Gaming in terms of video games was previously just for fun, though with some tournaments held and money prizes for the best players. Now though, gaming has become a viable investment of time and money to get set up with the equipment and followers, allowing for donations and more to come in.
It is getting harder though as there are so many people doing things like Twitch streaming or YouTube videos, meaning more competition for viewers and support.
I personally (now I am getting back into Steemit posts again) will be keeping my content for Steemit/DTube etc in order to help the platform grow and so when the STEEM price goes right up again and is even bigger, I can withdraw part of my earnings to help sustain my life and being able to do more and more on Steemit too.
streamers can make big money, because there are more spectators than ever