A unique career that you may have heard of is on the rise; one where people are making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year -- YouTube gaming. Figures such as Pewdiepie, Cryaotic (aka Cry), and Markiplier are gaining followers at incredible rates, expanding both their fame and paychecks by posting themselves playing video games. At first, anyone would have to admit that the concept seems ridiculous. Just over a week ago, Jimmy Kimmel himself attacked the concept, calling watching someone play a game "a double waste of time." However, it's important to ask the question, "How can something that someone enjoys be a waste of time?"

First, I want to address the misconception that YouTube gamers simply post videos of themselves yelling at games. If you begin to delve into the YouTube culture, it is clear that "easy" is the opposite of reality. In fact, YouTube gamers spend hours everyday recording and editing their videos. It can take hours of their time to produce a video that is only ten minutes long. Many YouTubers eventually have to hire editors to keep up with posting demands.

Despite the work that YouTubers put into their videos, you may still believe it to be a waste of time to watch. However, following that train of thought would show that watching football or hockey is a waste as well. To tell someone who enjoys watching YouTube gaming to just play the game themselves is equivalent to telling a football fan to go play football themselves. People enjoy watching sports and e-Sports because they enjoy the commentary and the expertise of the professionals.

Gaming can also be an incredibly expensive hobby. Computers powerful enough to efficiently run games, consoles, and the games themselves are all expensive. A normal person may not be able to afford this hobby. Watching YouTube gamers is a cheaper alternative. Games can also take a long time to get through. If a person is very busy, they can relax stead, by watching YouTube videos of gamers who have edited the playthrough to make it shorter.

All in all, no one needs an excuse to enjoy something. Whether you like sports or e-Sports, don't let anyone shame you into stopping your hobby.