9 Ways to Make Money Playing Video Games at Home

Yes, you heard it right—playing video games at home can indeed make you money. With the rise of live streaming platforms, many people have started sharing their gaming experiences to attract viewers. By interacting with audiences in real-time and sharing gaming tips and insights, they can earn substantial income.

Of course, this is just one way to make money from gaming. There are many other avenues to earn income through gaming. For example, the rise of esports has allowed professional players to win significant prize money through competitions. Many young individuals are diving into esports, with training and competing becoming their careers.

However, while streaming and esports competitions provide earning opportunities for some, not everyone can easily achieve such success. For most gamers, relying on these methods for stable income can be challenging. So, are there other ways to make money through gaming? If you’re also a passionate gamer looking to earn money while playing, don’t miss today’s content. I’ll share nine ways to make money by playing games.

How to Make Money Playing Games Online?

There are two ways to earn money by playing games: direct payment and indirect payment. Let’s first discuss the direct payment method. This method is straightforward; some newly launched game companies offer cash rewards to attract new players based on their online presence and activity.

As long as players achieve certain milestones or play for a specified duration, they can receive cash rewards according to the rules. However, the rewards you can obtain are usually limited, as game companies must distribute rewards to a large number of players, leading to substantial expenses.

Now, let’s look at the second scenario: earning income indirectly from playing games online. This method is often more flexible and diverse. Players can earn money by streaming or recording their gameplay, receiving tips or ad revenue from viewers on platforms. Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow players to showcase their gaming skills and entertainment style, attracting fans and gaining sponsorships and revenue shares. Additionally, some platforms permit players to earn fees or commissions by creating related content, such as guides, reviews, or articles about games.

Overall, while indirect income may require more time and effort, it often yields higher potential returns.

How Much Money Can You Earn Playing Games Online?

To answer this question, we can approach it from two angles. First, from the perspective of direct rewards, players typically receive limited cash rewards by participating in esports competitions or completing in-game tasks. Many new games offer rewards ranging from a few dollars to tens of dollars to attract players, depending on the game’s popularity and player engagement. Generally, ordinary players can earn between $5 to $20 per day upon completing specific achievements.

From the perspective of indirect income, the earning potential is much greater. Through streaming, video creation, and content sharing, top players and streamers can earn thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Ad revenue, sponsorships, and viewer donations can all contribute to significant income.

Even average players can achieve monthly earnings ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars if they can consistently attract a certain number of viewers. The income from playing games online varies widely, depending on player skills, time invested, and market demand.

How to Make Money as a Gamer?

If you’re a passionate gamer but don’t have outstanding skills, there are still plenty of ways to earn money through gaming. For example, many game companies require players to test games before their release, identifying bugs and providing feedback. They often offer compensation to testers. For a gaming enthusiast, this means getting to experience the joy of new games while earning some pocket money.

Additionally, you can make money by trading in-game items, especially in massive multiplayer online (MMO) games. Players can obtain rare items, characters, or in-game currency and sell them on secondary markets for profit.

If you’re familiar with the game, you can even act as a trader, calculating daily item prices and buying low to sell high, which can also be a profitable choice.

Of course, the methods mentioned above are just a few examples. There are numerous ways to earn money from gaming, and no matter your skill level, there’s likely a suitable method for you. Next, let’s dive deeper into various ways to make money by playing games.

9 Ways to Make Money Playing Video Games at Home

Making Money Playing Games on Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular online rewards platform where you can earn points not only by playing games but also by completing paid surveys and watching videos. The more tasks you complete, the more Swagbucks points you can earn. These points can be directly redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.

 

For more information on how to earn money with Swagbucks, you can read: How I Earn Free Money With Swagbucks: Swagbucks Review.

While there are many ways to earn money through games on Swagbucks, there are some games I do not recommend, such as casino and fishing games. These types of games often rely on luck and require you to spend money before you can earn anything, which can lead to losses. Therefore, I do not recommend these games.

On the other hand, there are plenty of games on Swagbucks that you can play without any cost. Before choosing a game, I suggest you read the conditions for earning Swagbucks points.

Some games may require you to download apps, meet specific conditions, or play within certain time frames. Only by completing these task requirements will you receive your points, so it’s crucial to understand these conditions.

Here’s some good news: if you register as a new user on Swagbucks, you’ll receive a $5 sign-up bonus that you can use to redeem cash rewards. If you click the link below to register for Swagbucks, you will receive a $10 sign-up bonus. So take action now!

Making Money Playing Games on Mistplay

Mistplay is an app specifically designed for mobile gaming. If you’re a fan of mobile games, Mistplay is definitely a great choice. It allows players to download and try various mobile games, and the more time users spend playing, the more rewards they earn. All you need to do is download the Mistplay app, create an account, and start playing.

According to Mistplay, they have distributed over $60 million in rewards to players so far. Although Mistplay is currently only available on the Android platform, it is expected to be introduced on iOS in the near future.

If you have an Android phone and enjoy playing games, give Mistplay a try. You can earn money playing games anytime, anywhere—whether during a 10-minute break at work, while using the restroom, or even while lying at home.

Making Money Playing Games on Freecash

The Freecash platform is very similar to Swagbucks; both are online platforms that allow users to earn rewards by completing various tasks. Players can earn coins by completing “requirements” and redeem them for cash. Freecash offers a variety of tasks, including trying new games and participating in daily activities.

This design not only allows users to enjoy gaming but also earn extra income while having fun.

One reason I recommend the Freecash platform is its game diversity. If you can’t find suitable games on Swagbucks, you can try looking for them on Freecash to expand your options.

Creating a Gaming Blog

Starting your own gaming blog is one of the best things you can do. You can discuss anything you love about games. If you think there’s nothing to talk about in a gaming blog, you’re mistaken—there are many topics to explore. Here are a few examples:

Game Guides: Share your tips for clearing levels, uncovering hidden tasks, and selecting the best equipment to help other players enhance their gaming experience.

Upcoming Games: Write previews about upcoming games, analyzing their features, developer backgrounds, and player expectations, keeping readers informed about the latest developments.

Game Stories and History: Explore narrative structures, character development, and the evolution of the gaming industry, sharing the stories behind classic games.

Esports News: Cover the latest esports events, player performances, and team dynamics, providing commentary and analysis to help fans understand trends in competitive gaming.

Of course, a gaming blog won’t make you money overnight; it requires time and effort to build an audience and quality content. However, once you invest enough time, your blog can become a platform for expressing your passion and potentially generate income.

Believe me, the earning potential of a blog is immense, and the sources of income are diverse. After years of blogging, my income has ranged from a few thousand to over a million dollars. I’ve summarized a method for making money blogging, and if you’re interested, you can read: How To Make Money Blogging In 2024.

When I first started blogging, I didn’t see it as a career; I never imagined that one day my blog income would far exceed my daily job, leading me to quit and pursue full-time blogging.

Regardless of what type of gaming blog you create, I believe it’s possible. Remember, the key to a successful blog is to stay focused and update it regularly. They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now. If you want to earn money through blogging like I did, start by creating your own blog.

Creating a blog isn’t difficult; following my blog creation guide will only take about 30 minutes to set up your own blog.

Blog Creation Guide: How To Start A Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Game Tester

Being a game tester is a dream job for many people as it combines your passion with a profession. The job involves testing various games, constantly searching for bugs and providing better suggestions. You could even be involved in the production of a popular game, which is pretty exciting.

That said, not everyone can easily become a game tester. While having an educational background in game development is an advantage, it’s not a requirement. If you want to become a game tester, I recommend starting with public beta testing to gain experience and enhance your skills.

Once you have some experience, the next step is to look for game developers or professional game testing companies that are hiring. When you’re ready to apply, ensure your resume highlights your gaming experience and any relevant skills.

Becoming a game tester requires passion, attention to detail, and patience. Through continuous learning and practice, you can gradually achieve this dream.

Becoming a Game Coach

If you have excellent gaming skills, especially in major games, becoming a game coach could be a great option. You can guide beginners or players looking to deepen their understanding of strategies for a fee, applying your experience and knowledge in games you excel at while earning a decent income.

You can promote your services through social media and gaming communities by sharing free gaming tips and insights to attract more attention and potential clients. Additionally, by creating tutorial videos, streaming, or writing strategy articles, you can further establish your personal brand and professional image.

As your clientele grows, you can adjust your course content to meet the needs of players at different skill levels, and even consider collaborating with other coaches to provide more comprehensive training services.

Starting a Video Game YouTube Channel

Creating a YouTube channel is similar to blogging, except it presents content in video form rather than text. If you’re not interested in writing, video creation is a more intuitive and engaging way to interact with your audience.

If you’re unsure about what content to create, don’t worry! Videos on YouTube often have a basic viewership; as long as your videos are somewhat creative, they’ll attract some viewers. If you still lack direction, here are a few content ideas:

Game Guides and Tips: Create strategy videos for specific games, sharing useful tips and tactics to help viewers improve their gaming skills.

Game Reviews and Recommendations: Review newly released games, sharing your thoughts and experiences to help viewers decide whether to purchase them.

Live Commentary: Record your gameplay while explaining your thought process and strategies in real-time, adding fun and interactivity.

Challenge Videos: Attempt popular gaming challenges, like “no equipment completion” or “time-limited challenges,” showcasing your skills and creativity.

Gaming News and Updates: Keep up with the latest trends in the gaming industry by producing news roundups or update analyses, sharing your insights.

Don’t underestimate the power of YouTube. Every game on the platform has its fans. Choosing a niche market is key to building your YouTube channel; only vertical content can attract genuinely interested viewers. Select a specific game type or theme and delve deeply into related content to help you stand out in a competitive market.

Of course, making money through a YouTube channel takes time and isn’t an instant way to gain a large audience. However, the future earning potential of YouTube videos is substantial. As your channel accumulates content and subscribers, your income sources will gradually diversify.

You can profit through ad revenue, sponsorships, and memberships. Many successful creators on YouTube increase their income by collaborating with gaming companies for promotions or launching their own branded merchandise. Additionally, building a loyal fanbase can provide extra support through paid memberships.

Making Money by Streaming on Twitch

If you have a great mood while gaming, along with interactive skills and a sense of humor, you might be perfect as a Twitch streamer. Don’t underestimate Twitch; it is currently one of the most popular game streaming platforms. In my view, Twitch’s audience shows the highest loyalty to streamers, fully supporting their favorite gaming streamers.

To make money on Twitch, the first step is to become a Twitch Affiliate. After joining the program, you can earn money through subscriptions from viewers, with different tiers priced as follows:

Tier 1 ($4.99)

Tier 2 ($9.99)

Tier 3 ($24.99)

To encourage subscribers to choose higher tiers, consider offering exclusive video content that is only available to Tier 3 subscribers. These little tricks can significantly boost your income. There are various ways to earn money on Twitch; the most common is through ad revenue, although most streamers find that this constitutes a small portion of their income. The primary source of revenue is Bits, where users buy Bits to support streamers they enjoy.

Writing Game Reviews for Money

Have you ever read comments on Steam games? Many players browse reviews to decide whether to purchase a game. Writing game reviews can also earn you some income. Although the amount may not be substantial, it won’t diminish your gaming experience; you can share your insights about games.

In addition to writing reviews, you can also work as a game writer for pay. According to estimates, the average annual salary for game writers is around $60,000. You can help game companies gain more attention through your articles. However, it may not be easy to earn money as a game writer initially, as companies have certain requirements for hiring.

In my opinion, rather than becoming a game writer, starting a personal blog is a better choice. This way, you not only retain ownership of your content but also have the potential for better earnings. Creating your own blog is one of the best decisions you can make, but it isn’t simple. You might need around three months to attract a loyal readership, which can be quite challenging.

How to Make Money from Free Video Games

There are many ways to earn money from free games, but it won’t make you rich. However, if done properly, you can still gain some income. Platforms like Swagbucks, Freecash, and Mistplay allow you to earn money by playing games. As long as you complete the tasks as instructed, the platform will automatically reward you.

With these platforms, you simply need to register an account, choose games of interest, and follow the instructions to complete tasks. For example, on Swagbucks, you might need to play specific games and reach certain levels to earn points. Freecash offers a variety of tasks that you can cash out after completing. Mistplay rewards you for the time spent playing games, which can be exchanged for Amazon gift cards or other rewards.

Additionally, you can combine other methods, like sharing your gaming experiences on social media to attract more people to these platforms and earn referral bonuses. Although the income from each method is limited, small amounts can add up over time, providing you with extra earnings. Most importantly, enjoy the gaming process and make earning money a fun experience.

FAQ About Making Money by Playing Games

Question 1: Can you really get paid for playing games?

Yes, it is possible, as long as you choose reliable platforms like Swagbucks, Mistplay, and InboxDollars. Always check user reviews and feedback to avoid scams. Different platforms offer various games, and you can find what you like by exploring multiple sites, which helps maintain your interest.

Many platforms not only provide games but also offer surveys, video watching, and cash back for shopping, increasing your earning opportunities. The earnings from playing games on these platforms tend to be small, often consisting of cash or gift cards, but consistent participation can lead to significant income over time.

Question 2: Which games pay real money?

Swagbucks features many games that offer rewards. While they don’t pay you directly, you can earn points by participating in and completing specific activities, which can then be exchanged for cash or gift cards. The platform has a wide variety of games, including board games, card games, and casual games, allowing you to accumulate points while having fun.

Question 3: Is it legal to make money playing games?

Yes, making money by playing games is generally legal, but it depends on the specific game and platform, as well as the laws and regulations in your country or region.

Before choosing to make money by gaming, ensure the platform you select is legal and reputable. For example, online gambling (such as poker and sports betting) may be legal in some areas but restricted or prohibited in others. Additionally, tax implications may arise from gaming income, so it’s crucial to understand your local tax regulations to ensure compliance.

Question 4: Is it reliable to pay for playing games to earn money?

If you’re referring to casino-style games, trust me, this is not your best choice. It is not a reliable way to make money. While some individuals may occasionally win prizes, most casino games are designed to profit the operators. If you choose to pay to play, you will face several risks:

High Investment, Low Returns: Although there may be occasional winnings, in the long run, the amount spent often exceeds the returns received.

Gambling Addiction Risk: Casino games can lead to addiction, impacting your finances and quality of life.

Accumulated Costs: Beyond initial bets, other fees (like membership costs or additional stakes) can quickly add up, increasing your financial burden.

Lack of Control: Outcomes are usually random, and players cannot control wins or losses, increasing uncertainty.

Overall, while some individuals may win occasionally, playing casino games for money is not a reliable method. It’s better to explore more sustainable and safer ways to earn income.