In this digital age, you can make money playing games. There’s no doubt about that. However, it requires quite a bit of dedication and hard work.
Many who set out on this path give up halfway. That’s because the work aspect kills the fun aspect of playing video games. Some of them even end up hating what they once loved. It’s also a bit risky because the competition has gotten fierce in the past few years. For every success story you hear online, there are hundreds of failures that get unnoticed.
Anyway, here are all the ways you can make some dollars while playing your favorite game.
1. Live Stream on Twitch
This is the best way to make money while playing video games. For those of you who don’t know, Twitch is a website that allows gamers to broadcast their gameplay sessions. This streaming service gained popularity in a very short time and now has more than 45 million unique visitors every month.
Twitch makes it easy for gamers to make money and earn a living while playing their favorite games. The good news is that Twitch will pay you if your viewership gets high enough. And it isn’t even a small change we’re talking about here! The company has paid out over $100 million to its broadcasters. That’s a lot of money, and it’s only going to get bigger from here.
To make money on Twitch, you need to build up a following first. You need to set yourself apart with the help of your unique content. Otherwise, why would someone watch your content when there are thousands of other Twitch channels? And that’s the tricky part.
2. Start Your Youtube Channel
Most people who visit Youtube don’t know about the vast world of gaming channels found there. It’s an extremely popular platform for gamers and companies to promote their games or consoles. There are thousands of channels that focus on certain aspects of gaming, such as strategy guides, walkthroughs, tutorials, podcasts, etc.
You can earn money from your Youtube channel by promoting games, consoles, and accessories. You can also advertise for other gaming channels that pay you a percentage of the revenue they make. Sky’s the limit, literally. But, the problem is, again, setting yourself apart from the competition.
If you want to start a gaming channel on Youtube, you’ll need to invest in quality recording equipment. That will set you back a few hundred bucks at least. You’ll also need to learn how to produce high-quality content. It takes hard work and practice before you can start making money from your channel.
3. Sign on to a Professional eSports Team
This is only for the hardcore gamers looking to take their gaming career to the next level. Professional eSports teams are always on the lookout for new blood. If you can impress them with your skills, they might offer you a contract.
The benefit of joining a professional eSports team is that you can travel the world and play games for a living. These teams don’t mess around either because they will ask you to train for hours if they think you can benefit from such training. If your performance doesn’t match the expectations, or if you are injured, you likely won’t be invited back.
Joining a professional eSports team is a huge commitment, and it’s not for everyone. You’ll have to be ready to put in the hours of practice, and you might even have to relocate.
4. Use Apps that Pay to Play Video Games
Below are some legit apps that pay you to play video games. However, do consider the opportunity cost of spending hours on a mobile gaming app.
Mistplay – www.mistplay.com
Mistplay is a sort of loyalty program for gamers. You have to try out new games, and the app rewards you in return. Unfortunately, the app is only available for Android users at the moment.
Drop – www.earnwithdrop.com
The Drop has been a very popular reward app for a while. Recently, they added a game section where you can earn money. You will have to create a Drop account and then download any games from the gaming section. These games then pay you in points when you reach a certain level. Some games pay from $10 to $20 points for leveling up.
GameHag – gamehag.com
GameHag is like Mistplay, but better. It lets you earn rewards for playing mobile as well as computer games. What’s more, it has a fantastic selection of computer games along with mobile games. From Guild Wars 2 to Rise of Kingdoms and Warframe, it offers plenty of games that pay money.
Solitaire Cube
If you are a fan of solitaire, you can earn some serious cash playing the game on this app. Solitaire cube lets you compete in tournaments and one on one matches based on your skill level. Cash out is also easy. Connect your Paypal account to the app and transfer your winnings whenever you want.
21 Blitz
21 Blitz is a combination of solitaire and 21. It’s an excellent way to train your mind, pass the time and earn some money as well. By depositing money, you can also enter into tournaments that offer better cash rewards. Like Solitaire Cube, 21 Blitz uses Paypal for money transfers.
5. Become a Playtester
Video games go through different phases of development. In the final phase, playtesters get to come in and test the game before it is released for commercial purposes. Video gaming companies pay playtesters an hourly wage or a flat fee which can vary, depending on your level of experience.
The process is simple enough. You sign up as a playtester through the gaming company’s website. Playtest Cloud, Early Bird, Beta Testing, and Beta Family are good places to start. They then send you the game and assign you in-game tasks (such as finding and documenting a bug), which you need to accomplish.
However, playing to break the game gets boring and repetitive very fast. You may have to repeat the same missions again and again. But, if you don’t mind dedicating hours of your time to breaking a game, then this option is for you.
6. Participate in a big gaming tournament
This is the most expensive option on the list, and it’s not for everyone. Esports tournaments are getting bigger and bigger, with prize pools reaching millions of dollars. The top gamers battle it out in front of a cheering audience to win the coveted prize money.
The only way to join these tournaments is by qualifying through smaller tournaments or being handpicked by a team. The qualifying process is usually long and difficult, requiring hours of practice and dedication.
If you do manage to qualify, the expenses don’t stop there. You will have to pay for your travel, accommodation, and food. Plus, you need to bring your A-game because one mistake can cost you the entire tournament. It’s no surprise that gamers have to ask for donations on Reddit because they can’t afford it.
7. Farm some in-app or in-game currency
Suppose you’re playing a video game and need some in-game coins to purchase a feature, tool, or something to take your game to the next level. In some video games, players can transfer their coins. Fortunately, you know a player who would be more than happy to transfer their coins in exchange for some money.
So, simply message them with a request, “Hello, I will pay you with real money if you sell me some of your coins. Let me know if you are interested in this offer.” Easy, right?
Now, what if you are the one on the receiving end of this offer. Wouldn’t that be crazy awesome? Sure, becoming an in-game farmer doesn’t sound like it will get you lots of bucks. You can still earn a handsome amount if you are good at playing the game.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of how you can make money while playing video games. The industry has a lot to offer, so don’t limit yourself to just one option. Get out there and earn that cash. If you follow the tips above, there’s no reason why you can’t succeed. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 – How do I become a paid gamer?
The only way to become a paid gamer is by improving your gaming skills and joining competitions. There’s no other way.
2 – Can I make a living playing video game?
It’s possible to make a living playing video games, but it’s not easy. The competition is fierce. So, you need to be dedicated to your craft.
3 – What’s the best way to make money playing video games?
The best way to make money playing video games is by joining a gaming team and competing in tournaments. However, this option is not for everyone. There are other ways to make money, but they are not as lucrative.
4 – What’s the easiest way to make money playing video games?
The easiest way to make money playing video games is by farming in-game currency. You can make a good amount of money if you are good at the game.
