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Imagine having a dedicated online space where you can share your gaming adventures, gather your clan or guild and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. A gaming website is more than just a hobby site; it's a platform to showcase your passion, skills and community. But how do you go about creating a website?
In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of building your own gaming website, from selecting the right platform and domain to customizing your site and engaging your audience. Whether you're looking to establish a personal gaming blog, create a professional site for your clan or build a bustling hub for your guild, we have you covered.
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What is a gaming website?
A gaming website is a type of website that focuses on video games, their culture and the community surrounding them. It can include blogs, forums, reviews, news updates and more. The purpose of a gaming website is to provide a centralized hub for gamers to connect, share information and experiences about their favorite games.
How to make a gaming website in 9 steps
01. Plan your gaming website
When creating your own site, start with a clear vision. Think about what you want to achieve with your site and who your target audience is. This first step will help you determine the features, web design and content that will best suit your website's purpose.
Just like the games, gaming websites come in many forms. Here are a few examples:
Gaming blog: A blog is a powerful way to drive traffic to your website, opening up several monetization opportunities like affiliate marketing, subscription-only content and ad revenue. Your gaming blog can cover a wide range of topics – from industry news and game studio updates to new releases of games and hardware.
Game review site: If you love to share your thoughts and opinions on the latest games, a review site might be the perfect fit. You can create in-depth reviews, rate games and even embed trailers or gameplay footage on your site.
Website dedicated to professional gaming: For those who want to take their gaming passion to the next level, you can create a website focused on esports and competitive gaming. You can share news, updates and tournament schedules for different games and even feature interviews with professional gamers.
Game server host site: Hosting a private server for your favorite game can be a potentially profitable hobby. By setting up your own web server, you sidestep common issues of public servers like overcrowding, performance bottlenecks and disruptive behavior.
Clan website: If you're part of a clan or guild, having your own website can help you connect and organize your members. You can use it as a platform to communicate and plan events, share strategies and showcase your achievements.
Website for games developer or publisher: If you develop or publish games, having a website can help you establish your brand and connect with your audience. You can use it to showcase your portfolio, share news and updates about upcoming releases and even sell digital copies of your games.
02. Choose a domain name and website host
Once you have a clear idea of what type of gaming website you want to create, it's time to choose a domain name and website host to get your site online. A domain name is your website's address on the internet (e.g., www.mygamingwebsite.com), while a website host is where all your site's files and data will be stored.
When selecting a domain name, you can get creative, just keep it short, memorable and relevant to your niche. You can use a domain name generator to help you come up with ideas that are available. If you already have names in mind, check them with a domain name search.
Learn more about what is a domain.
Picking the right website host is key to your gaming website's success, ensuring it performs well and stays accessible to your audience. Whether you're running a general gaming site or focusing on a blog, most hosting plans should fit the bill. However, if you're planning to host a game server, you'll need something more robust than the usual shared hosting plan. Consider dedicated hosting or a virtual private server (VPS) for more power and site reliability. These options give you sole usage of the server, physical or virtual, offering more control to optimize for gaming traffic and potentially boosting performance.
There are several factors to consider when selecting a hosting website:
Performance and Reliability: Look for a hosting provider that offers high uptime guarantees (99.9% or higher) to ensure your website is nearly always accessible. Additionally, check for features such as SSD storage and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) that can help enhance your site's loading speed and overall performance.
Bandwidth and Storage: Depending on the type of content you plan to host (e.g., high-resolution images, videos, large game files), you will need adequate bandwidth and storage space. Make sure your chosen hosting plan can accommodate your needs and offers options for scalability as your website grows.
Security: Protecting your site from cyber threats is essential. Opt for hosts that provide robust website security features like SSL certificates, daily backups, malware scanning and DDoS protection. This will help keep your site and user data safe.
Customer Support: Reliable customer service is indispensable, especially if you're not very tech-savvy. Seek out providers that offer 24/7 support through various channels, such as phone, email and live chat.
Pricing: Hosting costs vary widely. While it's important to choose a plan that fits your budget, don't compromise on essential features for the sake of lower cost. Look for hosting providers that offer a good balance of affordability and quality and be aware of any potential hidden fees.
03. Select a website builder
Once you have your domain name and hosting sorted, it's time to choose a website builder to help you create and manage your gaming website. Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder that enables you to design and customize your site without any coding knowledge. Consider the features, pricing and learning curve when making your decision. Make sure it aligns with your goals and caters to your target audience. Consider factors such as website design templates, e-commerce functionality, SEO capabilities and integration with third-party tools.
Learn more: Wix vs Squarespace
04. Customize a template and pages
Now comes the fun part – designing and developing your gaming website. Choose a visually appealing and functional website template for your gaming website. A template serves as the foundation of your site and provides a structure for your content.
Look for templates that are specifically designed for gaming websites or ones that can be easily customized to fit your niche. After selecting a template, customize the website color scheme, typography, images and website layout to personalize your gaming website.
Next, create essential web pages such as a home page, about page, contact page and terms of service page. These pages will help users understand your website and business, provide a way to contact you and detail any legal information they should be aware of. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some quick ideas:
About us: Create a page to introduce yourself, your clan or your guild. This is valuable for new users and potential business partners or game developers. Include details about your activities, consoles, favorite games and equipment. Explain how you got into gaming or streaming and highlight influential games. Mention your current gaming and streaming gear. This offers exciting content for sponsors and helpful tips for fans and other players. Keep it concise, helpful and inspiring. Use an approachable tone and clear language to make your introduction engaging and informative.
Contact information: Show accurate and detailed contact information to build trust and attract business partnerships. For a more professional touch, create your own business email.
Instructions for your gaming server: If you have a dedicated gaming server, it's essential to provide clear and detailed instructions on how to access and use it. This will help users understand your server rules, settings and any necessary software or hardware requirements.
Terms of service: As with any website, it's important to have terms of service in place to protect yourself and your users. Consult with a lawyer or use online terms of service generators to create appropriate policies for your site.
05. Start a blog and online community forum
Your gaming website needs consistent and engaging content to attract and retain users. Consider what type of content marketing will best serve your target audience and make sure to regularly update it to keep users coming back for more.
Learn more: How to build an online community
Gaming blog
Starting a blog is an excellent way to attract your audience and share your thoughts, opinions and expertise on gaming-related topics. You can also use this space to showcase game reviews, interviews with developers or highlight upcoming events. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and providing valuable content that they will want to share with others.
Here are some ideas on what type of content you can create for your gaming website:
Game reviews: Write in-depth reviews of popular games or new releases to help users make informed purchasing decisions.
Tutorials: Create video or written tutorials on how to play specific games or use particular features within a game.
Live streaming/video content: Host live streams or create pre-recorded videos of gameplay, tournaments or interviews with fellow gamers.
Community forums: Create a forum for users to discuss all things gaming related. This can help foster a sense of community and encourage engagement.
Giveaways/contests: Host giveaways or contests to generate buzz and attract new users to your website.
Game news and updates: Keep your readers informed about upcoming game releases, patches and events.
Interviews with gamers or industry professionals: Give insight into the lives of gamers or share knowledge from experts in the gaming industry.
Community forum
A community forum is another great addition to a gaming website. It offers a platform for players and fans to discuss games, share tips and tricks and connect with other gamers. It's also an opportunity for you to interact with your audience, gather feedback and create a sense of community around your website. Make sure to regularly moderate the forum to ensure a positive and welcoming environment for all users.
Membership area
Another way to generate more interaction on your gaming or clan page is to create an exclusive platform for your fans. You can create a membership site to which only registered users have access. This way you increase the motivation of users to visit your site regularly. You can also offer exclusive content, such as sneak peeks or early access to game reviews, for members only. This will encourage users to become members and increase their loyalty to your website.
Learn more: What is a membership website
Wix App Marketplace offers a range of plugins to enhance your site’s features and engagement. Add features like social media integration, forums and chat rooms to boost user engagement. The plugins you choose will depend on the type of gaming site you’re building. With your planning in place, you’ll know exactly what functionality and content you need. For instance, if it’s a game or hardware review site, a dedicated review plugin might be ideal.
06. Monetize your website
If you're looking to monetize your gaming website, there are several options available. Whichever monetization method you choose, make sure it aligns with your brand and improves website user experience. Be transparent about any sponsored content or affiliate links to maintain trust with your audience.
Some popular methods include:
Affiliate marketing: Partnering with companies that sell gaming-related products and promoting their products on your website. You earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
Sponsorships: Collaborating with companies to promote their products or services in exchange for compensation.
Ads: Displaying ads on your website can generate revenue through pay-per-click or impressions.
Premium membership: Offering exclusive content, access to special features or ad-free browsing for a fee can also generate income.
Merchandise sales: If you have a brand or logo associated with your gaming website, consider building an eCommerce website to sell merchandise such as t-shirts, hats or stickers to your audience.
Learn more: How to monetize a website
07. Optimize for search engines
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving traffic to your gaming website. By using SEO features to optimize your site's content and structure, you can increase your chances of appearing higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Here are some tips for optimizing your website for SEO:
Keyword research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases related to your gaming website and incorporate them into your content.
Title tags and meta descriptions: Use unique title tags and meta descriptions for each page of your website that accurately describe the content on that page.
Quality backlinks: Build links from reputable websites within the gaming industry to increase your site's authority. This can happen in forums, blogs, on social media or in journalistic articles. The more high-quality and relevant your content and your videos, the more often sites or journalists will report about you and link to your page.
Mobile-friendly design: Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices as a large portion of internet users access websites through their smartphones. Look into Guides and information on how to make a website mobile-friendly.
Fast loading speed: Optimize your website's images, videos and other media to ensure fast load times. Site speed is an important factor in SEO rankings.
Regularly updated content: Keep your website updated with fresh and relevant content to improve your search engine rankings and keep users engaged.
08. Create a gaming server (optional)
If you're looking to take your gaming website to the next level, consider creating a dedicated gaming server. This can be used for hosting tournaments, community game nights or even as a platform for players to connect and play together. You can also use the server to promote your website and engage with your audience. The exact process varies depending on the game and your specific goals for the server. The process can be a bit involved, so it’s important to follow the instructions from the game developer carefully. Many games also have dedicated communities where you can find additional help if you need it
To create a gaming server, you will need:
Quality hardware: A powerful computer or server specifically designed for hosting games.
Reliable internet connection: A fast and stable internet connection is essential for running a gaming server.
Gaming software: Choose a game server software that is compatible with the games you want to host.
Necessary licensing: Make sure you have all necessary permissions and licenses in place before launching your gaming server.
Learn more: How to host your own website
09. Promote your gaming website
Lastly, it's important to actively promote your gaming website to reach a wider audience. Here are some ways you can promote your site:
Social media: Use social media marketing on platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to share updates about your website and engage with your audience. This means, for example, that fans on your site will be aware that you are active on Twitter as well as Instagram. Conversely, you can, for example, draw the attention of your YouTube community to your homepage in the video description. In the best case, the number of your followers grows through these links on all channels.
Paid advertising: Consider investing in paid advertisements on popular gaming websites or search engines.
Email marketing: Build an email list of subscribers who are interested in your website and send them regular updates, promotions or exclusive content using email marketing tools.
Collaborate with other websites or influencers: Reach out to other gaming websites or influential gamers in the industry for collaborations or cross-promotion opportunities.
Connect to Discord: Join relevant communities and share your website with them to reach potential new users.
Learn more: How to make a Discord logo
Why create a gaming website?
As the number of gamers continues to grow, it is even more important to stand out from other gamers. A good website is an important tool for making the leap to professional player or streamer and building a die-hard fan base. But websites also offer many functions for clans and guilds.
There are many benefits to creating your own gaming website including:
Building a community: Having a dedicated space for your clan or guild can help strengthen bonds between members and attract new players. If you offer your community interesting content as well as a meeting point on your site, you will strengthen the feeling of appreciation and thus consolidate a community that will always support you.
Showcasing your skills: Whether you're an experienced gamer looking to showcase your expertise or a beginner sharing your journey, a gaming website allows you to display your achievements and progress.
Monetizing your passion: With the growing popularity of gaming, a website can be a great way to monetize your passion. You can include advertisements, affiliate marketing or even sell merchandise.
Sharing information: A gaming website is an excellent platform to share news, reviews and tips with other gamers in the community. It allows you to contribute to the gaming world and be part of a larger conversation.
Impress potential partners and sponsors: As your website grows in popularity, it can attract the attention of potential partners and sponsors looking to collaborate or advertise on your site. Your own homepage offers an ideal opportunity to present all relevant information about you and your content in a bundled form.
Learn more: How to make money from a website
Read more:
Gaming website examples
Still not sure where to start with your gaming website? Here are a few inspiring examples of gaming website ideas to help guide your own website development, all build on Wix.
Three Dads and a Console
Three Dads and a Console is a gaming website that stands out with its engaging blog, offering a treasure trove of content for gamers of all levels. The blog features timely reviews, first impressions and in-depth analyses of the latest games, including titles like "Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2" and "Assassin's Creed Shadows." By consistently delivering concise and informative content, Three Dads and a Console ensures that its audience stays well-informed about the latest developments in the gaming world..
NRK Anarky Gaming
NRK Anarky Gaming is committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive space for gamers. The platform not only brings players together through exciting tournaments and news updates but also features a dedicated online store website, allowing fans to showcase their allegiance with exclusive NRK-branded gear. As a woman-owned community, they emphasize inclusivity, inviting gamers to connect with them and each other via various contact options and social media.
Gamers Delight
Gamers Delight is a vibrant online community designed to unite gaming enthusiasts with its engaging platform. This website features a dedicated forum where gamers can dive into lively discussions, share gameplay tips and connect with fellow players across various genres and platforms. In addition to the forum, Gamers Delight offers up-to-date news, insightful blog posts and highlights streamers. The platform’s welcoming environment echoes its motto, "For Gamers. By Gamers," making it an ideal digital haven for those passionate about video games.
Other types of websites to create
How to make a gaming website FAQ
How much does it cost to create a gaming website?
The cost of creating a gaming website can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some website building platforms, like Wix, offer affordable options for hosting and domain registration. However, if you want to purchase high-quality hardware or invest in paid advertising, the cost may be higher.