Are you an avid gamer that dreams of making money playing video games? Why not make that dream a reality? Truth be told, there are several ways that YOU (yes, you!) can earn money from gaming.
Millions of people make money playing video games every single day. There is a huge amount of money in the industry, with $151 billion of revenue generated in 2019 which is projected to reach $256 billion by 2025.[1]
Who wouldn’t want a slice of that? Unfortunately, it is no piece of cake.
That is where we are here to help. With our expert knowledge of all things video game, we will walk you through exactly which path is best for you. Get paid to stream games, compete in tournaments, develop games, or bet on games! Hone in on your skills and you could be making millions from doing what you love. Here is everything you need to know about how to make money playing video games.
Streaming
Are you pretty awesome at video gaming? Do you think others would love watching you play? If you answered yes, your first option to become a paid game player is to be a live game streamer.
Many players use platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook and broadcast their gameplay live. You can earn money through paid advertisements, by recommending gaming products to other players, or through sponsorship.
You don’t need to be a pro player to make a living as a streamer. Find out more about streaming video games for money here.
eSports
Your second option is to get involved in eSports. In other words, professional competitive gaming for real money.
You can find several major gaming tournaments across the US and the world. 16-year-old Kyle Giersdorf took home $3 million after winning a Fortnite tournament in 2019.[2] If you are ace at a game, you too could go pro.
Not sure you have what it takes? No worries! You can also bet on the winners of video game contests or invest in eSports.
Want to know more about the eSports industry and how to make money from it? Take a look at our eSports page.
Development
Does the thought of playing for others to watch make your tummy turn? Does imagining yourself in the spotlight fill you with nerves? If you answered yes to these questions, developing video games might be for you.
You’ll need to get your head around coding and there is a lot to learn, but it can be extremely rewarding. Top game developers can get hired for $80,000+.
You can even develop a game from home and be super successful. Take billionaire Markus Persson, the independent developer of Minecraft.
Learn more by looking at our game development guides.
Other Ways to Make Money from Video Games
Aside from these three major money-making strategies, there are a few other options available. You can do these in combination with the big three, or as an alternative:
Guides By Game
Already have a favorite game and want to know how to make money from it? Take a look at our game guides for all the best money-making strategies specifically for your game of choice.
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