THE virtual economy is booming as thousands of us learn to earn in cyberspace.
New online roles include digital asset creators who craft furniture, animals and weapons for games like Minecraft and “farmers” who earn and sell valuable in-game items.
“Modders”, meanwhile, create modifications for games and all contribute to a global virtual economy worth more than £50billion a year.
Trends predictor L’Atelier says that more than 40,000 people already earn in excess of £100,000 a year from it.
Popular platforms on which to trade items, alongside Minecraft, include Fallout, Roblox and Second Life.
John Egan, of L’Atelier, said: “Even as the global economy suffers the impact of the pandemic, the virtual economy continues to grow.
“It is already huge — more than 2.5billion people participate in the platforms.
“It is a powerful way for people to socialise, create and earn an income during lockdown.
As a result, all manner of virtual jobs are becoming increasingly attractive to millions of people, from gamers and developers to teachers and entrepreneurs.”
Anyone with good gaming knowledge can work in the sector.
Many start as a hobby before developing their skills — and income.
John added: “It is possible for almost anyone to succeed if they have the intellect, decisiveness and technical capability.”
‘An expanding market’
TWINS Matt and Ben Horton, 19, make a living on gaming platform Roblox.
Matt, below left with Ben, is a video producer and editor, Ben is a software and game developer.
They live in Hackney, East London, and run YouTube channel Oblivious, with two million followers. The twins said: “We’ve been gaming enthusiasts since we were kids.
“When we started secondary school, Roblox launched its Developer Exchange and we realised we could earn real money.
Our first success was an interactive boat ride, which made us £5 a day – a lot of potential sweets!
“Game development is an expanding market. If you’re interested in exploring a similar path, get out there and experiment with projects that interest you.
“Even if it doesn’t become a full-time career, you’ll have new skills and experiences.”
Keen? Get started now by visiting corp.roblox.com/education.
Brighter outlook
FINDING it tough to get an internship? Look online.
Talent platform Bright Network is launching online placements for “the Corona Class of 2020”.
The crisis has led to 63 per cent of internships being cancelled or paused.
Bright’s Internship Experience UK will offer placements for all students and graduates to help them gain skills, boost employability and network virtually. Each lasts three days and you can take up to six.
Employers taking part include Amazon, Google, Marks & Spencer, Procter & Gamble and Goldman Sachs.
Bright founder James Uffindell said: “We hope students and graduates will take advantage of this free virtual internship experience on offer.”
See brightnetwork.co.uk/internship-experience-uk.
Raising the bar
ALTHOUGH pubs are still shut, ambitious bar staff are busy training to boost their careers.
Wines and spirits producer Pernod Ricard is offering a free course to bartenders and bar owners about operating a greener business.
The course covers aspects of sustainability from serving fresh ingredients to recycling and is run through the EdApp mobile learning platform, backed by the UN’s Institute for Training and Research.
Darren Winterford, founder of EdApp, said: “Restaurants and bars around the world have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
“They are dramatically shifting the way they operate and need to rapidly upskill in areas such as responsible bar management.”
See edapp.com/course/the-bar-world-of-tomorrow.
Fearing return to work?
STRUGGLING to get your staff off Microsoft Teams and back working as a team again?
Two in five of us are worried about returning to the workplace, studies show.
Psychologist Dr Kathryn Kissell, an expert in building work teams, says: “Our homes have become safe places.
“Now, as employees are asked to return to work, anxiety is going to re-emerge and will focus on workplace issues.”
Here, she offers her tips for bosses to help staff feel safe.
- Prioritise PPE. Develop clear guidelines. Provide all necessary equipment and empower staff to enforce best practice with clients.
- Keep communicating. Office gossip can make employees feel anxious. Go overboard in offering clear, open and honest communication about what is happening with the business.
- Have fun. Humour is the antidote to anxiety. Having a laugh creates a sense of shared support – just what is needed right now.
- Get creative. Creativity brings our thinking brain back online and calms our “fight, flight or fright” fear instinct.
- Keep cool. Being calm is contagious. A level-headed leader will settle an anxious workplace. Invest in mindfulness, exercise, getting a connection with nature or listening to music – and bring
