14 Legit Ways to Make Money Gaming

1. What are some legitimate ways to make money by gaming?

Professional E-Sports

Participating in professional e-sports is potentially one of the most lucrative ways to make money gaming. E-sports have risen in popularity over the years, with tournaments offering multi-million dollar prize pools. You can join professional e-sports teams or participate as an individual in games such as Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike. You might even land sponsorships which could lead to additional income.

Game Testing and Reviewing

Game testing is yet another way to make money. Many gaming companies hire dedicated testers to play their games and provide feedback. The purpose is to uncover any glitches or bugs before the game is released to the public. Reviewing games could also fetch you some money.

• Game tester: You can often find game testing jobs on job posting sites or gaming company websites. Compensation tends to vary per company.
• Game reviewer: Write reviews for gaming websites or start your own blog to generate income through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and ads.

Live Streaming and Content Creation

Platforms such as YouTube and Twitch have opened up another avenue for gamers to make money. Here are two main ways:

2. How can I use my gaming skills to generate income?

Freelance Game Testing

Many gaming companies pay users to test their upcoming releases and provide valuable feedback. These are referred to as “beta testers” and they get paid for playing and inspecting the games. Explore websites like PlaytestCloud and UTest where you can create a profile and start getting paid tasks. Similarly, you may check game developers' websites, they might need voluntary testers for tweaking gameplay experience.

YouTube Gaming Channel

Starting your own YouTube Gaming Channel is another effective way to monetize your gaming skills. Videos formats like Let’s Play videos, game reviews, walkthroughs, and tips and tricks are popular among gamers and can attract a significant audience if done correctly. Once your channel gains traction, you can monetize it through YouTube’s Partner Program, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Keep note, YouTube requires at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to apply for monetization.

The earning potential can be explained by the impression-based revenue system. This means you get paid according to the number of video views and ad clicks. Here's what the breakdown typically looks like:

E-Sports Tournaments

If you excel in a popular Esport game such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, or League of Legends, consider joining or forming a team to compete in tournaments. Not only could this provide a steady income, it also brings opportunities for sponsorships. Here are some popular sites where you can participate:

• Battlefy
• Toornament
• Gfinity Esports

Remember, entering Esports is for incredibly skilled gamers. It is not enough to be good, you have to be one of the best to win and generate significant income.

3. What are the best platforms to play games for money?

Online Gaming Platforms

There are several reliable online platforms where you can earn money by playing games. Some of the most recommended ones include:

• Twitch: A popular live-streaming platform that allows gamers to broadcast their gaming sessions. Professional gamers use it to earn money through advertising, subscriptions, and direct donations from viewers.
• Steam: Not only famous for buying games, Steam also features a marketplace where gamers can sell in-game items for cash. It's a fantastic way to earn money if you frequently play games with tradable assets.
• PlayerUp: A marketplace that allows gamers to buy, sell, and trade accounts for over 500 games. Make money by selling high-level game accounts you no longer use.

Mobile Gaming Platforms

For those who love gaming on their smartphones, there are still plenty of platforms to earn from. Here are the top picks:

• Mistplay: A free Android app where you can earn gift cards and cash rewards for playing mobile games. The more you play, the more units you earn, which can be exchanged for rewards.
• InboxDollars: A platform that pays cash for a wide range of activities, including playing games.
• WorldWinner: An app-based platform that allows you to compete in a variety of popular mobile games for cash prizes.

Summary of Gaming Platforms

To give a quick overview, here are the best platforms for each type of gaming:

4. Can you really make a living through gaming?

Can You Really Make a Living Through Gaming?

Yes, one can certainly make a living through gaming. There are a multitude of ways to monetize gaming skills and passion, whether it is via competitive gaming, content creation, or working in the industry itself. The gaming industry, which is projected to be worth more than $200 billion by 2023, offers diverse opportunities for making money.

• Professional Gaming: This entails participating in eSports and competitive gaming events. Successful professional gamers can win millions in cash and sponsorships.
• Stream Your Gameplay: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming offer gamers the chance to share their gameplay with others, while also making money from ads, sponsorships, and fan donations.
• Creating Content: This involves reviewing games, creating gaming tutorials, or providing gaming news. Content creators can earn revenue through various channels such as personal blogs, YouTube channels, or podcasting.
• Joining the Gaming Industry: Gamers can also find employment opportunities in the gaming industry. There are jobs in game development, as testers, designers, community managers, and more.

The potential to make a living through gaming largely depends on one's commitment, skill level, and the unique opportunities available to them. Although the world of professional gaming and streaming is highly competitive, with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to earn a considerable income by doing what one loves - playing games.

5. How much money can I make through professional gaming?

Earning Through Professional Gaming

The amount you can earn through professional gaming depends on various factors such as your proficiency level, which game you focus on, how much you strive for it, and probably a bit of luck. However, the earning potential in this field is undoubtedly large.

Here are a few possible income sources:

• Prize Money: Prize money from tournaments can range from a few hundred dollars to millions. The total prize pool of Dota 2's 'The International' reached over $34 million in 2019. On average, professional gamers winning national gaming tournaments could earn between $1,000-$5,000 while international tournaments could rake in $100,000 or more.
• Sponsorships and Endorsements: Companies often sponsor skilled gamers or gaming teams. Sponsorship might be in the form of gear, financial support, or both. Reputed gamers or teams could earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $1 million.
• Streaming and Content Creation: Platforms like YouTube and Twitch allow gamers to earn revenue through ads and viewer donations. Popular streamers often earn between $3,000-$5,000 per month, and the top ones can even make over $50,000 per month.

Regarding the average incomes of professional gamers, specifics depend on numerous factors. However, here is a simple table representing the potential income ranges:

6. What are the top games that can help me earn money?

Popular Games for Money-Making

There are several video games you can partake in to earn a decent income. The utmost popular games cover a wide spectrum - from eSports to virtual reality - offering abundant opportunities to make money. Some of these include:

• Fortnite: A free-to-play game that offers in-game purchases and is one of the highest-paying eSports games.
• Call of Duty: With various tournaments and eSports competitions, this game offers massive earning potential.
• League of Legends: As one of the most commonly played games in eSports, an experienced player can get hefty payouts here.
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: Known in short as CS:GO, it has a vibrant eSports scene with lucrative prize pools.

Potential Earnings with Top Games

Exactly how much you can earn with these top games can, of course, vary depending on your skill level, how much time you invest, and whether you're competing at a beginner, amateur, or professional level.

How to Maximize Earnings from Gaming

To make the most money from gaming, it's crucial to develop your skills in the above games. Here are a handful of tips:

1. Choose a game and focus on becoming an expert in it.
2. Keep up-to-date with game updates, strategies, and community trends.
3. Join local, national, and even international tournaments to gain exposure and network.
4. Create online content around the game to develop a following and earn revenue through ads, sponsors, and fan donations.
5. Invest time in practicing and improving your gameplay.

7. How can I begin a career as a professional gamer?

Starting the Journey to Become a Professional Gamer

Beginning a career as a professional gamer can take several paths, all of which require a combination of talent, dedication, and strategic planning. It's important to remember that success doesn't happen overnight in this field too. Below are the basic steps to take at the start of your journey:

• Choose Your Platform and Game: Play around on several game platforms (like PlayStation, Xbox, or PC), and see which you prefer. Find a game genre you enjoy and can devote hours of practice to mastering.
• Invest in Quality Equipment: You wouldn’t enter a professional race with a budget car, similarly, make sure to have the proper gaming setup to support your performance. This includes a solid gaming system, professional controller or mouse/keyboard, and a stable internet connection.
• Practice Consistently: Like any sport, gaming skills improve with consistency. Develop a regular training schedule and make sure to adhere to it. Not only will this help your skills improve, but it will also get you into the professional mindset.

Improving Your Skills and Growing Your Audience

Naturally, improvement and practicing alone isn’t enough, you also need to grow your audience and learn to work in a team. The following steps help to achieve that:

1. Join a Team or Create One: Working with others often leads to faster skill development. Look for a team you can join, or create one and help each other grow.
2. Start Streaming: This is the best way to both attract attention and get used to practicing. Streaming on channels like Twitch or YouTube can become a source of income in its own right, and helps to build an audience.
3. Compete in Tournaments: The ultimate test for any pro gamer is competition. Start with local or online tournaments that match your skill level, and gradually work up to larger, higher pressure events.

Building The Professional Gamer Career

8. Can I make money by testing new games?

Making Money By Testing New Games

Yes, you can definitely make money by testing new games. Game developers need to ensure that their games are user-friendly and bug-free before they are released to the public. They hire game testers who can play the game and provide feedback. This way, they can make the necessary tweaks and make their games perfect for the gaming community.

How to Begin With Game Testing

For starters, it's important to build a portfolio. Start by playing different types of games and concentrate on understanding the development behind them. After that, look for game testing jobs that are available. Several websites post such jobs and you can apply for them.

• Consider these websites:
• Playtest Cloud
• Beta Testing
• User Testing

Payment for Game Testing

The pay for game testing varies considerably. But typically, a game tester can make anywhere from $10 to $150 per hour depending on several factors

9. Can I earn through creating gaming content on YouTube or Twitch?

Creating Gaming Content on YouTube

Yes, you can definitely make money by creating gaming content on YouTube. The primary way gamers earn through this platform is by monetizing their gaming videos once they hit a specific threshold of views and subscribers. This is known as "YouTube Partner Program" where creators are paid from ad revenues. Here's how it works:

• Create a YouTube channel and consistently upload appealing gaming content.
• Aim to hit YouTube's Partnership Program requirements, which are: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months.
• Apply for the program once the requisites are achieved. Once approved, ads can run on your videos and you will get a share of ad revenues.

Apart from ad revenues, other profit avenues include sponsored content, merchandising, and fan funding via platforms like Patreon.

Making Money on Twitch

Similar to YouTube, Twitch also offers potential earnings for gamers. On Twitch, you are compensated for broadcasting your gameplay, talking through strategies, teaching, hosting eSports tournaments, or even just chatting about games. You can make money on Twitch in the following ways:

• Donations and Bits: Twitch users can support their favorite streamers by donating directly or buying "Bits" - Twitch's own currency - to use for Cheers.
• Subscriptions: Once you hit 50 followers and 500 total broadcast minutes in the last 30 days among other criteria, you can apply for the "Twitch Affiliate Program" to have subscribers who pay a monthly fee for additional content.
• Ad revenues: Similar to YouTube, Twitch partners can also earn from ads displayed on their streams.

10. How can I monetize my love for gaming through sponsorship?

Understanding Sponsorship for Gamers

Sponsorship happens when a brand provides a gamer with products, services, or cash in exchange for advertising their brand. For example, if a gaming hardware company sponsored a gamer, they would provide that gamer with their latest consoles or equipment in exchange for the gamer using those products during live streams and competitions. Sponsorship can be a great way to monetize your love for gaming, but it typically requires a strong following and a significant time commitment. Here are several steps to consider when seeking sponsorship:

• Work on building a solid followers base on one or more online content platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or your own blog.
• Ensure your online image aligns with brands you're seeking sponsorship from. Remember, they will only sponsor you if they believe their target audience matches your audience.
• Reach out to brands directly or use a sponsorship platform.

The Sponsorship Process

Once you've established a strong online presence and a consistent gaming routine, you can start contacting companies about possible sponsorships. Many companies have application forms for sponsorships on their websites. Alternatively, you can directly email companies you're interested in. It's important to have a sponsorship proposal ready. It should detail why they should choose you, your gaming stats, and how you plan to promote them. Here's how it might look:

Maximizing your Sponsorship Earnings

Once you've obtained a sponsor, it's essential to keep your end of the agreement, keep up with your promised content and promotion schedules to maintain the relationship. You can look for ways to add value to your sponsor, perhaps by offering to do extra promotion during tournaments or by advocating their products to a wider gaming community via podcast. Lastly, you can also consider diversifying your sponsorship portfolio by partnering with more than one brand for higher earning potential. Remember, the more reach and influence you have, the more sponsors you can attract and retain.

Conclusion

Summary

This article presents 14 genuine methods for earning money while gaming. These include becoming a video game tester, starting a YouTube channel, streaming on Twitch, participating in online tournaments, writing game reviews, and also selling in-game items. The same degree of creativity and passion that drives gamers can also be manoeuvred to create substantial income streams.

A Weapon for Gamer Entrepreneurs – Retainr.io

This adventurer’s kit would not be complete without mentioning Retainr.io, a potent platform for business operations. Though not directly involved in gaming, Retainr's tech becomes particularly useful when you decide to upgrade your gaming hobby into a full-time gaming business.

What is Retainr.io?

Retainr.io is a white-label software that helps you to sell, manage clients, orders and payments under your brand with your own branded app. Any of the 14 methods mentioned in this blog, when taken seriously, can grow into a powerful business entity. Once that happens, you'll need software to manage the business side of things, and that's where Retainr.io comes storming in.

Why Choose Retainr.io?

Whether you’re selling in-game items, managing eSports teams, or running a game review site, Retainr.io provides a single solution for managing your entire operations. From sales to customer relations, from order management to payments, everything can be managed under one interface. It’s a truly remarkable tool for any gaming enthusiast who's made the logical progression into gaming business.

Conclusion

Turning your gaming passion into a profitable business entity isn’t a myth. With the right ideas, the right amount of effort, and the support of Retainr.io, you’re all set to conquer the gaming industry one level at a time.