Make Money Playing Games: Full Guide

Is it possible to make money playing games online? Yes, one can make money playing games online.

Are you looking to make money playing games online? Making money from playing video games has become increasingly popular, offering a range of opportunities from quick income streams to full-time career paths. And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional gamer to cash in on this trend. Whether you’re a hardcore enthusiast or enjoy playing games casually, there are numerous ways to monetize your gaming skills. 

This post will guide you through getting paid to play computer, smartphone, and video games, catering to individuals at every skill level. 

With the surge in smartphone and online gaming over the past decade and the staggering revenue growth in the video game industry reaching close to $180 billion in 2020, the opportunities to make money through gaming have never been more abundant.

 So whether you’re aiming to break into competitive e-sports or simply earning a few bucks playing your favorite games at home, there’s something for everyone in this lucrative space.

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3 Best Apps and Websites You Can Make Money Playing Games 2024

1. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a company that rewards users for sharing insights about their shopping, online, and gaming behavior. It offers around 30 web-based arcade games, each paying a few cents per play.

Big brands pay InboxDollars to gather user feedback, shared with members who provide valuable insights or reach specific game milestones. 

Additionally, you can access cash tournaments through WorldWinner for games such as Spades, Wheel of Fortune, and Plinko. While the WorldWinner promotion offers cash-back incentives rather than direct earnings, you can still earn up to 2% back on every $1 spent in cash tournament entry fees.

 Beyond gaming, InboxDollars provides various avenues to earn real money, including reading emails, answering surveys, and watching videos. 

2. Swagbucks 

Swagbucks transcends mere gaming, offering users opportunities to earn money through surveys, video watching, and more. Users accumulate points by completing tasks on the platform, redeemable via gift cards or PayPal.

With a diverse array of games available, checking the conditions for earning S.B. Before playing each game is crucial. While Swagbucks offers some free online games that don’t require downloads, S.B. rewards may only be guaranteed sometimes. 

Swagbucks Games offers direct access to top online games, including the community favorite Swagbucks Live trivia game, where users can win virtual currency exchangeable for cash. 

Swagbucks also provides promotional offers in its “Discover” section, featuring desktop and mobile games that offer achievement bonuses, providing a more lucrative route to earning. New users can also enjoy a $10 sign-up bonus, making Swagbucks an enticing platform for casual gamers seeking to earn real money.

Top Free Games to Play and Make Money on Swagbucks

• Solitaire Cash: Deposit $5, play at least three games and receive $25.
• Blackout Bingo: Install the app, play one paid game daily for ten consecutive days within 14 days, and earn $60.
• Forge of Empires: Develop your city through the ages and reach the Early Middle Ages level within 12 days to get $15.
• Lord of the Rings: Rise to War: Achieve level 25 within ten days and receive $25.
• King of Avalon Dragon Warfare: Build your army and reach level 22 to earn $50.
• RAID Shadow Legends: Install the app and attain level 40 within 35 days to earn $185.

3.  Mistplay 

Mistplay, a free Android app, offers rewards for playing and occasionally testing new mobile games. Users accumulate points (units) to be exchanged for rewards by engaging with various games over time.

 Renowned for its diverse selection and reliable payout system, Mistplay stands out among gaming apps that offer monetary incentives. However, it’s important to note that Mistplay is exclusive to Android devices, with no iPhone version currently available.

Mistplay serves as a loyalty platform for gamers, providing a passive income opportunity for users. Simply playing games on their Android devices, users can earn redeemable points for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and iTunes and gaming outlets like Nintendo and Xbox. Mistplay boasts many games, including popular titles like Super Mario Run, Pokemon Go, Fruit Ninja, chess, Solitaire, Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes, etc. 

While iOS users must join a waitlist, Android users can access Mistplay via the Google Play Store, making it a convenient option for those looking to earn rewards while gaming.

READ ALSO: How to make money on Amazon working Online (Proven Ways).

Other Ways to Make Money With Video Games

1. Creating Your Own Game

For those with a passion for gaming and a knack for programming, becoming a game developer is another avenue to earn money through games. Game developers translate game concepts into programming code, often serving as both creators and testers of games. 

 Opportunities for game developer positions can be found on platforms like LinkedIn, job boards, and gaming companies’ websites.

Building your game will undoubtedly require time and effort. However, once completed, there are various avenues to monetize it. Options include charging users for game downloads, incorporating in-app purchases, or integrating advertisements. 

Consider studying similar games to gauge pricing strategies and advertising models to determine the most suitable monetization technique for your creation.

2. Becoming a Streamer

Have you ever thought about showcasing your gaming skills to the world? If you’re passionate about gaming and enjoy entertaining others, becoming a Twitch streamer might be the perfect opportunity to earn money while doing what you love.

As a Twitch streamer, you have the potential to monetize your gameplay through various channels. However, it’s essential to understand that success on Twitch requires more than just playing games.

One way to monetize your Twitch channel is by joining the Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs. These programs offer opportunities to earn revenue through subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue. Additionally, you can leverage affiliate marketing to earn commissions by promoting products or services during your streams.

3. Participating in Gaming Tournaments

Venturing into professional esports gaming is another avenue for earning substantial rewards. Significant events like Dota 2 boast colossal prize pools, attracting elite gamers from around the globe. While the potential payouts are enticing, success at this level demands unparalleled dedication, with top players often dedicating hours to training and preparation.

For avid gamers with a competitive edge, entering online tournaments presents a lucrative opportunity to turn gaming skills into real money. Whether online poker, blackjack, or virtual slot machines, numerous platforms host tournaments where players can compete for cash prizes. However, ensuring the legitimacy and legality of each site or tournament is crucial before diving in, especially concerning your state’s regulations.

For those aiming to make a mark in competitive gaming, building a solid personal brand and audience through platforms like Twitch or YouTube can open doors to sponsorship deals and tournament invitations. However, it’s essential to recognize that becoming a professional gamer is arduous and highly competitive.

4. Game Testing

Game testing is often romanticized as getting paid to play games. Playtesters provide valuable feedback to game developers, helping them identify glitches, improve gameplay mechanics, and enhance user experience.

Opportunities in game testing can be found through job listings or direct outreach to video game companies. A compelling cover letter and resume highlighting a gaming background and playtesting experience can enhance prospects in securing game-testing roles.

Their feedback aids developers in understanding player behavior, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the game’s commercial viability.

Whether volunteers, freelancers, or full-time employees, playtesters require a blend of passion for gaming and a strong work ethic. They must follow instructions, meet deadlines, and effectively communicate feedback to contribute meaningfully to the game development.

5. Become a Video Game Journalist

For those passionate about gaming and endowed with a flair for writing, a career as a video game journalist offers an avenue to merge their interests into a rewarding profession.

 As a video game journalist, you’ll immerse yourself in gaming, reporting trends, reviewing new releases, interviewing industry luminaries, and delivering breaking news from the gaming sphere.

Your role extends beyond mere reporting; you’ll craft compelling game reviews, conduct insightful interviews with industry experts and gaming luminaries, and deliver timely news updates to your audience. From covering thrilling events and tournaments to attending exclusive product launches, your journey as a game journalist promises excitement and discovery.

Types of Games That Offer Earning Opportunities Online

Here are the types of online games awaiting enthusiasts:

• Word Games: Challenge your vocabulary and linguistic prowess with word-based puzzles and challenges.
• Strategy Games: Exercise your strategic insight and decision-making skills as you navigate complex scenarios and outwit opponents.
• Fighting Games: Engage in adrenaline-pumping battles, showcasing your combat prowess and reflexes in fast-paced showdowns.
• Arcade Games: Experience nostalgia or discover new thrills with a treasure trove of classic and modern arcade-style games.
• Slot Games (with RNGs): Test your luck and spin the reels in games driven by Random Number Generators, offering a blend of chance and excitement.
• Casino Games: Enter the virtual realm of casinos and enjoy various games and skills, from roulette to blackjack.
• Poker and Card Games: Put your card-playing skills to the test in virtual poker rooms or indulge in various card games, from classics like solitaire to strategic showdowns like Texas Hold’em.

Conclusion: Make Money Playing Games Online

In conclusion, gaming offers many avenues to turn your passion into profit. Whether you’re delving into game development, streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch, participating in lucrative tournaments, or pursuing a career in game journalism, the possibilities are endless. 

From casual gamers seeking supplementary income to aspiring professionals aiming for esports glory, there’s something for everyone in the vibrant gaming industry.