How to Make Money Gaming: How I Earned $13,219 Last Year

Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by John Cirelly

If you love playing games, you’ve probably wondered if you could earn any real money doing it. I made a decent side income gaming, and I’ll share how I did it, and a few other great methods that might work for you.

How I Make $1,101 Per Month Gaming

I started off making YouTube videos for a small to medium size game. Using some keyword research, I ranked my videos to number for certain keywords in YouTube search, like “PUBG trolling” or “Counter-Strike funny moments.”

This is important because I knew hundreds, if not thousands, of people searched for those videos each month.

I earned money most by ads. Over the course of three years, I would earn a decent amount from mostly YouTube ads. When I branched out to livestream twice a week, I took my YouTube following with me and currently have around 600 followers on Twitch.

Pro Tip: Playing a small to medium-sized game you love, being consistent, and being unique are the best ways to grow if you go the video or streaming path like I did.

If you’re interested in other ways to make money gaming, I’ve shared some of the best ones I know below!

How To Make Money Gaming In 2024

1. Get Paid To Play Mobile Games

In the world of gaming, the idea that you can actually get paid to play games is a dream come true for many. Mobile gaming, with its vast audience and accessibility, opens up numerous opportunities for gamers to earn real money.

Two of my favorite platforms for this are Blackout Bingo and Mistplay. These platforms reward players for their time and skill, paying you in coins that convert into cash.

I actually spend a lot of time testing different, games, apps, and survey sites that earn you money. Below is a list of some of the highest-paying games I’ve found.

For anyone looking to get paid to play games, these platforms provide a fun and straightforward way to start. With regular play, you can begin to see a return on your time investment, making mobile gaming not just a hobby but a potential source of income.

2. Start a Gaming YouTube Channel

Launching a gaming YouTube channel is an exciting way to share your passion for gaming while earning money. To start a YouTube side hustle, you’ll need to focus on content that stands out, such as game reviews, walkthroughs, tips and tricks, or even live gameplay commentary.

The first step is to identify your niche within the gaming world. Whether you’re into AAA titles, indie games, or a specific genre like RPGs or MOBAs, your unique perspective and content will attract viewers. Next, invest in decent recording and editing equipment to ensure your videos are high quality. Remember, content quality can significantly affect viewer engagement and channel growth.

Monetization comes through YouTube’s Partner Program, which requires you to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past year. You can also explore additional revenue streams like sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales. Engaging with your audience through comments and social media can help grow your channel faster.

Consistency is key. Regular posting can help keep your audience engaged and attract new subscribers. As your channel grows, so does the potential to turn this side hustle into a significant income source.

3. Start Live Streaming

Live streaming is another lucrative avenue for gamers to explore. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming have made it easier than ever to share live gaming experiences with a global audience. To start, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, a capable gaming setup, and streaming software such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs.

The charm of live streaming lies in its interactivity; viewers can chat with you and each other in real-time, creating a dynamic and engaging community around your gaming content. This real-time interaction also allows for spontaneous moments and genuine connections, making each stream unique.

Monetization on these platforms varies but often includes subscriptions, donations, ad revenue, and sponsorships. Building a loyal following is crucial, as your earnings will largely depend on the size and engagement of your audience. To enhance your live streaming income, consider diversifying with merchandise sales or exclusive content for subscribers.

Getting started is straightforward: Choose your platform, set up your channel, and start streaming your gaming sessions. Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and participating in live chats. Remember, consistency and personality can go a long way in building your streaming brand.

Tip: Consider using a YouTube channel to drive traffic to your stream. This helped me grow much faster my first year!

4. Become a Videogame Playtester

Embarking on a journey as a videogame playtester can be both fun and financially rewarding. This role involves rigorously testing games in development to identify bugs, glitches, and areas for improvement, ensuring the final product is of the highest quality. It’s a critical step in the game development process, offering a unique way to make money gaming by providing valuable feedback to developers.

Getting started as a playtester usually requires no specific qualifications, but a keen eye for detail, patience, and a deep understanding of gaming mechanics are essential. Developers and gaming companies often look for playtesters with a broad range of gaming experiences to ensure their games are tested under diverse conditions.

To find playtesting opportunities, keep an eye on job listings from game developers, gaming studios, and dedicated testing platforms. Companies like PlayTestCloud make it easy to sign up. They pay $9 for about 15 minutes’ worth of work, earning you an effective hourly rate of about $36 an hour!

Compensation varies widely depending on the company and the complexity of the game being tested. Some pay per hour, while others might offer a fixed amount for completing a test.

5. Start a Gaming Blog

Starting a gaming blog is a fantastic way to share your passion for gaming while earning money. Whether you’re reviewing the latest game releases, sharing tips and strategies, or discussing gaming culture, a blog allows you to connect with a like-minded audience. To start a profitable blog, you’ll need a clear niche, consistent content, and an understanding of SEO to drive traffic to your site.

The first step is to choose your focus. Whether it’s a specific game, genre, or aspect of gaming culture, having a niche can help you attract a dedicated audience. Next, set up your blog on a platform that offers flexibility and scalability, such as WordPress, and invest in quality hosting to ensure your site is fast and reliable.

Monetization strategies for a gaming blog include affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, advertisements, and selling digital products or merchandise. Utilizing tools like Outranking.io can help you find the right keywords and create content that ranks well on search engines, driving more traffic to your site.

Blogging is by far one of my favorite ways to earn passive income. I run a few blogs as my secondary source of income.

6. Start a Gaming Podcast

Launching a gaming podcast is an excellent way to delve deeper into the gaming culture and industry while monetizing your passion. Podcasting offers a platform for discussions, interviews, and sharing insights on everything from game reviews and upcoming releases to deep dives into gaming lore and developer interviews. The key to starting a successful gaming podcast is to find a unique angle or niche that sets you apart from the competition.

To get started, you’ll need basic recording equipment, including a good-quality microphone and headphones, and editing software to produce clear, engaging content. Platforms like Streamyard make it easier to record and edit your podcast, even if you’re including remote guests from the gaming world.

Monetization can come from several sources, such as sponsorships, listener donations via platforms like Patreon, advertising, and merchandise sales. Building a strong, engaged community around your podcast can attract potential sponsors in the gaming industry.

Promoting your podcast on social media and gaming forums can help grow your audience. Consider collaborating with other gamers, podcasters, or industry professionals to reach new listeners. Consistency in publishing episodes is crucial, as it helps retain listeners and maintain a steady growth in audience numbers.

7. Become a Gaming Freelance Writer

Diving into the realm of gaming as a freelance writer offers an array of opportunities to monetize your expertise and passion. This path involves creating content for gaming websites, magazines, and blogs, ranging from game reviews and previews to deep-dive articles on gaming culture, strategies, and news. The versatility of freelance writing in the gaming industry means you can explore various topics that interest you and align with your gaming knowledge.

Getting started requires a portfolio that showcases your writing skills and gaming knowledge. You can begin by creating your own blog posts, guest posting on established gaming sites, or contributing to gaming forums and communities. This not only hones your skills but also helps build your presence in the gaming community.

Monetization comes through client work, which you can find on freelance job boards, gaming industry networks, or by directly pitching gaming websites and publications. Rates vary widely based on the publication’s size and budget, your experience, and the complexity of the coverage.

For those looking to start a profitable blog or enhance their freelance writing business, tools like Copy.ai can be invaluable for generating ideas, polishing content, and increasing productivity.

Tip: Many gaming blogs want to hire real gamers. This means you get paid to play games to aid your writing!

8. Develop Your Own Video Game

Developing your own video game is a dream for many gamers, and it has become more accessible than ever thanks to a variety of game development tools and platforms. Whether you’re aiming to create a simple mobile game or an immersive PC experience, the process of bringing your unique vision to life can be both challenging and rewarding. This venture not only allows you to express your creativity but also offers the potential for significant earnings.

To start, you’ll need to learn some basic programming and game design principles. There are plenty of resources available online, including tutorials, forums, and courses, that can help beginners get up to speed. Game development engines like Unity and Unreal Engine offer free versions for individuals and small teams, providing powerful tools to create professional-quality games.

Monetization strategies for indie games include direct sales, in-app purchases, and advertising. Platforms like Steam for PC games, the App Store for iOS, and Google Play for Android make it possible to distribute your game to a wide audience. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter can also be a great way to secure funding while building a community around your game.

Tip: I’d highly recommend taking a paid course if you’re learning on your own. I’m currently making a game with some of my friends and many free tutorials teach things incorrectly.

9. Sell 3D Assets To Game Developers

Selling 3D assets to game developers offers a creative and profitable way for artists and designers to contribute to the gaming industry. As games become more visually complex, the demand for high-quality 3D models, textures, and environments continues to grow. This opportunity allows you to work on a wide range of projects, from indie games to major AAA titles, providing a steady income stream for skilled 3D artists.

Getting started in this niche requires proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. Building a diverse portfolio that showcases your ability to create various styles and types of assets is crucial for attracting potential clients. Platforms like Meshy.ai can help anyone easily create 3D models from a simple text prompt for free, making it more accessible for newcomers to start building their portfolios.

You can monetize your 3D assets by selling them on marketplaces dedicated to game development resources, such as Unity Asset Store or Unreal Marketplace. Alternatively, you can work directly with game development studios on a freelance basis. Pricing your assets appropriately is key; consider the complexity, uniqueness, and potential demand when setting prices.

Marketing your work effectively is also important. Utilize social media, online forums, and professional networks to showcase your creations and connect with potential clients. Engaging with the game development community can open up new opportunities and partnerships.

Tip: If you love the free version of Meshy, you can save 20% using my code JOHN69 to save on the paid version. 😎

10. 3D Print Game Characters For Fans

3D printing game characters for fans creates a unique niche within the gaming and merchandise market. This innovative side hustle allows you to bring beloved digital characters into the physical world, offering fans tangible collectibles of their favorite games. With advancements in 3D printing technology, it’s now more feasible than ever to produce high-quality figures, statues, and even functional items based on game characters.

To start, you’ll need access to a 3D printer and proficiency in 3D modeling software. Creating accurate and detailed models is essential for producing desirable merchandise. Meshy.ai is a valuable resource that can assist in generating detailed 3D models from simple text prompts, streamlining the creation process for both experienced designers and beginners.

Monetizing your 3D-printed game characters involves setting up an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, or selling through social media and gaming forums. Considering how passionate some fanbases are, you can stand to earn a lot through your creations.

Marketing your merchandise through social media, gaming communities, and at gaming conventions can help reach your target audience. Collaborating with game developers for official merchandise rights can also elevate your brand and expand your product range.

Again, if you want to speed up your prototyping process, I’d highly recommend Meshy!

Wrapping Up

While making money gaming isn’t the easiest, it certainly is one of the most fun side hustles you can start. I accidentally found myself getting subscribers and earning a decent amount just by playing games I loved.

If you don’t want to invest a ton of time in video creation or streaming, consider checking out some of the more casual mobile games like Mistplay that send money directly into your PayPal account.