Despite all the differences in the world today, we can all agree that playing video games is a favorite pastime for many. No matter the age or gender, there is a game for everyone. Once believed to be a total waste of time, be a full-time job or side hustle to supplement to make money playing video games. With the proper training, expertise, and determination, you can turn your love for playing video games into a career.
Seven Ways to Earn Some Cash Through Video Games
The gaming industry keeps growing, with no signs of slowing down. Video games are more popular than ever. Thanks to this trend, there’s a couple of ways to get paid doing what you love. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, here are a few ways to make gaming a source of income.
Testing
Being a game tester, aka quality assurance (QA) tester, involves locating and documenting bugs in a video game. Testers play the game to analyze non-functional features like the fun factor and balance. To be a tester requires a specific skill set to perform the tasks efficiently, like being detail-oriented and creative with good communication skills.
Reviewing
Reviewing a video game involves playing for long periods to completion. Every good video game holds many unpredictable moments and surprises. Reviewers are required to point out the game’s good qualities and what needs improvement. All reviews need to be written with the readers in mind to give them a mental image of the game’s pros and cons. Any comparisons to other games can be made while staying true to the genre. Any submitted work requires proofreading.
Streaming
This involves broadcasting yourself while playing the game. Popular game streaming platforms include Twitch, Mixer, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming. Beginners require webcams, gaming PCs or consoles, and a reliable internet connection. Success in streaming play sessions requires choosing a trendy and fun video game, consistent uploads, and interacting with the viewers, especially with live chat sessions and social media.
Tutorials
Teaching people how to play video games by providing tutorials is another possible stream of income. This involves creating immersive, interactive, and engaging guides. Newcomers to video games are the target market. You can create a website, upload videos, or publish written guides. Using a website or streaming video guides can be monetized with ads while the published works earn through sales.
Tournaments
Professional gamers can earn as much as $3 million in winnings from a single tournament. Deemed one of the most lucrative ways to make money playing video games, eSports events are held worldwide. Popular video games have larger prize pools. Competitive gamers also supplement their income with live streams.
Journalism
This gig might not make as much money as the ones listed above, but with a journalism background and love for gaming, this is another avenue to earn an income. You can join existing gaming sites and regularly contribute as a freelancer. You can also start your site with articles, news, reviews, and interviews for a specific genre or games and earn from monetized ads or subscriptions.
Farming
Farming video games involves creating an account and working your way up the rank while acquiring valuable in-game goods and items. After reaching a particular stage, you can sell the account to someone who wants to play the game but doesn’t have the time or patience to level up independently.
Conclusion
The gaming industry has provided enthusiasts with full-time jobs. Gamers all around the world continue to perfect their art, earn a living, and motivate others. You can tap into this multi-billion market expected to grow exponentially in years to come and provide more opportunities. Breaking into it might seem like an uphill task initially, but if you are passionate about the industry, a lot of hard work and determination will get you there. While you’re working on kickstarting your career, check out GoodLuckMate for the best online casino reviews and games!
