Do you know you can turn your passion for video games into a source of income? Not pennies, No. We’re talking about a full-blown income that could go as high as millions of dollars. Well, you’re in luck! This guide will show you how to make money from games, revealing excellent opportunities for gamers, irrespective of skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual gamer, the gaming industry is filled with a plethora of ways to earn extra cash or even make a full-time living. From streaming on Twitch to competing in esports tournaments, there’s something for everyone looking to turn their love for gaming into real money.

What began as a little rush of adrenaline while playing video games during childhood grew into a multibillion-dollar industry that has captured the world at large. The global video gaming market will reach an estimated value of over $280 billion in 2024. This situation has opened up more opportunities for people to make money from their gaming passion than ever before.

You can become the next “N0tail,” a professional Dota 2 player who’s earned over $7 million doing what he loves. Or the next developer prodigy like Eric Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, who turned his indie game into a financial success, selling over 20 million copies. What about being the next Elspeth Eastman? A top-notch successful voice actress and streamer.

This comprehensive guide explores multiple ways you can monetize your gaming skills and passion. We’ll cover everything from becoming a top esports player to launching a gaming podcast, creating game guides, and more. So, grab your controller, power up your console, and let’s dive into the exciting world of gaming as we uncover how you can start making money from games today!

Become An Esports Player

Join the esports world, become a pro gamer, and start earning today. You’ll get to travel and compete in gaming tournaments as a professional player for massive cash prize pools. Some of the biggest esports events feature prize pools in the millions. The first edition of the Esports World Cup rewarded winning teams with over $60 million in cash prizes. 

Best Esports Games

If you’re wondering how to make money from games, consider the most popular esports games that offer lucrative opportunities.

• League of Legends (LoL): This is a MOBA game in which the players come together to destroy the opponent’s nexus. LoL stands out as a highly liked game because of its challenging and strategic gameplay coupled with a variety of champions. The game also contains numerous tournaments running each year for millions of prizes.
• Dota 2: Another MOBA, Dota 2, features complex gameplay and a high skill ceiling. The annual Dota 2 tournament, The International, boasts one of the largest prize pools in esports, exceeding $40 million.
• Fortnite: This battle royale game exploded in popularity due to its unique building mechanics and colourful graphics. Fortnite tournaments offer substantial prize money, with the World Cup featuring a $30 million prize pool.
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO): This first-person shooter game boasts a renowned competitive scene. CS: GO tournaments are some of the most viewed events in esports.
• Valorant: Riot Games’ Valorant is a tactical shooter game that has quickly established itself in the esports scene. What makes it so popular for competitive play is how it uniquely blends its shooter mechanics and hero abilities.

Top Esports Players

Looking at successful esports players can provide inspiration and insight into what it takes to make it in the industry.

• Faker (League of Legends): Known as the “Unkillable Demon King,” Faker has won multiple World Championships with his team, T1. He is one of the highest-earning players in esports history.
• s1mple (CS: GO): Many consider s1mple one of the greatest CS: GO players of all time. His impressive aim and game sense have earned him numerous tournament wins.
• Bugha (Fortnite): After winning the Fortnite World Cup in 2019, Bugha became an overnight sensation. His victory earned him a massive prize and a surge in popularity.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as an Esports Player

Here are some actionable tips for those wondering how to make money from games:

• Join an esports team or clan for exposure and tournament competition.
• Regularly practice and analyze gameplay for skill improvement.
• Participate in smaller tournaments for competitive experience and reputation building.
• Network with other players and coaches for growth opportunities.
• Leverage social media for personal brand building, sponsorships, and additional income.

Become a Streamer

As a streamer today, you can kick start a career and turn your hobby, namely gaming, into a business. Streaming enables one to play a game, and the audience has a view of what you are doing; they can also interact with you in real time. The audience is strongly likely to follow you or, in other words, establish a connection with a particular personality when viewing content.

Best Streaming Platforms

Choosing the right platform is essential for reaching and growing your audience. Here are some of the best options available:

• Twitch: Twitch is the leading platform for game streaming, being used by millions of people. The Amazon site provides an opportunity for chat interaction, subscriptions, and advertisement selling, which allows streamers to make a profit from the show. Twitch focuses on community, so therefore it is rather good for starting streamers. 
  
  This platform attracts millions of viewers and has useful additional options such as popup chat, emotes, and channel points, which increase viewers’ participation and give several opportunities to earn money on advertisements, subscriptions, and donations.

• YouTube Gaming: This platform integrates seamlessly with YouTube, providing access to a vast audience. Streamers can benefit from YouTube’s established monetization options, including ad revenue and channel memberships. The potential reach is enormous, making it a popular choice for many gamers.

• Facebook Gaming: Facebook’s gaming platform is booming, with community groups and easy sharing making it stand out. Facebook has enormous traffic, and streamers can share videos and easily communicate with the audience using comments and reactions. It has become trendy due to such activities as live polls, Facebook stars, getting money from advertisements, fan subscriptions, and stars.

• DLive: DLive is a decentralized platform that allows streamers to earn crypto via the content which they create or upload. This platform promotes full transparency of the streamers’ earnings. It provides them with fair pay by enforcing decentralization, while the viewers pay for the platform’s expenses through LINO tokens that equal real money.

Top Gaming Streamers

Several successful streamers exemplify what it takes to thrive in this field:

• Ninja: Best known for streaming on Fortnite, Ninja is among the most popular streamers so far. Gleaming and excellent performance have drawn millions of fans to pay attention to him. He has an estimated net worth of more than $25 million, and millions of the money comes from his sponsorships, merchandise, and streaming platform.
• PewDiePie: The king of YouTube, PewDiePie has expanded his content to include vlogs and commentary. Due to the immense number of subscribers, he commands good fortune, which ranks him among the most paid content producers.
• Pokimane: Present on Twitch and YouTube, Pokimane entertains her viewers by posting gameplay videos and videos about her daily life. She has a large fan base and works with brands for sponsorships; this proves her versatility in content creation.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as a Streamer

• Maintain a Regular Streaming Schedule: Set specific days and times for your streams to build a loyal audience.
• Engage with Viewers: Foster a welcoming environment through chat, response to comments, and hosting community events.
• Enhance Visual Appeal: Use overlays, emotes, and alerts to make your stream visually attractive.
• Diversify Revenue Streams: Consider donations, subscriptions, and merchandise sales to increase earnings.
• Collaborate with Other Streamers: Reach new audiences by introducing your channel to their followers.

Create Game Guides

Writing game guides is one of the best ways to share your passion with others and, at the same time, make some decent money. The primary purpose of a game guide is to assist a gamer in passing levels, mastering skills, and having a more profound and pleasant play. Develop guides that different people will want, making it possible for you to make good money from the work.

Best Places to Sell Your Game Guides

• Stratplays: Consider Stratplays as your top option for selling detailed game guides. It’s a platform where gamers actively seek in-depth strategies and walkthroughs. By providing valuable content, you can attract paying customers.
• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Self-publishing your guides as ebooks on KDP is an intelligent move. Amazon’s vast reach ensures exposure to a global audience. Plus, Kindle Unlimited subscribers can access your guides, earning you royalties.
• Gumroad: Gumroad allows you to sell digital products directly to your audience. Set your price, create a landing page, and promote your guides. It’s user-friendly and offers customization options.
• Your Website: Building a personal website gives you control over branding and monetization. Use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace. Showcase your guides, offer secure payment options, and establish your brand identity.

Most In-Demand Game Guides

Certain types of game guides attract more interest from players. Here are some of the most sought-after:

• Complex Games: Players seek detailed walkthroughs for challenging games like Dark Souls and Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
• Competitive Games: Guides provide tips on gameplay mechanics and strategies for titles like League of Legends and Fortnite.
• Beginner Guides: New players seek beginner guides for popular titles like Minecraft and Animal Crossing.
• Speedrunning Guides: As speedrunning has increased in popularity, so have the number of players seeking guides on how to beat games with efficient methods. Design guides that can offer the best way to get high scores or even break an in-game record.

Extra Tips to Make More Money Selling Game Guides

• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords in guide titles, descriptions, and tags for increased visibility.
• Free Samples: Offer excerpts or sample chapters to entice buyers.
• Bundles with Extras: Include exclusive content or video tutorials to attract more potential buyers.
• Collaboration with Influencers: Partner with gaming influencers or streamers to promote guides.
• Regular Updates: Keep guides updated to stay relevant to game evolution and patch changes.

Write Gaming Reviews

Gaming reviews are one of the best things that any gamer can do to express your feelings for games and also earn from them. It provides the players with reviews by which they can fix what games to buy and feedback on gameplay, graphics, storylines, etc.

Top Website Builders for Game Reviewers

To create a professional game review site, consider these website builders:

• WordPress: WordPress is a versatile platform that enables users to create a customized game review site with various gaming themes. Users can monetize it through plugins like AdSense or affiliate marketing and engage the community through comments and discussions.
• Squarespace: Squarespace offers a user-friendly interface, gaming-specific templates, analytics tracking, and e-commerce for creating review sites. It allows users to showcase content effectively, track performance, and sell game-related merchandise directly.
• Wix: Wix simplifies website creation with its intuitive interface, customizable options for reviews, and an App Market for gaming-relevant integrations and plugins.
• Ghost: Ghost is a content creator that focuses on clean designs, minimalist aesthetics, and SEO optimization to enhance your reviews’ visibility in search results.

Top Websites that Pay for Gaming Reviews

Several platforms pay writers for gaming content. Here are some options:

• IGN: IGN offers freelance writing opportunities for game reviews, news articles, and features, providing industry exposure and boosting credibility.
• GameSpot: GameSpot’s contributor network allows users to submit reviews and earn compensation. Its established platform provides visibility to a large gaming audience.
• Kotaku: Kotaku encourages diverse perspectives on games, allowing readers to share their personal experiences and contribute essays and analysis pieces beyond reviews.
• PC Gamer: PC Gamer is a platform that accepts freelance submissions, including reviews and offers varying pay rates, making it an excellent platform for building a portfolio.

Extra Tips to Make More Money Reviewing Games

To increase your income as a game reviewer, consider these strategies:

• Build a Portfolio: Create a personal blog or guest posts to showcase reviews across various game genres and platforms.
• Network with Editors and Writers: Attend gaming events, conferences, and online forums to engage with editors and writers.
• Stay Updated: Stay updated with gaming trends and new releases to attract more readers.
• Diversify Content: Incorporate video reviews or podcasts to reach a wider audience.
• Engage with Readers: Respond to comments, build a loyal community, and encourage discussions.

Become A Gaming Coach

It’s an excellent opportunity to be a gaming coach: to share your skills and knowledge in the process of helping others improve at a game. In this sense, as a coach, you lead the player through strategies and techniques. This way, you earn money from the highest-paying titles. 

Best Platforms to Offer Your Services

Several platforms can help you find clients and offer your coaching services:

• Stratplays: Stratplays is literally at the top of the list of platforms designed for coaching offers and matching coaches with gamers who need personal guidance. You can create profiles, set rates, and advertise your coaching services/ courses to interested parties; hence, it is the premier hub for gaming coaches.
• Gamer Sensei: Gamer Sensei is a coaching platform for esports. Through this, players can link up with professional coaches for high-calibre coaching sessions. Coaches use it to offer their expertise in a specific game and build clientele interested in improving their skills. Coaches are highly qualified and take top-quality coaching sessions.
• Fiverr: You can list your coaching services on this freelance marketplace, popularly known as the Fiverr Marketplace. On this platform, you can set prices and make packages that could fit various classes of gamers. You can customize the coaching rules and their prices on both platforms.
• Discord: A lot of coaches use this platform to build a community, communicate directly with clients, and conduct sessions. This is a gaming community and communication platform. Coaches are able to create communities, communicate with clients, and schedule sessions through it.

Most Sought After Gaming Coach Genres

Certain games and genres are more popular for coaching services. Here are some in-demand areas:

• Competitive Games: Titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite require strategic thinking and skill. Many players seek coaching to gain a competitive edge in these games.
• FPS Titles: First-person shooters such as Call of Duty and CS: GO attract players looking to improve their aiming and reflexes. Coaches can offer targeted training to enhance performance in these fast-paced games.
• Strategy Games: Games like StarCraft and Civilization require careful planning and decision-making. Coaches can help players develop strategies to excel in these complex titles.
• RPGs and MOBAs: Role-playing games and multiplayer online battle arenas often require teamwork and strategic planning. Coaching in these genres focuses on improving communication and coordination among team members.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as a Gaming Coach

• Build a Professional Website: Showcase coaching expertise and success stories to attract clients.
• Offer Free Introductory Sessions: Build trust and convert trial clients into paying customers.
• Tailor Coaching Plans: Address individual needs and goals and track progress.
• Showcase Testimonials and Case Studies: Enhance credibility by showcasing past client success stories.
• Group Coaching and Workshops: Provide cost-effective community learning solutions.

Become a QA Tester or PlayTest Video Games

Video game testers are definitely one of the most exciting ways to turn this sort of passion into a profession. Such roles will put you right at the forefront of working together with the game developers to make sure that games are fun, functional, and without bugs. 

QA Tester

A Quality Assurance (QA) tester is responsible for identifying and reporting technical bugs and issues within a game. They test cases to detect defects in gameplay, graphics, audio, and functionality and verify that the game’s features work as intended. The testers help the developers reproduce and document the issues, and they are involved in regression testing to ensure that bugs that have already been fixed have remained fixed.

Attention to detail, analytical thinking, knowledge of bug tracking tools like JIRA, basic programming knowledge, and good communication are skills requirements for effective bug reporting. This makes the role of QA testers critical in ensuring that the game is free from any critical issues and that the playing experience remains good. All findings are documented, and then contacts are made with the developers to sort out the problems before the launch of the game.

PlayTester

A playtester is an expert who reviews the gaming experience from the user’s side in regard to mechanics, difficulty, and fun. He plays the game in great detail and gives feedback on mechanics, controls, balance, and overall fun factor. Some of the significant skills that are going to be needed include a love of gaming, the ability to communicate clearly, express feedback, patience, and creativity in finding any possible improvements.

Playtesters join to contribute important insights into the making of a game so as to fine-tune the gameplay experience for the player. 

How to Find Video Game Testing Jobs

Finding video game testing jobs requires some effort and strategy. Here are some practical ways to locate and apply for opportunities:

• Utilize job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor for relevant job postings. Use keywords like “QA tester” or “game tester” to find appropriate job postings.
• Connect with game developers and professionals on platforms like Discord or Reddit.
• Apply directly to open positions on the careers pages of gaming companies like EA and Ubisoft.
• Participate in beta testing programs for new games to gain industry experience and connections.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as a Game Tester  

• Obtain relevant certifications like ISTQB to enhance credibility and job prospects.
• Gain practical experience through internships or volunteer beta testing. • Build a strong portfolio showcasing testing skills.
• Improve technical skills in software testing, bug reporting, and test case creation.
• Familiarize yourself with various platforms (PC, consoles, mobile).
• Stay updated with industry trends, new testing tools, and emerging technologies.

Become a Game Developer

What You Need to Become a Game Developer

Becoming a game developer involves mastering several essential skills and qualifications. Here’s what you need:

• Programming Languages: Programming languages such as C++, C#, and Java can always be balanced in game development.
• Game Engines: Learn data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming concepts. Study famous game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, learn to create game mechanics, implement physics, and manage assets.
• Graphic Design and Animation: Basic knowledge of graphic design and animation can make your games look more attractive. It is possible to work on multimedia with related graphics, which enhances the player’s experience.
• Physics and mathematics: Game development encompasses simulations of physics, such as collision detection and gravity. In addition, realistic game behaviour is obtainable only through the utilization of trigonometry, linear algebra, and calculus.
• Creativity: Game developers require creativity to deliver an attractive and exciting experience of playing a game. A game developer applies creativity to develop engaging gameplay experiences while, on the other hand, he applies problem-solving skills. 

Best Places to Learn Game Development

Explore these resources to kickstart your game development journey:

• Online Courses: Udemy and Coursera offer comprehensive game development courses.
• Programming Practice: Codecademy helps learn programming languages like C++ and C#.
• Forums and Communities: Join game development forums for peer interaction and advice.
• University Programs: Enroll in degree programs for software engineering and networking.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as a Game Developer

• Build a portfolio: Show skills through completed games, prototypes, and unique features.
• Collaborate on Indie Projects: Join indie game development teams or collaborate with other developers.
• Stay updated: Stay updated on industry trends and technologies.
• Network: Attend gaming events and connect with professionals and potential employers.

Host a Game Podcast

Best Platforms for Hosting Game Podcasts

When it comes to hosting and distributing your game podcast, choosing the right platform is crucial. Here are some top options:

• Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is an excellent choice for beginners. It also has friendly features that allow one to upload and manage podcast episodes with much ease. You will, through Buzzsprout, be able to track your podcast performance and know your audience.
• Anchor: Anchor stands out for its free hosting and distribution tools. It’s perfect for those starting on a Budget. Moreover, Anchor is now part of Spotify for Podcasters. It allows one to record and edit episodes on the platform—making everything easy.
• Libsyn: Libsyn (short for “Liberated Syndication”) provides robust analytics and monetization options. You’ll get detailed data on your listenership, which helps you tailor your content. Additionally, Libsyn offers various pricing tiers to suit your needs.
• Spotify for Podcasters: If you want wider reach, consider Spotify for Podcasters. Since Spotify is a popular music streaming platform, being part of it can expose your podcast to a broader audience. You’ll also benefit from Spotify’s promotional features.

What You Need to Start a Game Podcast

Before hitting the record button, ensure you have the essentials:

• Microphone and Audio Editing Software: Invest in a good-quality microphone to capture clear audio. Pair it with reliable editing software (such as Audacity or Adobe Audition) to polish your episodes.
• Content Planning and Scripting: Plan your podcast content. Create an outline or script for each episode. Engage your audience with exciting topics related to gaming, trends, reviews, or interviews.
• Engaging Topics and Potential Guest Interviews: Keep your content fresh by discussing relevant gaming news, industry updates, or game reviews. Consider inviting guest experts or fellow gamers for insightful interviews.
• Promotion Strategies Using Social Media and SEO: Promote your podcast across social media platforms. Optimize your podcast titles, descriptions, and episode tags for search engines. The more visibility you have, the better your chances of attracting listeners.

Extra Tips to Make More Money as a Game Podcaster

• Secure Sponsorships and Advertising Deals: Collaborate with gaming companies for revenue generation.
• Offer Premium Content or Exclusive Episodes: Create a Patreon model for subscribers.
• Engage with Listeners Through Live Q&A Sessions: Host interactive episodes on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
• Use Merchandise Sales: Design and sell podcast-related merchandise on platforms like Teespring.
• Collaborate with Other Podcasters for Cross-Promotion: Expand reach and introduce new listeners.

Play Loyalty Reward Games

These are games associated with loyalty programs. You earn real money from playing and completing milestones.

Top Loyalty Programs for Gamers

• Mistplay: Mistplay is a mobile application that rewards users for playing video games on Android and iOS. Download and play featured games; players earn points, called “Units,” redeemable for gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon and Starbucks.
• Swagbucks: Swagbucks is an earning reward platform that has integrated several earning opportunities, of which the tasks involve gaming activities. These tasks are reward points. You may earn from engaging in certain activities that pertain to games, such as reaching levels or attaining milestones.
• JustPlay: JustPlay grants real-life rewards to its gameplay in terms of sponsored games, quizzes, or competitions wherein players earn points redeemable for gadgets, vouchers, or cash.
• Cash ’em All: Cash’em All is a mobile game app where each play time is tracked and rewarded with points exchangeable into cash or gift cards. You can earn points based on the time spent playing mobile games.

Top Games that Pay You for Playing

• Skillz: Skillz offers mobile games like solitaire, puzzle, and card battles with competitive cash tournaments, where players compete for cash based on their performance.
• HQ Trivia: HQ Trivia is a live trivia game show app where players can participate in real-time games and win cash prizes, with higher payouts for correct answers.
• Mobile Games with In-App Purchases: Mobile games often allow in-app purchases for real-world rewards, allowing players to spend real money on in-game items, currency, or upgrades, and some games even offer tangible rewards like gift cards or merchandise.

Extra Tips to Make More Money on Loyalty Reward Games

• Focus on high-earning games with substantial rewards.
• Diversify platforms for maximum earnings.
• Stay informed about new games and promotional offers.
• Balance gameplay with other earning methods.

How to Make Money Playing Games FAQs

Which Game Gives Real Money?

Games like Skillz offer competitive cash tournaments, while Lucktastic provides scratch-off tickets for cash prizes. Both games allow players to earn real money through skill or luck, with Skillz focusing on skill-based competitions.

Can You Really Earn Money Playing Games on Your Phone?

Yes, apps like Mistplay and Swagbucks reward users for playing games. Players earn gift cards or cash by completing tasks. Many users report actual earnings, but it’s essential to understand each app’s terms and conditions.

Who’s the Highest Paid Gamer?

Top earners like Ninja and PewDiePie make money through streaming, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Ninja earned over $17 million in 2019, while PewDiePie has amassed significant income through YouTube and brand partnerships.

How Much Do Gamers Earn?

Gamers earn varying amounts based on their roles. Streamers can make $1,000 to $10,000 monthly, esports players can earn six-figure salaries, and game developers’ wages range from $32,000 to $180,000, influenced by experience and audience size.

Parting Shots

There are so many opportunities—right from streaming to game development—that bring a lucrative return in gaming. Many feel that it is easy to earn money from games, but the reality is otherwise. Very few can become professional gamers or streamers overnight. Figure out what exactly works best for you by seeing what fits your skills and interests, and start making money from games today!