Ever dreamed of turning your love for gaming into a profitable venture? You’re in luck!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make money playing video games with 15 creative ideas – from streaming epic plays to selling custom merch or developing your own games. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a pro, these tips will level up your earning potential in no time.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
How to make money gaming: 15 Ways to earn with your gaming skills
Ready to cash in on your gaming passion? Whether you dominate battle royales, craft virtual empires, or teach noobs how to slay dragons, these 15 ideas will help you turn your gaming skills into real-world earnings.
1. Sell merchandise
Transform your gaming persona into tangible swag and let fans rep your brand. Gamers like PewDiePie and DrLupo have built thriving merch empires, proving that your gamer identity is more than a username – it’s a brand. From t-shirts and mugs to stickers and phone cases,
Printify makes creating custom gamer merch a breeze without worrying about inventory. Highlight your inside jokes, favorite game quotes, or even your gamer avatar. Share your merch during streams, on social media, or through your YouTube gaming channel to keep fans hyped and buying.
How to start: Use a POD platform to create designs for items like hoodies, mousepads, or totes and share them on your gaming platforms or streams.
2. Stream your gameplay
Turn your gaming sessions into a live spectacle by streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming. Whether you’re speedrunning, exploring new maps, or just vibing with your viewers, live gameplay offers endless possibilities.
Successful streamers like Ninja and Pokimane earn millions through ad revenue, subscriptions, and brand deals. With a dedicated audience, the sky’s the limit. Plus, you get to build a community of fans who share your love for gaming.
How to start: Grab a webcam, a mic, and your favorite games. Sign up on a streaming platform, set up overlays, and go live.
3. Create content for other gamers
Not everyone has your knack for mastering first-person shooters or pulling off 200-hit combos. Share your expertise with the gaming community by crafting tutorials, guides, and hilarious gaming moments. Popular YouTubers like Jacksepticeye have mastered the art of turning video game playing into shareable content gold.
- Start with games you excel at and use editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or free options like DaVinci Resolve to polish your clips.
- Engage with trending hashtags and join gaming forums like Reddit’s r/gaming to share your content.
- Post consistently to build an audience, and you’ll soon turn your gaming hobby into a cash cow.
How to start: Record gameplay clips, edit them into engaging videos, and post regularly on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
4. Test games for developers
Get paid to do what you love: play games! Developers rely on game testing to find bugs, optimize gameplay, and gather feedback. You’ll be among the first to experience new releases while shaping the industry’s future.
How to start: Check job boards or sign up on sites like PlaytestCloud to connect with video game companies looking for game testers.
5. Participate in eSports competitions
If you’ve got the skills to outplay the competition, gaming tournaments are your ticket to fame and fortune – just look at competitive gamers like Faker (League of Legends) and Bugha (Fortnite), who have won millions in cash prizes.
- Start by joining online qualifiers for popular games like Valorant, CS:GO, or Call of Duty.
- Level up your competitive rankings to catch the attention of eSports teams.
Beyond the games, eSports offers sponsorships, streaming deals, and travel opportunities. The gaming community thrives on the energy of tournaments, making it a fun way to earn money while showcasing your skills to a global audience.
How to start: Join online qualifiers, level up in competitive rankings, and connect with eSports teams on sites like Battlefy or Challengermode.
6. Write video game reviews
Turn your passion for analyzing storylines, gameplay, and graphics into a writing gig. Gaming websites, blogs, and even magazines hire reviewers to help readers decide which games to buy – just look at Keza MacDonald (The Guardian), who has built a career in gaming.
Dive deep into new games, noting what makes them exciting or disappointing. The more detail and personality you bring, the more valuable your insights become. Writing game reviews is also an excellent way to establish authority and connections in the video game industry while monetizing your expertise.
How to start: Play new releases, write detailed reviews, and pitch them to gaming blogs or post them on your own website.
Explore the best blogging platforms to make money and ways to monetize your blog to earn big with your reviews.
7. Offer coaching services for fellow gamers
Use your gaming expertise to help others climb the ranks by offering coaching sessions publicly or in private. Gamers like Metaphor offer lessons to players looking to level up – earning big on YouTube.
Highlight your own achievements, such as reaching high ranks or earning cash prizes in gaming tournaments. Use platforms like GamerSensei or Fiverr to market your coaching services. You’ll make money and help grow the community by fostering new talent.
How to start: Promote your services on social media, forums, or gaming platforms like GamerSensei.
8. Start a video game YouTube channel
Build a YouTube channel to showcase your skills, share tips, or entertain viewers with hilarious commentary. You’ll earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and a growing subscriber base that will gladly rock your YouTuber merch. Creators like Markiplier show just how far gaming content can go.
Find your niche – whether it’s hilarious commentary, speedruns, or game lore analysis. Use tools like TubeBuddy to optimize your videos for search and collaborate with other creators to grow your audience.
YouTube channels also provide a platform to showcase your skills and connect with the community.
How to start: Pick your niche, record high-quality videos, and upload them consistently with SEO-friendly titles and tags.
9. Become a professional video game player
Dream big and compete on the global stage as a pro gamer. Specific games like Dota 2, Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch have thriving competitive scenes with massive cash prizes.
To join the ranks of players like Faker or Bugha, you’ll need dedication, strategy, and countless hours of practice.
- To gain visibility, focus on one game and climb its ranked ladder.
- Participate in online tournaments and build a presence on streaming platforms.
- Network with other gamers.
Pro players often earn money not just from competitions but also from sponsorships and streaming deals.
How to start: Focus on mastering one game, join competitive ladders, and connect with electronic sports organizations through social media, Discord, and sites like Battlefy or Challengermode.
10. Become a professional video game developer
Want to create the worlds you play in? Try game development by learning to code, design, and build immersive experiences. Whether you join a studio or go indie, the gaming industry offers endless opportunities.
Start with accessible tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, or even Roblox Studio. Learning coding languages like C# or Python can also give you a leg up. Many indie developers have created hit games like Stardew Valley, proving that even small teams can succeed. It’s a rewarding career path for gamers who want to shape the future of the industry.
How to start: Take courses in game design, practice with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and build your portfolio.
11. Teach video game design
Pass on your knowledge and inspire the next generation of developers by teaching game design. From level creation to storytelling, teaching allows you to share your passion while earning money.
Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare enable you to create and sell online courses, while local workshops can help build your reputation. Highlight your experience with popular games or your own creations to attract students.
Teaching is also a fun way to stay connected with the gaming community while fostering creativity in others.
How to start: Create a course on platforms like Udemy or promote private lessons through your gaming networks.
12. Play play-to-earn games
Play-to-earn (P2E) games let you turn gaming time into real-world rewards. Blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity and Gods Unchained allow players to earn cryptocurrency or in-game items that can be sold for profit. Some games even offer NFTs that players can trade or collect.
P2E has created a new avenue for gamers to make money while playing their favorite games. Explore titles that align with your interests and understand their economic systems to maximize earnings. It’s a growing trend combining gaming with real-world value.
How to start: Sign up for blockchain games like Axie Infinity and link a digital wallet to begin earning rewards.
13. Promote gaming products through affiliate marketing
Turn your influence as a gamer into a money-making opportunity by promoting gaming products. From ergonomic chairs and keyboards to accessories and in-game items, earn commissions for every sale made through your affiliate links.
Join programs like Amazon Associates or work directly with gaming brands. Review the products you love, create tutorials on how to use them, or showcase them during your live streams.
Authentic recommendations build trust with your audience and increase conversions. Affiliate marketing is a simple, scalable way to make money while connecting with your viewers.
How to start: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates and Printify Affiliates and start linking products in your gaming content.
14. Do voiceovers for game characters
If you’ve got a knack for accents, emotions, or dramatic dialogue, voice acting could be your path to gaming fame. From AAA games to indie titles, studios always look for unique voices to bring their characters to life.
Record a demo showcasing your vocal range and style, then share it on platforms like Voice123. Many well-known voice actors, like Troy Baker (Joel in The Last of Us), started small and worked their way up. It’s a creative and lucrative way to earn money while immersing yourself in the gaming world.
How to start: Record a demo reel of your voice acting skills and apply for roles on casting platforms like Voices.com.
15. Set up a Patreon account
Patreon lets your fans directly support your gaming journey while getting exclusive content in return. Offer perks like early access to videos, private gaming streams, video game guides, or behind-the-scenes updates.
Combine this with other revenue streams like YouTube gaming or streaming to boost your earnings. Gamers like Matthew Mercer (Critical Role) have built thriving communities on Patreon by delivering valuable, engaging content.
How to start: Create a Patreon page and promote it through your gaming streams and social media channels.
Is selling merchandise as a gamer worth it?
Absolutely! This can be a profitable side hustle or even a full-time income stream for gamers with an engaged fanbase. For instance, YouTuber Jacksepticeye launched his clothing line, “Cloak,” which reportedly generated millions in sales. Similarly, PewDiePie’s limited-edition drops often sell out within hours.
The global gaming merchandise market was valued at an impressive $420 million in 2023, with personalization as the main driving factor for growth. Items like graphic t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and collectible figurines top the charts because they resonate with fans’ love for specific games and characters.
Top-selling gamer merch items:
- Custom t-shirts
- Hoodies
- Customized mousepads
- Mugs
- Posters
- Stickers for laptops and consoles
- Plush toys
- Hats and beanies
- Phone cases
- Sweatpants
Selling merch lets gamers monetize their brand while giving fans something tangible to celebrate their favorite games and creators while watching videos or streams from their favorite players.
Sell your own gamer merch with Printify
How to make money playing video games at home? By designing and selling personalized merch online. Printify is the leading print-on-demand (POD) platform offering the biggest Catalog and a free merch maker for your needs. Here’s how to get started:
1. Sign up
Create a free Printify account and explore our intuitive platform with features like the Product Creator, eCommerce integrations, and more than 85 Print Providers worldwide.
2. Select products
Browse a Catalog of over 1,000 items, including mousepads, t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, home decor, car accessories, and even pet products. No matter your niche, Printify has you covered.
3. Apply your visuals
Use Printify’s Product Creator to customize your merch using tools like the multi-language text editor, free graphics library, pattern maker, and AI image generator.
4. Start selling
Launch a Wix store or create a standalone shop using platforms like Shopify. Integrate Printify to streamline order management and elevate your eCommerce game.
5. Let Printify do the rest
Once orders are placed, Printify’s trusted Print Providers handle printing, packaging, and shipping, so you can focus on playing games and engaging with fans.
How to make money playing video games: FAQ
Yes! Gamers earn money through streaming, eSports competitions, selling merch, testing games, and creating content. Game developers also hire gamers as game testers to play new releases and provide feedback. In 2025, the global gaming industry is expected to reach $522.50 billion, with countless opportunities for gamers to profit.
Professional gamers earn money via ads, sponsorships, streaming subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and cash prizes from video game tournaments. Game testers also play online games and mobile games and receive payment for providing feedback. How to get paid playing video games? Explore our guide, pick a particular game, and get creative.
Certain games like Axie Infinity, Gods Unchained, and The Sandbox let you earn cryptocurrency or NFTs, which can be traded for real money. Additionally, many games like Fortnite and League of Legends offer substantial cash prizes in tournaments. These play-to-earn games and competitive titles make earning money through gaming more accessible than ever.
Absolutely! Gamers can make money by streaming their gameplay, competing in gaming tournaments, creating YouTube Gaming videos, and even testing new games for developers. The video game community is booming, with many players turning their gaming hobby into a successful career. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gaming pro, there’s potential to earn money.
You read the entire article – GG!
Making money playing video games is more accessible than ever. From selling personalized merch with Printify and streaming on platforms like Twitch to game testing and game development, opportunities abound for gamers to monetize their passion.
Whether you compete in tournaments, create engaging content, or teach game design, gaming is no longer just a hobby – it’s a thriving industry. Start your journey with Printify to turn your love for gaming into a money-making career.
