy if your team needs to quickly get back to a point or make a hasty escape.

Using his Sonic Amplifier, he can contribute damage and push enemies back using Soundwave. His passive Wall Ride ability also makes him a slippery hero, allowing him to outmaneuver opponents and escape if necessary. Let’s take a closer look at these abilities and see what sets Lucio apart from the other healers in Overwatch 2.

This is Lucio’s sonic projectile launcher weapon.

It fires in 4-round bursts, with each round doing approximately 20 damage. While it is not the most powerful weapon in the game, it comes with its advantages. Since his weapon fires large blasts that don’t require precision, it would be advantageous to use Lucio to chip away at tanks that usually come with larger hitboxes.

Sonic Amplifier’s short reload time also means Lucio can wear opponents down quickly. Also, with it being a rapid-fire weapon, this makes Lucio great for providing cover fire. Aim at distant windows or doorways to prevent snipers like Ashe or Widowmaker from peeking.

Switches between two songs: Healing Boost heals nearby allies, and Speed Boost makes nearby allies move faster.

This is Lucio’s primary support ability. It creates a permanent 12-meter area around him that can either heal allies or boost their speed. You can switch between these two modes at any time without having to worry about a cooldown. Learning when to heal and when to speed boost might be the most important part of playing Lucio, and this generally comes with practice.

Since this ability only affects an area around Lucio, it is best to try to stick with at least one ally as much as possible, whether that be your team's tank or primary DPS. Keeping them healed or providing movement buffs to help escape or relocate to a more advantageous position can be the key to your team’s success.

Increase the effectiveness of your current song.

This ability is linked to your Crossfade ability. It will increase the power of whichever mode is currently active for about 3 seconds. If you’re in healing mode, Amp It Up will cause the healing to accelerate, giving your allies more heals per second.

If Crossfade is in speed mode, Amp It Up will cause the speed buff to increase, allowing you and your teammates to rush forward or retreat with ease.

Create a short-range blast wave to knock enemies away from you.

Soundwave is a versatile ability that can be used both defensively and offensively. This ability not only damages your opponents but also knocks them back. This can be great if you need to distance yourself from an aggressive opponent. Using Soundwave to knock them back and then switching the Crossfade to speed mode to make a hasty retreat will allow you to stay in the game longer.

Offensively, soundwave can be used to knock opponents off the map. For example, on maps like Ilios that have a lot of open areas, it can be easy for Lucio to catch an opponent off guard and blast them with Soundwave, sending them flying over the edge.

Create temporary extra health for nearby allies.

This is Lucio’s ultimate ability, and it is a great defense against some of the most powerful ultimates in the game. When Lucio unleashes his ultimate, it grants 750 temporary HP to him and any allies within a 30-meter radius. While that is a massive health gain, it does decay at a rate of 125 per second until deactivating completely after 6 seconds.

With such a massive health buff, Sound Barrier is an ideal counter for Reaper’s Death Blossom, Cassidy’s Deadeye, and Phara’s Barrage. Of course, this is all considering you’re able to get the timing right.

This is Lucio’s passive ability that allows him to glide along walls with ease. While using Wall Ride, Lucio gains a buff to his movement speed and an increased jumping height. Wall Ride, combined with Crossfade’s speed buff, makes Lucio one of the most evasive characters in the game.

Sonic Amplifier is best used going after larger enemies like tanks since they have a greater hitbox. With the rapid-fire, Lucio can help wear them down easily.

With Crossfade’s radius being around Lucio, be sure to stick close to at least one teammate as much as possible, preferably your team's tank or primary DPS.

If you use Amp it Up while Crossfade is in speed mode, it will increase the speed buff allowing your team to rush forward or retreat with ease. This can come in handy if you need to get back to an objective quickly.

Soundwave is a versatile ability that can be used offensively or defensively. On maps with cliffs, you can push enemies off, or you can use it to give yourself some space between you and your opponent.

Sound Barrier comes with an amazing healing buff though it fades after 6 seconds. Timing is everything with this ultimate, especially if you want to use it to counter troubling ultimates like Reaper, Phara, or Cassidy.

Wall Ride comes with a speed boost and increased jumping height. Used in conjunction with Crossfade’s speed buff, Lucio can easily get out of any situation.

As Lucio is a passive healer, it may be best to pair him with a primary healer like Mercy to make sure your team has good coverage of heals. Lucio is great for players who want to heal but also want to deal damage. While his Sonic Amplifier is not the most powerful weapon, it can definitely chip away at enemies. Lucio is great for players who want to move defensively as well as his kit allows you to move quickly and push opponents back if necessary.

Sara Kerrigan

What makes Valorant women's esports scene the best

What makes Valorant women's esports scene the best

Overwatch 2 Hero Guide: Reinhardt

Overwatch 2 Hero Guide: Reinhardt

Overwatch 2 Hero Guide: Orisa

Here’s why it’s worth competing in Valorant Premier