Gone are the days when playing video games used to be a pastime activity. Today, technology has opened up multiple windows to make money from playing video games. Many players worldwide are making good money from this activity, with some earning a living.
If you want to transform your gaming sessions into a reliable side hustle, this post is for you. Find out proven ways to earn money from professional or casual gaming.
Stream Gaming Content on YouTube and Twitch
Streaming gaming content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube is among the most straightforward ways to make money. You can join these platforms to share content about your live gaming sessions and give professional advice to new gamers.
Now consider this: a start-up streamer on Twitch can bank around $50 to $200 on Twitch. Top-rated streamers like Ninja and xQc can make more than $500,000 monthly. Crossing over to YouTube, an average streamer can earn $18 for every 1,000 ad views.
Below are a few ways to make money:
- Provide subscriptions for exclusive benefits like ad-free viewership.
- Collaborate with gaming brands and add affiliates to your profile.
- Look for sponsorships to earn money from promoting brands.
- Set up systems to accept donations from generous followers.
Start a Gaming Blog
Starting a video streaming channel may require more upfront costs, such as investing in a high-end game console and studio. A blog, on the other hand, doesn’t need much to set up. You only need to start a website to share your gaming expertise or reviews during your free time.
Start by narrowing down to a specific niche that many people are interested in. This can be writing about your experience with new slots, or table games at leading online casinos. You can also partner with gambling sites that have an affiliate program. This way, you can earn if a player signs up and plays after reading a review.
Sell and Trade Skins
Skins are virtual items you can earn to enhance your characters and weapons when playing games. You can earn them as rewards in games such as CS:GO, Valorant, and LoL. Alternatively, you can purchase skins with virtual or real currency.
Many platforms allow players to buy and sell skins. One is the Steam Community Market, where you can sell skins directly to gamers. Here, the price depends on demand and supply. Some players say BitSkins offer fairer prices than Steam. So, do your homework before selling your gaming skins.
Become a Professional Esports Player
The esports market has exploded recently. According to Statista, this sector could experience a CAGR rate of 5.56% between 2025 and 2029. Today, you can become a professional esports player and earn decent money. You only need gaming skills and passion.
You can start by participating in amateur esports tournaments on platforms like FACEIT and ESL Play. Once you have enough experience, you can join a team recruiting new players. With the right sponsor, your team can participate in regional or international events with huge prizes.
Develop and Sell Video Games
You don’t need a big budget or company to develop and sell video games. With practical programming knowledge, you can design, develop, and distribute your custom gaming ideas. Not to mention that this can attract investors or look impressive on your CV.
The good news is there’s no shortage of platforms to distribute your games. One of them is Steam, a popular platform that allows you to upload and sell games directly to millions of gamers. You can also sell your games on Itch.io, a platform that focuses on indie games.
Conclusion
See, there are many ways to earn from gaming, whether you’re a fan of video games or online slots. Other proven methods include testing games for developers, writing reviews at a fee, and selling gaming merchandise. The ideas are actually endless.
