So, you think you can get paid to play video games?
Yes! You absolutely can.
But before you start planning your retirement off of Twitch donations or some play-to-earn app, let’s get real for a second.
Making money from gaming is possible—but, like getting past that one boss fight, it’s going to take skill, patience, and maybe a few health potions (okay, not really, but caffeine helps).
From streaming to game testing to, yes, even playing crypto games, here’s how you can actually turn that obsession with gaming into a legit side hustle or full-on career.
1. Streaming Isn’t Just for the Famous: How to Make Money on Twitch
If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming the next big thing on Twitch, brace yourself: you don’t need to be a celebrity gamer to make cash. You just need a personality—any personality.
You can scream at horror games, crack jokes over Minecraft, or provide that zen commentary while absolutely obliterating your opponents in Call of Duty.
The beauty of Twitch is its scalability: even casual streamers can generate income through a variety of revenue streams—think subscriber donations, bits (Twitch’s virtual currency), ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and yes, merch.
But keep this in mind: the Twitch grind is real.
Unless you’ve got a pet cat that can play FIFA (yes, that’s a thing), you’ll need to grow an audience organically, and that takes time and a consistent streaming schedule.
Pro Tip: The key is consistency. Interact with your viewers, stay true to your style, and you can unlock Twitch’s Affiliate Program, which enables you to start monetising.
Don’t expect instant fame (or fortune)—but who knows, your personality might just win over the crowd.
2. Play-to-Earn: Your New Passive Income Side Hustle
In 2024, playing games for fun without some side income feels like a waste of good screen time.
Enter play-to-earn apps—your golden ticket to monetising your downtime.
Apps like Mistplay, Swagbucks, and Freecash let you earn points (which you can redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards) just by completing certain gaming tasks.
Sounds too good to be true?
Well, don’t expect to retire early. Most play-to-earn apps will net you small amounts, but it’s perfect for those times when you’re casually gaming while binging a Netflix series.
Then there are blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity or The Sandbox, where things get a bit more serious.
Here, you can earn digital currency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens) by completing in-game objectives or trading assets.
Pro Tip: If you’re serious about earning through play-to-earn games, check the platform’s legitimacy (scams abound!) and stick to well-reviewed apps.
Mistplay has a loyal user base and is a safe bet for beginners, while Axie Infinity can offer bigger payouts if you understand the cryptocurrency market.
3. eSports: How to Join the Major Leagues and Make Serious Cash
Think you’ve got the reflexes to turn pro? Welcome to eSports, where the competition is fierce, the prize pools are massive, and noobs need not apply.
Competitive gaming in tournaments like Dota 2, League of Legends, and Fortnite is no joke.
We’re talking millions in prize money—seriously, the 2023 Dota 2 International had a prize pool of $3 million.
But eSports is the professional gaming world—meaning long hours of practice, a team of equally skilled players, and a deep understanding of game mechanics.
If you’re aiming to make money here, it’s not just about gaming; it’s about studying the game, knowing the meta, and maybe getting a coach yourself.
Think of it as becoming a professional athlete—except you get to sit in a comfortable chair (ideally a very expensive gaming one).
Pro Tip: Start by joining smaller online tournaments and working your way up the ranks.
Many eSports players also supplement their income with Twitch streaming—so multitasking helps!
4. Game Testing: Get Paid to Find Bugs (and Maybe Break the Game)
Ever rage-quit a game because of some dumb bug that had you stuck in a wall? Well, if you’ve got a keen eye for glitches, game testing could be a moneymaker.
Game developers are always looking for testers to play unfinished versions of their games, searching for bugs, crashes, and design flaws. The best part? You get paid to do this.
Salaries for full-time game testers range from £25,000 to £60,000 a year, depending on experience and the company.
For those looking to dip their toes in the industry without committing to a full-time gig, there are plenty of freelance game testing opportunities available on sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
Pro Tip: Game testing is more than just playing through a level—expect to replay the same scenes multiple times, trying to break the game.
Not the most exciting job, but certainly a step into the gaming industry.
5. Gaming Tutor: Monetise Your Skills by Teaching Others
So you’ve mastered the art of headshots in Call of Duty, or you’ve got building in Fortnite down to a science. Great! Now, how about getting paid to teach others?
With platforms like Fiverr and Gamer Sensei, you can set up your own coaching gigs, where you charge clients to help them improve their skills.
Teaching isn’t just limited to beginner-level players either. Some people are willing to shell out cash to get to the next rank or master a specific character in games like Overwatch or League of Legends.
And the best part? You can charge hourly rates, with some experienced coaches making up to £160/hour for group sessions.
Pro Tip: To stand out as a gaming tutor, offer video breakdowns or personalised coaching plans.
And remember—your personality can often be just as important as your skills when it comes to landing clients.
6. YouTube Gaming: Money from Views, Not Just Streams
If live streaming isn’t your thing, fear not—YouTube has your back. You don’t need to be live to make money from your gaming content.
All you need is a camera, some decent editing skills, and the ability to create something worth watching (tutorials, gameplay highlights, or those rage-quit compilations).
Once you hit that magical 1,000 subscriber and 4,000 watch hours mark, you can monetise your YouTube channel. Ad revenue is just the start.
Many YouTubers make money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merch sales.
Plus, you don’t need to stream for hours—you can film, edit, and post on your own schedule.
Pro Tip: Focus on niche gaming content. Don’t try to do everything—whether it’s speed runs, “Let’s Plays,” or walkthroughs, specialising in one area will help build your audience faster.
7. Video Game Journalism: Get Paid to Review and Write About Games
For those gamers who can’t stop talking about the latest release and have a knack for words, video game journalism might just be your calling.
Writing reviews for gaming publications, blogs, or creating your own site can generate a solid income.
This is perfect for gamers with a flair for words who love being on the bleeding edge of new releases.
Pro Tip: Start your own blog or YouTube review channel if you’re not yet a professional.
Over time, you can use your growing portfolio to land freelance gigs or a full-time position with larger gaming sites.
8. Crypto Gaming and NFTs: Gamify Your Investments
For the more adventurous, there’s the world of crypto gaming and NFTs.
No, this isn’t some fly-by-night scheme. Crypto gaming involves earning digital currency through games like Axie Infinity, where players battle, raise, and trade NFT pets for real money.
It’s a strange new world, but for those who are savvy with blockchain tech, it can be a goldmine.
Pro Tip: The key here is to treat it like an investment—don’t put in more than you can afford to lose.
9. Designing Your Own Games: Build It, and They Will Play (And Pay)
Who says you have to stop at playing games?
Why not design your own?
Indie game developers have proven you don’t need a major studio backing to create something awesome.
Platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine make game development more accessible, so if you’ve got an idea (and a bit of coding skill), you could create the next viral hit.
Pro Tip: Whether it’s a retro-inspired pixel game or an open-world adventure, your game could generate income through sales, in-app purchases, or even ad revenue.
10. Create Video Game Guides or Walkthroughs: Help Gamers and Get Paid
Remember those game guides you used to flip through (or desperately Google when stuck on a level)?
Well, people still need help. Creating video game guides, walkthroughs, or tips and tricks blogs is another way to cash in on your gaming expertise.
You can publish guides on your website, YouTube, or even write them for established gaming publications.
Pro Tip: Focus on complex games like Elden Ring or Dark Souls where players are often looking for help.
Final Thoughts: Gaming Can Pay, But There’s No Cheat Code
Sure, gaming for cash sounds like a dream, but it takes real work, dedication, and strategy.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or aiming to go pro, there are legitimate ways to earn a living through video games.
Choose your path, grind it out, and let the income roll in—just remember, there’s no cheat code for success.
Find Your Perfect Gaming Side Hustle
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