10 Ways To Make Money Playing Video Games

Do you wish you could play video games all day and still pay the bills? Well, guess what – you can! With so many opportunities available online, it’s easier than ever to make money doing something you enjoy.

Whether you prefer racing cars, playing war, or solving puzzles there are plenty of ways to turn your gaming skills into a profitable venture to earn money.

As the popularity of esports, live-streaming platforms like Twitch, and professional gaming careers continues to soar, the gaming industry has opened up avenues for gamers of all skill levels to monetize their hobby. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, the possibilities are endless.

I’ve put together a list of ways that gamers can earn cash while still enjoying their hobby. By trying out these ideas, you can make your gaming experience even better and possibly earn some extra money too.

10 Ways To Make Money Playing Video Games

1. Streaming on Platforms Like Twitch or YouTube

Streaming is a popular way for gamers to make money by playing video games. They use platforms like Twitch and YouTube to broadcast themselves playing live and build a community of viewers. This can lead to earning money through various means.

To begin making money through streaming, there are two primary paths:

• Affiliate Status: Achieving Affiliate status on Twitch allows streamers to receive a share of subscription fees paid by their followers. This means that when someone pays $4.99 per month to support a channel, the streamer receives a portion of those earnings.
• Partner Programs: Both Twitch and YouTube offer Partner programs where they share ad revenue generated from advertisements displayed alongside streamed content. To qualify for these partnerships, streamers must meet certain criteria regarding viewership numbers, consistency, and content quality.

Streamers also get money from their fans through donations on platforms like Twitch Bits, PayPal, or Patreon. This helps them pay for things they need to keep streaming. They also work with brands to promote products or services and may sell their own merchandise, like t-shirts or hats, to make even more money.

2. Participating In Esports Tournaments

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has become incredibly popular in recent years. Professional players and teams compete for millions of dollars in prize money.

While becoming a top esports player may seem unattainable, skilled gamers can still earn money through tournaments. These tournaments range from local events at gaming stores or community centers to massive international competitions with huge audiences and prize pools.

Some tournaments focus on specific games, while others feature various titles. To participate, players must dedicate countless hours to practicing, studying strategies, and staying updated on the latest developments in their chosen games.

Winning a major esports tournament can result in a substantial payout, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Even smaller tournaments offer valuable income opportunities for skilled players, with prizes ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

3. Play Games Where You Can Earn Money

There are several options available for making money through video games, and one of the easiest ways is to play games that pay you for using their platform. Many online games offer rewards or cash prizes for playing their games, either on mobile devices or through web browsers.

1. Axie Infinity — Collect and breed monster creatures called Axies, and engage in battles to earn SLP tokens, which can be converted to Ethereum.
2. Gods Unchained — Win ranked matches and complete quests to earn Gods tokens, which can be traded for real money.
3. The Sandbox — Own land, create experiences, and monetize them using virtual assets like NFTs.
4. Second Life — Create avatars, participate in the economy, and earn Linden Dollars (L$), which can be exchanged for real money.
5. Skillz — Compete in esports-style tournaments for mobile games like Dominoes Gold and Solitaire Cube, and win real money prizes.
6. GamerZArena — Host tournaments for popular PC and console games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and Dota 2, awarding cash prizes.
7. Esports — Participate in esports tournaments for games like League of Legends or Dota 2, potentially earning significant prize money.
8. Swagbucks — Play simple games, complete micro-tasks, and perform other actions to earn SB points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal transfers.
9. Bananatic — Play mobile and web games to earn Bananas, which can be exchanged for gift cards, real money, or cryptocurrencies.
10. Blackout Bingo — Play bingo games for free, with winners receiving real money prizes after two-minute rounds.

4. Becoming an Esports Coach or Analyst

While not everyone has the skills to become a professional esports player, there are still opportunities to earn money playing video games by becoming a coach or analyst.

Esports coaches work with players or teams to help them improve their skills, develop strategies, and prepare for competitions. Analysts, on the other hand, provide insights and commentary on esports matches, helping viewers understand the action and providing valuable feedback to players and teams.

To become an esports coach or analyst, it’s important to have a deep understanding of the games and the strategies involved.

Coaches should be able to identify areas where players can improve and provide constructive feedback to help them reach their full potential. Analysts should be able to break down gameplay and explain the reasoning behind different decisions made by players and teams.

Many esports coaches and analysts work as freelancers, offering their services to individual players or teams. The income potential for esports coaches and analysts can vary widely depending on their level of experience and the demand for their services.

5. Joining Beta Testing Groups

Game testers play a vital role in ensuring that video games are free from bugs and errors before they are released to the public.

It involves testing the game from start to finish, examining every aspect of it to ensure that it’s working properly and free from bugs. This includes checking the game’s functionality, performance, and overall gaming experience.

As a game tester, you’ll be responsible for identifying and reporting any issues you encounter during gameplay. This can include everything from minor glitches to major crashes. Your feedback will help the development team fix these problems and improve the overall quality of the game.

Many game-testing positions offer hourly wages ranging from $20 to $30 per hour. Of course, the specific pay rate will depend on factors such as your experience and the company you’re working for.

6. Create YouTube Videos of Your Gameplay

Creating YouTube videos of your gameplay is a popular way to generate income while playing and sharing your gaming experiences with a wide audience.

• Begin by creating a YouTube channel dedicated to your gaming content. Choose a unique and memorable name that reflects your personality or the type of games you play.
• Record your gameplay in high definition and ensure that the audio is clear.
• Edit your footage to create engaging and entertaining content. Add commentary, subtitles, or humorous annotations to make your videos more enjoyable to watch.
• Consider focusing on a specific genre or game that you are passionate about. This can help you attract a dedicated audience who share your interests.

7. Create Video Game Guides

First, choose a popular game that has a large following and is challenging for players.

Next, create a comprehensive guide that covers everything from basic gameplay mechanics to advanced strategies. Focus on tricky levels and provide detailed instructions on how to complete them.

To prove your expertise, showcase your skills by completing the game or certain levels quickly or efficiently. Use screenshots and videos to illustrate your points and make the guide easy to follow.

Once your guide is ready, sell it on platforms like Udemy as a course. Promote your guide on social media to reach a wider audience.

With persistence and hard work, you can build a reputation as a trusted source of gaming guides and attract loyal customers.

8. Selling Digital Art Inspired by Video Games

For artists with a passion for both gaming and visual arts, selling digital creations inspired by video games presents a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and earn money simultaneously.

Select a reputable website or marketplace designed for digital artwork, such as DeviantArt, ArtStation, Gumroad, or Etsy. Each offers its own set of features and benefits; research carefully before deciding on the best fit.

Create a visually appealing gallery of your work, highlighting pieces inspired by video games. Make sure to include detailed descriptions, tags, and keywords to optimize discoverability.

If you want to avoid copyright infringement issues, seek permission from game publishers or developers to license their intellectual property for commercial purposes. This process varies between companies, so do thorough research before reaching out.

9. Start a Gaming Podcasts

Podcasts are super popular, especially among commuters who enjoy listening to experts in their free time. All you need is some gaming know-how and a willingness to share it with others. Invite other gamers onto your podcast and discuss specific games, sharing tips and tricks along the way.

Monetizing your podcast is easy too! You can partner with sponsors or offer subscription services to generate income. With a dedicated audience and engaging content, you can turn your passion for gaming into a profitable venture.

10. Become a Video Game Journalist

Want to earn money by covering the latest happenings in the gaming world? Becoming a video game journalist can be a dream come true for passionate gamers!

With millions of fans eager for news and updates, there’s a high demand for engaging content. You can write articles on new game releases, updates, and esports tournaments. Plus, you can create comprehensive reviews of games, analyzing their features, graphics, and gameplay.

You can work for established publications or freelance, giving you the flexibility to choose your own projects. To get started, build a portfolio by writing articles and sharing them on blogs or social media. Networking with other journalists and attending gaming events can also help you land gigs.

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How Much Can You Earn Playing Video Games?

People can make money playing video games in different ways, like winning tournaments, creating videos, or even developing games.

The amount of money you can earn depends on things like the type of game, how much time you spend on it, and how well you do. Some people can earn around $20 to $200 per hour, but it varies.

Participating in tournaments can give you a chance to win bigger prizes. Becoming a game journalist, YouTube creator, teacher, or developer is also a way to make money in the gaming world.

How Do I Become a Paid Gamer?

To become a paid gamer, there are several ways to monetize your gaming skills. Here are some methods:

1. Play in Gaming Leagues and Tournaments: Join popular tournaments such as the International DOTA 2 Championship, the Intel® Extreme Masters Grand Finals, Blizzard*Overwatch League, and so on. The idea is that you compete and get noticed. Keep an eye on local esports competitions near you.
2. Join a Team: Join a team of gamers, preferably those who are better than you, or have a different skill set. To be asked to join a team you need to be the very best of the best, and build a solid reputation in your gaming, as well as leagues, tournaments, and events.
3. Get Sponsored: Winning leagues and tournaments can get you a big check, however, sponsorship is a more steady income. Big brands in the gaming industry pay players to wear their gear and merch while competing.

Is Being a Gamer a Real Job?

Professional gaming, or Esports, has become a rapidly growing industry with a projected value of $1.5 billion by 2023.

It’s no longer just a hobby, but a legitimate career path for many gamers. Professional gamers can compete in tournaments and leagues, and earn cash prizes, sponsorships, and partnerships with companies and products.