If you’ve ever dreamed of making money playing games, you’re just a few steps away from making that dream a reality!
Playing games strategically can be a great way to earn money while having fun. This list includes creative options for all skill levels, from casual to avid gamers.
Discover the best games to win, plus unique options for monetizing your gaming prowess.
What this list doesn’t include: mobile gambling! Although heavily advertised online and beyond, these games are bad news. If you have to pay to play, that’s a big red flag and a surefire way to lose money over time. đźš©
Stick to the options below to earn money playing games – no risk to your wallet.
Simple Ways to Earn Money Playing Games
These options are perfect for casual players looking to earn some extra cash. They generally have lower earning potential than other options, but their ease makes it worth it. No strategy or planning is required: just play these games and reap the rewards!
1. Play to Earn Apps
For anyone looking for casual games that will earn you money in your free time, these gaming apps are perfect for you. They provide great brain breaks, help de-stress and can pass the time.
Play to earn apps are the easiest way to earn money playing games. The process is simple:
- Download the app
- Play mobile games
- Earn rewards based on time spent playing, downloads or reaching milestones
- Over time, you will receive points that can be exchanged for prizes!
Rewards often come in the form of gift cards, although some may offer a direct deposit option. You won’t make money quickly from these apps, although you can maximize your earnings through signup bonuses, referrals, and creating rankings.
Be sure to try several of these apps to enjoy different bonuses and earn points faster.
Here are some of the most popular play-to-earn apps and how you can earn points on their platforms:
- Free money – Games and investigations
- Swagbucks – Games, surveys, purchases and watching videos
- Just play – Mobile games
- Misplay – Android games
- Google Play – In-app games and promotions
- MyPoints – Games, purchases and surveys
- KashKick – Games and surveys with real money payments
- InboxDollars – Pays money to play games and complete offers like reading emails
- Eureka surveys – Games and surveys with a withdrawal limit of $5
- Branded Offers – Download games and apps, perform actions and get paid
2. Playtesting
Another fun way to make money playing games is to test new games. You’ll earn money by playing the game, recording your screen, and providing feedback, usually via voice recording.
Video game fans can also take advantage of this opportunity to download free games, with some bugs of course.
A beginner-friendly way to get into the testing space is to use sites like PlaytestCloud, User testingAnd Beta Family. You receive a small fee per review, usually between $5 and $20.
For more consistent income, you can be hired by gaming companies to play unfinished games, report bugs, and provide detailed feedback.
Although this role can become repetitive (replaying the same level 200 times could result in this), it is an opportunity to earn a higher hourly rate than casual testing.
Earn money playing games by creating content
You can increase your earning potential by filming your game. Content Creation is very popular in the gaming space, with several monetizable platforms available. Earn money while others watch you play with in-app giveaways, in-app ads, sponsorships and more.
3. Stream on Twitch
Tic is a huge platform where users broadcast their game and interact with their audience via real-time chat.
You can receive payments for your streams through their subscription model. Although viewers are welcome to watch for free, they can subscribe to their favorite streamers for $5.99 per month. As a streamer, you will earn a share of this revenue.
Subscribers receive limited advertisements, access to sub-unique chats, a subscriber badge by their username, and various other benefits.
Beyond subscriptions, you can also monetize through in-game “Bits,” which are essentially small tips.
Established creators can grow with sponsorships, merchandising opportunities, affiliate linksand much more!
4. YouTube Games
YouTube is a great gaming platform, whether through live streams or pre-recorded videos.
Members of the YouTube Partner Program can earn money from ads on their videos. To be eligible, you will need a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months.
There is a rich opportunity for gaming content, including Let’s Plays, video highlights, walkthroughs and short films.
You don’t have to be the best player to make money on YouTube: charismatic comments are very useful in this area!
5. TikTok
Like Twitch and YouTube, TikTok comes with its own gaming audience.
You can monetize gaming videos through their partner program, earn live giveaways, and earn bonuses through TikTok subscriptions.
Creative Ways to Make Money Playing Games
These methods go beyond streaming and gameplay. Check out these creative ways to use your passion for gaming to make money.
6. Write game guides
Have you ever played a really difficult game and needed to look for a few clues? Game guides are a lifesaver for anyone stuck in a difficult level or trying to find a secret side quest.
You can earn extra money by create your own gaming blog and create guides for your favorite games. Monetize your blog through sponsored posts, in-post advertisements and affiliate links.
Sell ​​Advanced Guides eBooks is also a possibility, but be careful with copyright law. Companies like Nintendo have strict policies when it comes to content usage, while others are much more lenient towards creators.
As always, be sure to share original content and comments to adhere to fair use practices.
7. Sell game items
Dedicated gamers recognize the value of a rare in-game item. You can actually sell items in games, with categories ranging from weapon skins to loot boxes. This is common in games like Counter-Strike 2, Second Life, and Roblox.
Some warnings when selling game items:
- Beware of scammers, fake payments and chargebacks
- Sales are not allowed in some games
- You risk stolen items and accounts
- Account bans for inappropriate sales/trading
8. Competitive games
Talented gamers have the opportunity to turn professional through competitive gaming tournaments held around the world.
Start small with online tournaments to build your credentials. Then move on to community leagues and, eventually, cash cups!
Battlefy is a good platform to start with.
How much money can you make playing games?
Your earning potential varies greatly depending on the platform you use.
With regular usage, earnings can range from $50 to $200 (sometimes more if you play a lot) per month from game testing or paid apps. Also note that many apps pay via gift cards rather than a direct transfer. You still earn real money, but it must be redeemed via a partnership gift card.
Common rewards include Walmart, StarbucksAnd Amazon gift cards. Some apps may also support PayPal Money or Visa gift cards.
You will discover higher earning potential through content creationalthough it will take time as you grow your audience.
Beginners can expect minimal income from tipping or affiliate links, while big creators can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month. The amount you earn is directly related to the number of followers, the diversity of your income sources, and the consistency with which you post.
Is it worth playing games to make money?
Games to win are a fun way to save time, relax and earn small amounts of money in return. While it won’t replace your day job, it can be a unique way to earn extra money.
Content creation is completely different: it requires a significant time commitment to grow your audience and start monetizing. If you are passionate about video games, go for it! You never know how your passion could turn into profit.
What is the best way to make money playing games?
Expand your earning potential by downloading a few different apps to earn. Focus on 2-3 to avoid burning out.
Most platforms offer new player bonuses or a referral program that will help you earn points quickly. Take advantage of points events like Double Points Days.
Finally, favor milestone-based rewards (for example, reaching level 10 to earn 100 points). These rewards tend to offer the best payouts.
Activities parallel to gambling: red flags to avoid
If a company advertises that you will get rich playing their games, avoid them. Hard stop.
Rewards that seem too good to be true always are. Gambling and bingo apps are common perpetrators.
Pay attention to:
- In-App Purchases
- Request personal information
- Entrance fees
- Fees hidden in the fine print
Most play-to-earn apps pay via gift cards and don’t require any banking information. PayPal or Visa gift cards are safer options than direct deposit.
When in doubt, check online reviews. You can also use Scam Advisor to check the listed warnings.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Money Playing Games
The best side hustles are already intuitive into your lifestyle. So if you love playing games, you should earn some extra income along the way!
Want to explore other ways to earn extra money? Check out this article on 15 Second Income Opportunities to Increase Your Income.
