Whether you’re a pro gamer or someone who likes to play games during their leisure time, this guide is for you.
Let’s discuss one important thing before diving into the discussion though. Like any other thing, earning money through playing games takes time to manifest results. This article presents you with 4 legit ways to make money along with some tips on how you can maximize your earnings.
We recommend thoroughly reading this guide, deciding which method you like the best, and then putting in the effort to earn money. Let’s start.
Ways To Make Money From Playing Online Games
Let’s discuss each method in detail to see if it’s the right fit for you.
1. Competing in Esports Tournaments
Competing in Esports tournaments is the most competitive yet most lucrative way to earn money.
However, the only thing you need to consider is that winning in such competitions requires exceptional skills. Meanwhile, you have to be extremely good at what you play.
- How It Works
Simply put, you participate in the games and earn cash prizes upon winning.
Somepopular games like Fortnite and League of Legends offer million-dollar prize pools. A Good example of this is Dota 2 featuring a prize pool of $30.82 million in 2023, according to Statista
- How to Get Started
The best way to get started is to focus on one game and master it.
You can participate in smaller tournaments to hone your skills and become comfortable competing.
You can also opt for promotions in crypto casinos to boost your earning potential via esports.
- Potential Earnings
You can earn anywhere between $1,000 and $100,000 per tournament other than the sponsorships.
2. Game Testing
Not as glorious as it sounds, game testing is for gamers who have strong attention to detail and don’t mind playing the same part of the game repeatedly.
- How It Works
You’ll act as a tester for the newly developed games, identify bugs, and provide your detailed review to the developers.
But as we said, this isn’t easy. You’re supposed to play the same part of the game repeatedly until it breaks and then draft an extremely detailed report describing how to produce a bug so that developers can fix it.
Once they do, you have to repeat the process all over again to make sure the problem is solved.
- How to Get Started
You can either sign up for beta testing sites or apply to game studios. The next step is to start playing once you’re assigned the task.
- Potential Earnings
Earnings aren’t too high for this work and typically range from $10 to $30 per hour depending on your expertise
3. Live Streaming on Platforms like Twitch and YouTube
If you’ve got a personality and know how to charm an audience, live streaming is for you.
However, note that it requires some time to build a fan base so you shouldn’t expect quick results.
- How It Works
You can broadcast your gameplay with the audience in real time through Twitch, YouTube, and even Facebook gaming.
Once you have an audience, you can earn money through donations, sponsorships, ads, and subscriptions.
- How to Get Started
Start by setting up your profile on your chosen platform.
Invest in good equipment as poor quality equipment such as cameras can repel the audience. Make sure you have a decent internet connection to ensure smooth live streaming.
Lastly, research the popular games and stream them to build an audience, make sure to engage with them, and respond to their comments to build genuine connections.
- Potential Earnings
It highly depends on your audience base. However, a beginner expects to make at least $50 to $500 monthly.
4. Write video game reviews
This option is for you if you share a strong passion for both, gaming and writing.
There’s a huge demand for authentic gaming blogs and genuine reviews that can guide readers in decision-making. This path isn’t the easiest but will be rewarding if you’re willing to stay consistent and learn along the way.
- How It Works
The first requirement to review these games is to have an eye for detail. You’ll have to play games and do an in-depth analysis of their gameplay, graphics, sound, and overall experience.
Many freelance writers receive good money to write honest and detailed reviews. Some platforms also give early access to the beta version of games so that they are reviewed before their official launch.
- How to Get Started
The best way to get started is to build thorough leadership through writing on your blog or other platforms such as Medium.
Start by reviewing your favorite video games and sharing industry news and events. Apply for jobs once you have some articles to showcase your talent.
And if it’s your blog, you can easily monetize it through ads, sponsorships, and affiliates.
- Potential Earnings
For freelance work, your earnings can range from $10 to $200 depending on your authority in the field.
For blogging, your earnings can range from $100 to $1000.
Leveraging Game Bonuses And Incentives
One common trend we see is games offering bonuses and incentives to motivate their players. And the easiest way you can scale your earnings is by converting these rewards into real currency.
Let’s look at two common examples.
1. Daily Log-In Bonuses
Anyone who’s played games on mobile knows this.
Many games offer daily login bonuses to encourage players to show up every day. These can be in the form of in-game currency or other special rewards that unlock only if you log into the game every consecutive day.
Example
In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, logging in every day can earn players crystals, tickets and even hero skins and you can trade them with a third party for real money.
However, you should consider that it’s not officially supported by the game’s developer, Moonton.
2. Referral Bonuses
This works like any other referral.
You have to invite your friends to play games and if they do, you get to earn in-game currency or even real cash, depending on the game you’re playing.
Example
If you invite your friends through the Recruit-a-Friend program in the World of Warcraft, you can earn mounts, pets, and other time-limited rewards.
These prizes can earn you good money in some gaming communities.
Conclusion
Remember, while these are legitimate ways through which a lot of players are earning money online, these are not the quickest and easiest ways to earn some extra cash.
A lot of prayers go down this route only to give up within a few months if not years. We listen to stories about how those who once loved playing games began to hate it altogether.
But here’s the deal; you have to be consistent and commit to several years before money starts pouring in.
So don’t lose hope, give your 100% and success will be yours.